Hike to the Rice Fields

This hike begins on the Appalachian Trail just north of Pearisburg, Virginia. To get to the trail head, take Route 460 and turn on to Clendennin Road(Route 641). Take Clendennin road 1.5 miles and then turn left on to Pocahontas road. In about 300ft you will pass a cattle grate and an old barbed wire fence. The left side of the fence is marked with the iconic Appalachian trail white blazes. Drive another 50ft and there is a small pull off on the right side of the road. Hike back to the blazes to begin the hike.

The trail begin a steady accent to the ridge line, gaining 1200ft over 2.3 miles. While it is not steep in most places the gain is steady. Follow the AT white blazes the whole way.

After about 1 mile the trail turns right at a campsite and follows a woods road for about 500 yards before taking a left off of the road and continuing to climb up the mountain. 

After another 1.4 miles, you will reach a set of wooden stairs to bring you over a barbed wire fence. After 500 feet you will reach the bald summit with a sign post noting the Virginia-West Virginia boarder. Additionally there is a shelter just 200ft off the trail and some glorious views to take in.

To retrace your steps to return to the trailhead.

**Note: The Appalachian Trail was rerouted in this area a few years ago. Older blog posts on other sites may have the old trailhead, marked along Clendennin road closer to Route 460. This part of the trail has been permanently closed.**