This is a route that hits the high points of much of the classic DuPont State Forest trails. Beware these trails are multi-purpose, so expect to encounter mountain bikers, hikers, horseback riders, etc. along the way. There are some pretty sweet mountain views (specifically at the Airstrip) and some nice and solitary singletrack trails alongside creeks and lakes. Also plenty of wildlife including deer, foxes, and the occasional black bear. Very nice Visitor Center marks the start/finish point. This particular variant is the CCW direction, meaning you will climb Airstrip Trail early in the route. This variant also adds the Reasonover Creek out-and-back. Route description below:
Begin at the DuPont State Recreational Forest Visitor Center parking lot on Buck Forest Road. Begin down the gravel road (Buck Forest Road) and take the first right after crossing Little River, which is Conservation Road. Turn right onto Shelter Rock Trail and begin the climb as it turns into Airstrip Trail. At the top of Airstrip Trail, you'll be at the namesake airstrip at the top of the mountain. Turn left and run to the end of the airstrip and admire the view!
Turn around and run down the length of the airstrip and turn left back onto Conservation Road. Follow down the hill and take a right onto Lake Julia Road. Where Lake Julia Road dead-ends in front of a house, take Reasonover Creek Trail.
Reasonover Creek Trail is the main out-and-back section. You'll follow Reasonover Creek Trail past Turkey Knob Trail which will be on your left. Continue following Reasonover Creek Trail until it hits Conservation Road. This is the "endpoint" of the Reasonover Creek out-and-back. You'll then turn around and go back the way you came until you get back to Turkey Knob Trail.
This time, take Turkey Knob Trail (this time it'll be off to the right) and follow it for just over a mile, where you'll see the Poplar Hill Trail loop to the left. Take the Poplar Hill Trail loop all the way around until it rejoins Turkey Knob, then continue on Turkey Knob.
Follow Turkey Knob Trail for about 3 more miles, and take a left onto Twin Oaks Trail, and then turn left onto Joanna Road. Follow Joanna Road until it hits Conservation Road. Turn right onto Conservation Road, then take the left back onto Buck Forest Road. This will take you to the Visitor Center to finish.
