Patterson Creek

[xjtrailrider]

This isn't so much a trail as it is a fire road but I went through there today and thought I would share some info on this scenic road.

You can access Patterson Creek from either Caldwell Mountain road at Camp on Craig which is near Camp Easter Seals or from the northern end at Craigs Creek Road near Eagle Rock off of 220.

This is a stock friendly trail that during the dryer parts of the year could be run in the family sedan. It is gravel/dirt for around 16 miles.

There are 5 creek crossings during the first 8 miles of the trail and there are several primitive camp sites on both sides of the road all the way through. You will reach a "T" in the road about 8 miles in, if you go right you will end up at a gate and there is a steep hill climb on the left which is most likely illegal. If you go left you will start the climb over the mountain and you will reach the "ATV" area on the north slope of the mountain. If you continue on you will reach the old rail road bed, go right there to continue on to Eagle Rock.

Some pics.

Water crossings.
http://i418.photobucket.com/albums/pp266/xjtrailrider/patterson%20creek/P1010766.jpg
http://i418.photobucket.com/albums/pp266/xjtrailrider/patterson%20creek/P1010767.jpg
http://i418.photobucket.com/albums/pp266/xjtrailrider/patterson%20creek/P1010768.jpg

[xjtrailrider]

More creek crossings
http://i418.photobucket.com/albums/pp266/xjtrailrider/patterson%20creek/P1010769.jpg
http://i418.photobucket.com/albums/pp266/xjtrailrider/patterson%20creek/P1010770.jpg

The old railroad bed that is now a road, it crosses a really old trestle near the end of the gravel road.
http://i418.photobucket.com/albums/pp266/xjtrailrider/patterson%20creek/P1010771.jpg

Thats all the pics I had, it was a trip down memory lane for me as I use to use this road to ride my mountain bike on and train for up-coming races. Its a really neat and scenic road to take the family on without any damage to your rig and still splash some mud on it!

Enjoy and have fun!

[WilliamAWebb]

We also rode on this one today because we didn't have the time to ride to bobcat. There are a few obstacles at some of the camping grounds (I'm not sure if they are for vehicles or 4-wheelers or what but I went over them) and the creek crossings were fun to splash some water.

[xjtrailrider]

You must have been behind me, I stopped and talked with one guy at the ATV park for a few then went on home.

Wish i had known you all were going through there and we could have ran together.

[WilliamAWebb]

We drove all the way to the split in the road, took the road to the left for about a mile then turned around and went back. It was my girlfriends first time driving the jeep off-road so we just messed around for a little bit on some of the smaller stuff.

[Hokie98zj]

man i cant wait for warmer weather.thats a nice scenic trail.nothing challenging unless its rained for a week before you go.then its just maybe 2 crossings.would of liked to go before they "fixed" everything

[xjtrailrider]

Correction!

The old rail road bed that is now a road is called, "Craig Valley Road" not craigs creek road like I had posted earlier.

I was told today by a RR historian that this branch of track was called "The Craig Valley Branch" and was operated by C&O until it was abandoned in 1960.

[cootees]

I cross that bridge a few times each year. My grandparents have a creek house right there by the ballfield. Never knew about this trail though.

So basically if I were coming from 220 out that way then I would just keep heading straight on the same road with the bridge?

If memory serves me there are a few forest roads out by roaring run as well.

[xjtrailrider]

I cross that bridge a few times each year. My grandparents have a creek house right there by the ballfield. Never knew about this trail though.

So basically if I were coming from 220 out that way then I would just keep heading straight on the same road with the bridge?

If memory serves me there are a few forest roads out by roaring run as well.

Ive got to look at a map but there is one more left you would need to take, I'll check tonight and post the name of that road.

[DAZYDG]

Jon, is there an ATV trail there or is it just a Jeep trail, or both? I dont have the details but I was with the Forest rangers yesterday, and a crew was heading out to close the Patterson Creek trail because it was being abused, dont know what part, or if it was the whole thing, but I will find out. But they had several ATV's and a bunch of cement on the trailer...

[xjtrailrider]

Jon, is there an ATV trail there or is it just a Jeep trail, or both? I dont have the details but I was with the Forest rangers yesterday, and a crew was heading out to close the Patterson Creek trail because it was being abused, dont know what part, or if it was the whole thing, but I will find out. But they had several ATV's and a bunch of cement on the trailer...


Yes, there is a "designated" ATV trail system out there, its near the northern end of the road and not far from hardtop. When I was out there I could see where there were several places that both ATV's and 4wd's had been off trail and tearing stuff up. I made note of a "hill climb" in my write up that was definitely not part of the trail.

[DAZYDG]

Yes, there is a "designated" ATV trail system out there, its near the northern end of the road and not far from hardtop. When I was out there I could see where there were several places that both ATV's and 4wd's had been off trail and tearing stuff up. I made note of a "hill climb" in my write up that was definitely not part of the trail.

Thanks for the info Jon.

Here is an update:
http://www.swva4w.org/forums/viewtopic.php?p=4960#4960

[drakan1908]

Sounds like another trail lost due to people not following the rules and not caring. :(

[DAZYDG]

http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/article/MUDGAT26_20090326-080204/241413/

Why doesnt the local news cover this?

[mgmorrison]

Thanks for the info Jon.

Here is an update:
http://www.swva4w.org/forums/viewtopic.php?p=4960#4960


Look here...

[DAZYDG]

Press release from the forestry dept:

http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/gwj/newsroom/2009/03/closure.shtml

[drakan1908]

Just caught part of the news cast on channel 10 that Patterson Creek had reopened. Did any one else see this report??

[evolution]

ive looked all over 10's web site and didnt see anything on it besides what happeded in spring there.. be nice if it was...

[cootees]

http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/gwj/newsroom/2009/10/patterson-rd-reopen.shtml

[BULLITT798]

..awesome news! My kids love that place. It is neat to ride thru when you are looking for something easy to do.Now if we could get Fenwick (Mill Creek) back open.....:rolleyes-1:

[DAZYDG]

http://www.roanoke.com/news/roanoke/wb/221633

Mill Creek is gone, but there are other possibilities....

[evolution]

where is mill creek?

[Bluewaterrider]

where is mill creek?

is mill creek another name for lignite mines?

[drakan1908]

is mill creek another name for lignite mines?

Yea I think it is

[vanillathril]

Is Patterson still open? I'd like to check that out tomorrow actually.

[rubican!]

no it is still closed. And i doubt it will ever re open to the public.

[jhowery]

Patterson was a trail system for ATVs. Vehicles were only allowed on the access road.