Cellar Mountain Trail

Cellar Mountain Trail is a long, steep out-and-back hiking route in Virginia’s Saint Mary’s Wilderness area (George Washington and Jefferson National Forests). The hike is listed at about 6.4 miles out-and-back with roughly 1,938 ft of gain, typically taking around 4 to 4.5 hours at a steady pace.

Most parties start at a small parking area off Coal Road (Forest Service Road 42) at about 2,000 ft elevation. Early on you pass an informational kiosk and then go through a livestock gate before the climb settles into the woods.

After the initial heading-in, the route climbs steadily toward Cellar Mountain. The ascent includes switchbacks, pushing you from about 2,000 ft up to around 2,600 ft for a southwest-facing overlook along the ridgeline.

Continue climbing on switchbacks to about 3,200 ft. At that point you reach the Bald Mountain Jeep Trail and turn around, retracing your steps back down the same way you came.

One of the biggest practical realities is route-finding: the trail is less busy than nearby Saint Mary’s Wilderness options, and vegetation/terrain can make it harder to stay locked on line. Expect overgrowth at the higher elevations and look for the ground cues that indicate you’re still on trail.

Surface is generally dirt, and the climb is continuous enough that traction matters when conditions are slick. If weather has been wet or the ground is tacky, inspect the trail you’re committing to and plan for slower footing on the steep switchback sections.

Best results come when you can work with the route’s sustained effort: the most popular hiking window is January through June, when conditions are often favorable for this ridge-and-climb profile.

Wildness rules apply in Saint Mary’s Wilderness, including a group size limit of 10 people; plan accordingly and keep your trip tight to the day-hike turnaround at Bald Mountain Jeep Trail.

More information: Cellar Mountain Trail/Cold Spring Trail Loop, Cellar Mtn Trail and Cold Spring Trail in St. Mary's Wilderness, St Mary's Wilderness - Virginia Wilderness Committee