The 6.9 mile hike will begin at the Taylor Valley trailhead for the Virginia Creeper Trail (bike trail) (2500 feet) and follow that trail for 0.3 miles to the intersection of the Appalachian Trail, where we will turn left and south.

At about a one mile we will cross a log bridge above a small falls. We will cross US 58 at Straight Branch Creek (2310 feet) in about 2.3 miles. We quickly intersect the Feathercamp Trail and take the steps to begin our ascent of of the Feathercamp Ridge and Cuckoo Knob (2920 feet). Before reaching the crest we should get nice views to the southeast of Fork Mountain. 

Once reaching Cuckoo Knob, at the 5 mile mark, we shall begin a steep descent of about 900 feet over the next 1.9 miles to US 58 in Damascus and the end of our hike.

This will be a one-way hike north to south hike and will require an auto shuttle. Plan on spending 4.5 hours on the trail.

We will meet at the Hardee's restaurant in Marion before the hike. The Hardee's address is 347 N. Main Street, zip code 24354. The telepone number for the Hardees's is (276) 783- 6441.

We will be leaving the Hardee's at 8:00 AM sharp for the trailheads. So, please arrive earlier for breakfast and directions.