Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Location
Tucker County
Endpoints
Red Creek Valley to Mt. Porte Crayon
Mileage
5.5
Roughness Index
3
Surface
Dirt
West Virginia's fifth highest point, Mt. Porte Crayon, boasts dense hardwood forests,
spectacular views, and a scenic hike up the Flatrock Run Trail (also known as Forest
Service Trail #519). The trail is almost entirely in the Monongahela National Forest
and follows one of the old logging railroad grades found all over this mountain. The
hike to the majestic 4770-foot peak is strenuous, but the views from the top are well
worth the effort.
The trail begins in the remote Red Creek Valley, a starting point for a great
number of other wilderness trails. You will find the trailhead—the trail's only access
point—located on private property off of Lanesville Road. Hikers are allowed access
here through an agreement between the Forest Service and the landowner.
For its first mile, the Flatrock Run Trail makes a gradual ascent through private
farmland until it meets the national forest boundary. After 3 miles and several switch-
backs, you will be well above the valley floor, where the trail crosses Flatrock Run
Creek. There is no bridge here, so use caution, especially during snow runoff in the
spring. The creek, which you will follow for the entire journey, offers wonderful cas-
cading waterfalls throughout the trail.
