The Channels

Category: Nature preserve

Address: Rosedale, VA 24280, USA

Opening hours

Sunday: 6AM–5PM

Monday: 6AM–5PM

Tuesday: 6AM–5PM

Wednesday: 6AM–5PM

Thursday: 6AM–5PM

Friday: 6AM–5PM

Saturday: 6AM–5PM

Reviews

Brandon Crabtree

May 21, 2022

It's a steep hike but on the plus side it's all downhill on the way out. Great views the entire way. Only ten parking spots available so arrive early to ensure you get to hike.

Danielle

Jan 3, 2022

A Virginia hidden gem! Reminiscent of slot canyons and gorges of the Southwest, The Channels is a 20 acres labyrinth of sandstone boulders formed during the last ice age at the highest point of Clinch Mountain at 4,208 feet and part of the greater 721 acres of The Channels Natural Area Preserve. Parking: There are 10 marked parking spots with no roadside parking allowed. Signs present state towing is enforced. Plan to arrive early. Note there are no bathrooms on site. Hiking: Approximately a 3.5 mile hike, one way. Plan accordingly to allow yourself enough time to comfortably explore The Channels. A moderately strenuous hike with some steep uphill areas. Bring water, wear good hiking boots/shoes, dress in layers and take breaks as needed. Watch for uneven terrain, stones, icey patches (time of year dependant), tree roots and muddy areas. Fire Tower and Channels: Hayter's Knob Fire Tower, now unclimbable, was built by Franklin Roosevelt's Civillian Conservation Corps in 1939. The fire tower was operational for over 30 years, finally retired in 1970. Enjoy 360 degree views atop the boulders near the fire tower. We saw deer, bloody paw prints and a beautiful blue feather on our hike. Exploring The Channels was the highlight of the hike! Would absolutely recommend!!

Ted Wagner

Oct 16, 2021

Great hike. A mostly uphill hike for bout 3 mi with Stated 20% incline. Not the best views from Summit but the boulders formations are awesome! . Well worth the 7 mi round trip hike 3-4 hours

Dennis Ramsey

Sep 16, 2021

Its approximately 3.5 miles one way from the parking lot. The road/trail seemed to be kept in good shape and there was very few places with big rocks or debris to walk around or thru, so the walk up really wasn't bad at all. Its 100% worth …

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Questions & Answers

Is there any water that runs through the trail ?

brittany ward | Dec 15, 2018
bryan nice | Dec 16, 2018

You might cross a little bit of rain water draining down the mountain on the trail, but i wouldn't consider water a feature of that hike. What drew me there was the limestone maze at the top of the mountain. I would guess it covers about an acre or two and it was pretty fascinating to see how all the rocks up there had been weathered by the rain and wind.

Anyone ever parked an RV in one of the parking spaces? Or is it strictly for cars?

Irina Kotova | Nov 14, 2021
Alma Delgado | Nov 15, 2021

The parking is pretty limited to about 10 vehicles, and since the road to get there is so narrow and curvy, I don't really recommend taking an RV.

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Thinking about hiking alone, is there cell signal?

Ricky Chambers | Jun 17, 2021
Donna Haley | Jun 18, 2021

It can be avail depends on carrier and weather. Never good idea to hike alone but on weekends busy enough that help is within yelling distance

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I'm heading down next week on Wednesday...how early should I plan on getting there to make sure I have a parking spot? I was planning on being there around 9:30 or so? Is that early enough?

a li | Dec 14, 2020
Jake Paul | Dec 15, 2020

We went later in the day on a Thursday with no problem, and there is different trails you can take to get there. The one at the top of brumley Gap is the easiest

Are dogs allowed on leash?

Vickey Ritchie | Dec 14, 2020
Christopher Cooper | Dec 15, 2020

Yes.

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How early doe the parking lot fill up on a weekday since they have limited parking to 10 vehicles?

Dave Strausbaugh | Dec 14, 2020
Josh Poth | Dec 15, 2020

I went on a Thursday, was the first car at 6am. When I left at around 1pm there were more than 10 cars parked. Based on the number of people I saw on the trail, I would estimate if you arrive before 10am you should be able to be one of the 10 with a space.

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Can you camp here?

Hikergirl Adventures | Dec 15, 2019
Sarah Grizzle | Dec 16, 2019

You're not supposed to. They have 2 cabins there that you can rent.

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Are there bathrooms?

icarly | Dec 15, 2018
Mary K | Dec 16, 2018

No

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How is the parking situation? Pay to park or free parking? Park entrance fee?

D W | Dec 15, 2018
Jeffrey Hurst | Dec 16, 2018

It's a very small lot, and gets a lot of visitors on nice weekend days. Get there early or late, and please be considerate when parking to ensure nobody is blocked in.

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Does it make you feel claustrophobic during the hike? Just curious about how many tight squeeze areas there are.

Emily Adams | Dec 15, 2017
Ginger Ratcliffe | Dec 16, 2017

The hike is was open and not tight at all. When you get to the rock formations that are "The Channels" there are some some amazing and breath taking tighter spaces. I am very claustrophobic...very. I find it hard to watch people on tv in tight situations. I had no problem walking between the rock formations. Maybe it is because there is no "roof" so you can see the blue sky when you look up, I am not sure. But, I can say for certain that it was worth that chance.

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