Poor Mountain

We took a trip to Poor Mountain Reserve today!  This hike was only about 45 minutes from Blaksburg and made for a quick, but nice day hike.  Unlike most hikes in this area, this ~4 mile hike starts with a descent down the mountain to a creek and ends with a climb back to the parking area.  There are some cleared areas with nice views along the loop.  It is a nicely maintained trail, but it is narrow with steep slopes on either side of the trail, so it would not be an appropriate place to bring a dog who cannot politely walk past other animals and people.

Sign near the parking lot.  Be sure to start on the red blazed trail even if you want to do the blue blazed trail.  Red eventually intersects with the blue loop. The unblazed trail on the uphill (right) side of this page is not an actual trail.  Contrary to what the sign says, I would rate the blue loop moderate-strenuous.  Be prepared for a narrow trail and several switchbacks on the return.

The map.  This provides a better visual, though it would be nice if this sign was at the parking lot.  Instead, you have to walk about .3-.5 miles on the red blazed trail before you find it!

View on the way down the blue blazed loop

Honey at an overlook

More somewhat obstructed views

Prepare for lots of switchbacks going back up the mountain.  I would rate this hike moderate-strenuous.