Beacon Heights to Hunt Fish Falls TH on Pineola Road, westbound
April 21, 2026. This was the second of a two-day hiking outing, and it was 9.4 miles. I usually do the shorter hike on the second day, because we have the drive home afterwards.
The Beacon Heights parking area on the Blue Ridge Parkway was closed, but finding a place to pull over on the adjacent road was no problem at 6:30 in the morning.
I agreed to climb up to the vacant parking area so the husband-shuttle could get a scenic photo.
But the route took off in the opposite direction, on a short spur trail.
Beacon Heights is the endpoint of Segment 5. I had done that portion in June 2025, and I remember how rugged the trail was in this area.
I chose to ignore the optional ascent up Beacon Heights . . . because I am old and need to steward my physical resources very carefully.
And, indeed, the trail at this elevation involves some serious rock scrambling.
Once the route descended off of Beacon Heights the path softened and it was easier going. But it had taken me an hour to go only one mile.
Before starting a hike, I set a meet-up time with Loren, because in the mountains we often lose cell phone connection. I do my best to estimate how long a hike will take, so he’s not worried if I don’t show up “on time.”
Since the beginning of the hike took way longer than expected, I was happy to begin three miles on an abandoned dirt road. All downhill.
I was back “on schedule” by the time I reached Roseboro Road, crossing Gragg Prong creek.
5 significant creek crossings: Choose Your Own Adventure.
Wade or Rock-hop? And exactly where?
I appreciated the smooth trail in-between creek crossings.
I did a controlled, angled slide on my rear down that big boulder, landing on the little rock at the base.
From there, it was just a few more careful steps.
Being a solo hiker, I exercise extreme caution making these tricky crossings!
In the end, I waded only one creek today, successfully rock-hopping the other four.
It’s quite an adrenaline rush to get across a creek successfully!
(And a great reason to pause to give thanks…)
I always appreciated finding the White Circle after crossing a creek–reassurance that I was, indeed, still on the correct route.
Hunt Fish Falls was beautiful!
From there it was a moderately steep ascent over a mile to my endpoint on Pineola Road.
All those miles of rugged terrain, rock scrambles, and creek-crossings, and I beat my driver here by five minutes!
My.Bird.Walks. 