Chimney Hollow Trail
Chimney Hollow Trail (#489) is a strenuous out-and-back–style hiking/mountain-bike route in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, near Verona/Staunton, Virginia. It follows a steep, rocky approach up Crawford Mountain before transitioning into a fast, tight ridge run.
The upper section is an ascent through rocky terrain, with sections that can feel exposed and technical when you’re pushing hard up the grade. Expect sharp turns and rock-drop style footing where the trail gets thin over the grade.
On the descent, the trail drops toward Route 250 with a sustained steep character. Multiple reports describe a big, steep descent and frequent rocky tread, plus creek crossings nearer the bottom.
Lower on the route, the grade eases into switchbacks as the trail works down toward the bottom near a creek. That means the downhill is still demanding, but it’s less continuously vertical than the upper approach.
A common access pattern uses US 250 and a northwest trailhead, marked by a prominent USFS sign; the trailhead is described as about 5 miles north of Elliott Knob. Plan on finishing back at the trailhead if you’re doing it as a point-to-point day hike.
Route length is mapped around 5.9 km / 3.6 miles with about 532 m / 1,745 ft of descent and roughly 532 m / 1,745 ft of up (varies by direction and any connector choices). It’s typically used as a short, hard outing rather than an extended backcountry trek.
If you’re going for a fast turnaround, this is still a “pick-your-day” route: the steep, rocky sections and creekside areas can be slick when wet, and the exposed line can punish poor footing. Before you commit, scout for any slippery rock/standing water on the exposed parts and be ready to slow down on the descent.
Near the bottom, plan on route-finding attention at creek crossings and any tight transitions where the trail funnels into the Route 250 area—there’s little room for casual navigation once you’re committed to the steep lower tread.
More information: Crawford Mountain Wanderings - Wandering Virginia, February 2023 - Wandering Virginia, Books and Maps