Big Run Canyon and the Portal

1. Big Run Loop Trail
Loop Distance: 6.0mi.
Trail Rating: Moderate difficulty. Uphill return.
Reference: PATC Map11 (available at entrance stations).
Reference: PATC Guide: "Circuit Hikes in Shenandoah National Park", page 73
Reference: Heatwole's Guide

The Big Run Canyon is one of Shenandoah National Park's most impressive features, if simply for its size. this large wilderness area burned in the mid 1980's and you may see traces of the fire and progressive revegitation and succession if you look for it. This loop trail lets you step off the ridge top and into this intriguing wilderness. Be forewarned, there is quite a change in elevation.

Begin at the Big run Overlook (you may wish to park at Doyle's River parking area at mile post 81.1 and cross the Skyline Drive to the overlook) and descend into the canyon on the Big Run Loop Trail (blue blazed). You will see the rocky portal from the overlook. After going down over a series of switchbacks and dropping off to the left of a small projecting ridge you will arrive at the headwaters of Big Run. The Big Run Portal Trail (yellow blazed) will come in from downstream on your right. Bear left on the trail that is blazed yellow and blue and begin your ascent out of the canyon. When you reach the junction with the Rockytop Trail (blue blazed) turn left and head up the small hill. When you reach the Appalacian Trail (white blazed) turn left again. Turn left on the Doyle River Trail to Doyle River parking area. Walk out to Skyline Drive and cross to Big Run Overlook.

2. To the Portal over Rocky Mountain and Brown Mountain
Loop Distance: 10.8mi. including walk to portal.
Trail Rating: Strenuous. 2100 foot elevation change. For experienced hikers only.
Reference: PATC Map11 (available at entrance stations).
Reference: PATC Guide: "Circuit Hikes in Shenandoah National Park", page 71

From Brown Mountain overlook at milepost 77 walk through the gate in the rock fence and follow the blue blazed trail. A wild rocky panorama, the ideal balm for homesick westerners, will stretch before you. You will pass through a "saddle" or dip in the ridge on your way to Rocky Mountain. It was here several years ago that I had a close encounter with a mother black bear and her two cubs. I was moving through the saddle quietly one afternoon when one cub almost ran by me. The mother bear woofed stop and she and her other cub halted about 80' away (If you ever find yourself in such a situation calm response is the operative word). As the little bear who didn't mind his mother drew nearer I remember saying "stop, little bear." Fortunately the little guy responded by going up a tree (it looked like he leaped and stuck to it) and peering around the trunk at me. When mom woofed retreat all three bears descended the mountainside in the direction they had come from. I love to see bears in the wild and was sorry I had caused them to turn and run. Nevertheless, I was glad to have avoided any unpleasant response from mom.

The trail over Rocky Mountain and Brown Mountain seems wilder than many of the trails in Shenandoah. Keep going straight ahead where the Rocky Mountain Run Trail intersects from the left. 5.3 miles from the overlook you will reach the Big Run Portal Trail (yellow blazed). Turn right and walk half a mile to the portal. After enjoying the portal (bring lunch and plenty of water), return upstream by the Big Run Portal Trail (yellow blazed). You will wade a bit here as the trail, actually an old road, fords the run several times. I almost always see snakes here.

Watch for the Rocky Mountain Run Trail (blue blazed) that forks off to your left. Walk up the trail to rejoin Brown Mountain Trail (blue blazed). Turn right and return to the overlook.