Counts Cabin Rock Shelter and Campsite
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US Forest Service Map of Counts Cabin Trail in George Washington & Jefferson National Forest, Clinch Ranger District
Overview. This is an old forest road turned hiking trail that leads to the top of Pine Mountain between Natural Bridge Ledge and Skeet Rock Knob. There is a nice camping spot here under a rock shelter just a couple hundred yards up the trail with access to Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail.
GPS Waypoints
Trailhead | 37.233750, -82.416556
Rock Shelter & Campsite | 37.235472, -82.415325
Trailhead. There is a relatively large parking lot with room for up to 15 or more vehicles. [map]
Trail navigation. The trail is marked with blue blazes and begins at the gate on the west side of the parking lot. It is double track trail and easy to navigate.
Campsite notes. There is a good amount of graffiti at the rock shelter, and frankly, it was pretty trashed when I visited. That said, it’s a great, secluded spot to setup for the night with water provided by the Left Fork of Upper Twin Branch. Water is an issue when camping up top on Pine Mountain, so staying low provides far better access.
Hiking notes. I didn’t have time to hike this, as I was volunteering at Breaks Ultra, but the trail up to the top is about 1.9 miles one way with an estimated 1,200 feet of elevation gain. Turning southwest on Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail (PMSST) will take you to Natural Bridge Ledge, Big Toe Site Rock, Blowing Rock Gap, Dutton Bottom, Jenny Falls, and Birch Knob Observation Tower. Turning northeast on PMSST will take you to Skeet Rock Knob and to another forest road to form a nice loop back to the trailhead.
CAUTION - Poisonous snakes. Timber rattlesnakes and copperheads can be found in the region. Stay alert on the trail, as snakes are commonly found taking in the warmth of the trail. Give them a wide berth or wait for them to move off the trail.
CAUTION - Bears. Black bears can be found throughout the Pine Mountain region. Be sure to follow bear aware practices. [Be Bear Aware by US Forest Service]
Gate at Counts Cabin Trailhead in George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, Cinch Ranger District
Rock Shelter at Campsite Near Counts Cabin Trailhead
