Paul's Creek Trail

This trail begins unassumingly at a cul-de-sac, unfolding into a forested pathway marked by blue blazes to guide your way​. The trail is maintained by the Wintergreen Nature Foundation, exclusively accessible to Wintergreen property owners and their guests​​. As you tread along, the trail meanders alongside Paul's Creek, leading to a quaint swimming hole, marking the halfway point of this 1.2-mile out-and-back journey. The hike is quite forgiving, welcoming hikers of all proficiency levels​​.

The terrain is a blend of tree roots, clay-based single-track, and small stones, with the trail flattening at about 0.3 miles in, where the tranquil sounds of water begin to serenade the atmosphere​​. As you delve deeper, you'll find a series of cascading waterfalls awaiting near Crawford's Knob, their rock surfaces smoothed over eons by relentless rushing waters​.

Directions and Parking: Arriving at the trailhead, you'll find that there's no designated parking lot. The directions lead to a cul-de-sac where parallel parking on either side of Paul's Creek Court is your only option. The trail's entrance is just a few steps from here, making it quite convenient to kickstart your adventure​.

Paul's Creek Trail is an escape into nature's embrace, suitable for a solo retreat or a leisurely day out with loved ones. Whether you're in for a brisk walk, a photography expedition, or a dip in the quaint swimming hole, this trail is a gentle reminder of nature's simplistic beauty nestled in the heart of Salem, Virginia.