Rushing Waters Circuit Trail

Mount Rogers National Recreation Area

Length: 15.25 mile loop
Rating: Moderate/Strenuous

This circuit hike links portions of the Appalachian and Iron Mountain trails including a beautiful section along Whitetop-Laurel Creek and striking views of Whitetop Mountain and Mount Rogers. The beginning of the trail follows Whitetop Laurel Creek allowing the hiker to enjoy the aquatic habitat. The second half of the trail takes the hiker up to the crest of Iron Mountain for breathtaking panoramic views.

• 0.0 Creek Junction parking lot. As you face the trail, turn left and hike toward Damascus on the Virginia Creeper (downstream).
• 4.2 Turn right onto blue blazed trail to reach A.T.
• 4.3 Turn left on A.T.
• 6.3 Cross U.S. 58
• 6.4 Turn right onto the Feathercamp Trail and follow the blue blazes.
• 8.6 Intersect Iron Mtn. Trail - turn right.
• 8.9 Sandy Flats Shelter.
• 9.2 Cross F.S. 90
• 10.7 At Shaw Gap - turn right and follow blue blazed Beartree Gap trail down Grosses Mountain.
• 10.8 Shaw Gap Trail intersection - bear right and continue down Beartree Gap Trail.
• 13.2 Cross Beartree Campground Road - F.S. 837
• 13.4 Cross Anglers parking lot.
• 13.5 Beartree Lake dam - turn right and cross dam.
• 13.6 Turn right just past dam.
• 13.7 Cross U.S. 58
• 13.9 Appalachian Trail - turn left and follow white blazes.
• 15.3 Return to parking area at Creek Junction.