Mountain Lake Trail

Located in Giles County just past Blacksburg, Virginia, this trail loop combines Bailey Gap and Butt Mountain trails and offers some senic views and a fire tower along the way. It’s also near the filming location of the movie Dirty Dancing. Locals call it Mountian Lake Trail.

OnXMaps and OnXOffRoad call the trail Bailiey Gap to Butt Mountian, but locals in Virginia simple call it the Mountain Lake Trail.

Mountain Lake, located in Giles County, Virginia, offers off-road enthusiasts a variety of trails that combine challenging terrains with scenic beauty. This notable trail, which provides a moderately challenging experience for drivers is nearly 36 miles long.

Key Details:

• Length: Approximately 35.9 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation Gain: 5,364 feet
• Route Type: Loop

Trail Characteristics:

The Mountain Lake Off-Road Trail is a loop trail near Newport, Virginia, that offers a moderately challenging route for off-road driving. The trail is primarily used for off-road driving and is accessible year-round.

Preparation and Safety:

• Vehicle Requirements: A high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended due to the trail’s terrain and elevation changes.
• Skill Level: Suitable for individuals with moderate off-roading experience.
• Weather Considerations: Check local weather forecasts before your trip, as trail conditions can become more challenging after rainfall.
• Navigation: Carry a detailed map or GPS device, as cell service may be unreliable in this remote area.

Additional Trails in the Area:

Nearby, the Bailey Gap and Butt Mountain trails offer additional off-roading opportunities. Both trails are beginner-friendly, with Butt Mountain being the easier of the two. These trails are located near the Mountain Lake Lodge, famously known as the filming location for the movie “Dirty Dancing.”

Nearby Attractions:

The Mountain Lake Wilderness Cluster is located near Pembroke, Virginia, with Mountain Lake at its heart—the only natural body of water in western Virginia. The area offers various recreational activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

Mountain Lake Lodge is also near the trail, one of the filming locations for the Dirty Dancing movie.

Before embarking on your adventure, it is advisable to consult local resources or trail associations for the latest trail conditions and guidelines. Always practice Leave No Trace principles to help preserve the natural and historical integrity of the area.

Private Property Alert!

Along the trail, there is a place locals like to call ‘the hill’ with draker shale/rock that goes Uphill. Many off roaders like to climb it with the rigs, but this is actually private property. We recommend that you stay on the trail and avoid this piece along the trail. Here is an image of the portion of the trail to avoid.

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If you have images, information or insights to this trail, email us and let us know. We will update the page with your media or information, even if you are not a member.

Here are some recent videos of people completing Mountain Lake Trail, it’s a lot of fun and we highly recommend it!