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At the top of the ridge is the
old White Rock Tower site. The
fire tower is gone now but the concrete foundation is still visible and
there is an abandoned building and cistern on the site.
The trail turns southwest at the tower to follow along the top of
Mill Mountain and down to FDR 333. Along
the ridge there are some giant boulders the trail travels between.
The Longdale Furnace community and the valleys and mountains to the
west can be seen from overlooks along the trail.
The trail leaves the ridgetop
and winds down to FDR 333 in a series of switchbacks and steep stairs.
In places rock cliffs are visible just off the trail.
This section of the trail is in poor repair.
The stairs are log steps that have rooted out over the years and
the tread is treacherous in places.
Bring your camera on this
hike, not only for the beautiful views, but for the wildlife and
wildflowers too. Deer and
grouse are common sites along the trail, and though not as common, turkey
and bear have been seen too.
Directions:
White Rock Tower Trail is
located on Mill Mountain in eastern Alleghany County.
Take the Longdale furnace exit and go east on U.S. Route 60.
Turn left onto FDR 333 and continue to parking area or continue
east on U.S. Route 60 and turn left onto FDR 108 and continue to parking
area.
Parking is available on FDR
333 at the second gate from April 1 to January 5 or on FDR 108 on the
southern edge of the wilderness area.
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