Tuscarora - Pond Run Trail

Tuscarora - Pond Run Trail (Forest TR #1013.2) is a moderate, blue-blazed hike in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests area. The route uses an old wagon-road tread across the north end of Mill Mountain before turning onto a foot path that follows Pond Run downhill.

Expect frequent water crossings: the Pond Run section requires about 9 creek crossings, which can be difficult when the run is high.

The trail is open year-round, but motor vehicles are limited to seasonal access; the upper wagon-road portion is open to 4x4 vehicles during fall deer hunting season.

Management/etiquette is geared to shared use. Horses have the right-of-way; hikers should yield to horses, and bicyclists should yield to horses and hikers.

Typical length is about 4.50 miles with a stated elevation range of roughly 1,600 to 3,120 ft. Water isn’t provided, so use purified water from natural sources.

Common route planning uses this trail as a link into larger backpacking loops, including connections like the Sugar Knob loop via Tuscarora - Pond Run Trail and Little Schloss Road.

More information: Visitor information, Tuscarora Trail/Great North Mountain Two-Night Backpack (1), Tuscarora Trail/Great North Mountain Two-Night Backpack (2) | AMC