Third Hill Mountain Trail is a 3.8 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Hedgesville, West Virginia that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from April until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
The trailhead is basically at the intersection of Tobaggan Hill Trail and Moundbuilder Loop in the Woods Resort. There is a parking lot next to the gravel road which leads up to a fence with the trailhead (and sign for Wintercamp Trail) to the left. Please be careful where you park as some areas of roadside parking are towaway zones.
We were immediately met by someone after parking on the side of a public road saying that we couldn’t park there and if we left our car there she would call to have it towed. She told us to “tell our buddies” that you have to find somewhere else to park as apparently this has been an on going issue for them. We couldn’t find any public parking and therefore weren’t able to even get on the trail to hike. Hikers beware!
The gravel-paved parking area at the base of the trail is roped off with multiple "private property" and "no trespassing" signs. We hoped we'd be able to park as we are guests of homeowners in The Woods but there is no place to park. Unless you are both already staying here and able to add the distance to and from you dwelling to the length of this trail it isn't available.
There is gravel parking at the top of Toboggan hill road. The trail head is a short walk up a newly paved drive. There are no signs that this is a private community but we saw a local who had mentioned it - though he seemed unbothered that we were no locals and didn’t have a “pass”. Trail starts with a steep graded incline but was quite easy for advanced hikers with good shoes and trekking poles. It was overcast and rainy and definitely muddy. Puddles were often spread over the entire trail but the surrounding forest was forgiving and easily crossable. Once the first 1/4 mile of incline is complete it is a generally easy hike across the spine of the mountain with great views on either side of the trail. We continued past the intended trail end (which was an incredible little view off towards the west showcasing multiple ranges). Continuing in the trail lead to another, very steep incline that wound up towards a break in the ridge where enormous telephone poles were. This spot was VERY windy and frigid in an overcast / rainy day - but none the less spectacular. Continuing on we came to another ridge hike (I believe we were in Tuscarora trail at this point). Lush, gorgeous, easily manageable hike! Brought hot tea that lasted in the thermos and was perfect at the peak of our hike!
This is a nice trail. Steep at first, then easy and mostly flat. The views at the power line were very pretty. It was kinda weird being there bc I could hear the buzzing of electric. Took my dogs with me, they loved it. The trail is a Jeep trail, so it’s wide and open.
First quarter is pretty steep and muddy. Hiking boots recommended! The view at the top is spectacular.
the trailhead is basically at the intersection of Tobaggan Hill Trail and Moundbuilder Loop in the Woods Resort. There is a parking lot next to the gravel road which leads up to a fence with the trail head (and sign for Wintercamp trail) to the left. As previously mentioned, the first part of trail is straight up to the ridgeline. (address of trailhead) 758 Toboggan Hill Trail, Hedgesville, WV 25427
Definitely NOT easy. The first mile is straight uphill. It is also about 2 miles to the ridge and back (out-and-back is about 4 miles). I took my very fit 71 year old aunt on the trail because of the easy rating and she was out of breath needing frequent breaks on the way up. The view from the top even with power lines was worth the trip though.