The trail ascends on an old roadbed. At 160 feet, enter James River Face Wilderness. At 0.25 mile pass Sulphur Spring on left of trail. At 2.9 miles cross Appalachian Trail and intersection (on right) with old road. About 0.2 mile up old road is seasonal water hole (on left) for horses. About 125 feet further on Sulphur Spring Trail the Piney Ridge Trail intersects on the right. Easier grade along next section of trail. At about 5 miles, good views of James River Gorge. At 5.2 miles, cross Appalachian Trail. Grade generally descending on balance of trail. At 6.6 miles, Sulphur Spring Trail ends with end of old roadbed and Balcony Falls Trail begins.

Directions: From Natural Bridge Station, VA, Take VA Route 130 at Natural Bridge Station, turn south on VA Route 759. Go 3.2 miles and turn east (left) on VA Route 781. (At 1.5 miles pavement ends and at 1.8 miles road designation changes to Forest Service Road 35). Go 3.2 miles to trail head - room for parking 2 or 4 cars.

Elevation: 2,600 feet

Elevation Gain: 1,175 feet

Distance: 6.6 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Visitor Information