Wildlife in park in Big Stone Gap, Virginia

Roaring Branch Trail is a challenging 14.2-km out-and-back trail located near Appalachia, Virginia. It takes an average of 4 hours and 21 minutes to complete, offering a popular spot for birding, hiking, and walking. Despite its popularity, visitors can still find solitude during quieter times of the day. The trail offers beautiful scenery with running water along the first few miles, leading to a stunning overlook at High Butte. However, the trail is not well-marked and may require navigation skills, with reports of bear sightings and snakes along the way. Trail maintenance is recommended due to fallen trees and overgrowth, but the rewarding views make the challenging hike worthwhile. Visitors are advised to wear pants and use a trail map, as cell service may be limited. Overall, Roaring Branch Trail offers a rugged adventure through nature's beauty, with potential for off-grid camping and wildlife encounters.