Bull Gap Trailhead - Rattlesnake Lodge Trail

Suzette Fasciani

Enjoyed the hike. If you hike the loop just beyond Rattlesnake lodge, my advice is to take the loop clockwise. Taking the loop clockwise, the first part of the hike will be steep and the return will be easier.

Hunt Blatz

Nice hike in the woods. Parking was easy. Wear long socks as there is poison Ivy encroaching on the path. It's hard to miss brushing up against it, and the socks will help. (Afterwards, roll the socks down to keep from transferring the urushiol acidic oil to your hands and then to other parts of your body. Wash separately with a good strong detergent or bar of laundry soap - which is somewhat caustic and neutralizes the oil.) The Rattlesnake Lodge, itself, is not much to see - you have to use lots of imagination. The area is beautiful, though. We also found wild yams (don't eat them). We saw many interesting plants. Only one animal, a tiny lizard. One plant we saw, Bear Corn, has no chlorophyll and lives off the roots of oaks and chestnuts. We went farther up the trail and crossed some creeks. The trail is less traveled beyond the lodge. The whole hike was very beautiful.

Vespa Geek

1st time here. I’m what you call over weight but wanted to give the trail a shot. I wasn’t able to complete the route but I try again. …

David Shuler

First time vist to Rattlesnake Lodge trail. I wanted a nice hike on the Blue Ridge Parkway. After doing a little online research I decided on Rattlesnake Lodge. It said the trail was popular during the Fall leaf season and was not a popular …