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Bald Knob Trail

Pembroke, Virginia

4.8/5
based on 11 reviews

Details

Distance

0.93 miles

Elevation Gain

387 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Elyse Clark

Bald Knob offers stunning views of the New River Valley and perfect sunset photo opportunities. There is also a large rocky outcrop to explore. 

Unobstructed views with little hiking effort make Bald Knob one of the best locations to see the sunset in southwestern Virginia.

Easy to access from US-460 in Giles County, take Mountain Lake Road (VA-700) for 7 miles and park in the gravel lot on the left by the intersection of VA-613 and Mountain Lake Outfitters. Cross VA-700 and begin your hike up the gravel road. After 0.1 miles turn right onto the well-marked "Bald Knob" Trail. This trail is a direct and very steep ascent of 403' in 0.4 miles. You will emerge from the woods onto the rocky summit of Salt Pond Mountain (4365') with views of the New River Valley and West Virginia.

Bald Knob faces southwest, so find a perch and watch the sunset over the mountains directly in front of you. For the 0.5 miles back to the car simply follow the Bald Knob trail back down and turn left on the gravel road.

For an added bonus, you can also explore Mountain Lake, where the movie "Dirty Dancing" was filmed during the 1980's, which is easily accessible from the Bald Knob parking lot.

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Features

Photography
Hiking
Easy Parking
Food Nearby
Forest
Scenic
Wildflowers
Wildlife

Bald Knob Trail Reviews

Short steep hike with great views.

The trail head can be slightly difficult to spot. There is a small gravel parking lot before you enter the resort. The trailhead is to the left as you pull in. The hike is pretty strenuous but it doesn’t take long to get to the top. The views during sunset are absolutely breathtaking and worth the effort. Watch your step at the top.

Very good

hahah

Came up here for sunset and wasn't disappointed. Bring along your tripod and wait til the light gets really low. Its a beautiful spot! Bring a headlamp so you can see back to your car!

Loved this hike and views! Added bonus to visit the lake basin at the site where “Dirty Dancing” was filmed.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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