Moormans River Overnight Loop via Appalachian Trail is a 16.5 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Grottoes, Virginia that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
dogs on leash
backpacking
birding
camping
hiking
nature trips
walking
forest
views
waterfall
wild flowers
It was long trail but good.
Did this whole route. Followed the NPS recommendation and started at the Turk Gap parking lot. Did part of the AT then turned onto the North Fork Moorman's trail. Spent the night after 10 miles. I was visited by 2 black bears while filtering my water. As soon as I stood up they took off like lightning, not to be heard of again. Make sure to bring a bear bag and hang your food. After talking to the ranger on my way out he said there are about 400 hundred bears in the park. Not aggressive, but still hang your food.
Hiked 8 more miles to finish back to the Turk Gap parking The last 2.5 miles coming back on the Turk Gap Branch Trail was about 1000 feet of elevation gain in that short trek. Was definitely doable but challenging.
The leaves were changing colors and the river was really low. It was a beautiful hike.
Followed the NPS recommendation for this loop. Start at Turk Gap parking, north along AT, over to North Fork Moorman's, then picking up South Fork Moorman's trail for a very beautiful final 7ish miles. There's some great secluded swimming along this loop, but maybe I shouldn't say exactly where? Have fun!
Oh, and while parts of the trail are easy as noted by AllTrails, the full loop is moderately strenuous, especially the final elevation gain.
We did 4 miles out and and back for the sole purpose of swimming. Falls were low at the end of June, but there are plenty of beautiful spots to plunge in along the way.
Easy hike. The watering hole is great for kids and pets.
We did a shorter hike. It was about 2.5 miles from the parking lot near the reservoir. 3 river crossings, lots of beautiful swimming holes (including one at the bottom of Big Branch Falls.)