Hike the War Spur Loop
Details
Distance
2.7 miles
Elevation Gain
300 ft
Route Type
Loop
Added by Jake Sells
An easy hike with an awesome view in the Mountain Lake Wilderness.
This is an awesome hike to do with limited time. It only took about 2 hours total with time to chill at the overlook. There's a map at the beginning of the trailhead which also shows how to connect over to the Appalachian Trail via the War Spur Connector Trail if you have more time in your day.
From Rt 460, take Mountain Lake road for 7 miles to The Mountain Lake Lodge. Continue past the lodge another 3 miles to the pull-off on the right where the War Spur trailhead starts. The 3 mile section of road past the lodge turns to a gravel/dirt road that had many potholes and eroded sections to be aware of if you have a small car. Certain areas might be a problem. Parking's limited to about half a dozen cars or so.
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Reviews
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Nothing too exciting
Went in the winter and probably would be nice in the fall or the spring with the rhododendrons, but not the most exciting hike in the area. Very limited lookout, you're just looking across to the other side of a valley and can't see beyond at all. It was still a nice hike, but best to combine it with Wind Rock or Bald Knob (which both have much better views) nearby to make the drive worth it.
2.0
Nice hike
This is a nice hike, but the views aren't so great. Best to go in winter when leaves aren't on the trees. It is nice, however, when the mountain laurel are in bloom. Could be combined with the Wind Rock hike if you take the spur trail to the Appalachian Trail.
3.0
Nice easy hike
The hike is an easy one, the loop is short and not steep at all. The view, while not as great as some, is still a beautiful sight. A nice and easy half day hike.
4.0
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