Augusta Springs Wetlands Trail

Wanting to get in the woods this past weekend and with no hikes planned, I packed up my senior basset Waldo and we headed out to find a trail somewhere.  It was a cold blustery day and there were snow flurries flying but I put his warmest jacket on him and packed warm clothes for myself and we headed out.  I thought about driving up to Skyline Drive or Blue Ridge Parkway but it was already afternoon and couldn't think of a trail that was short and close so decided to head to Staunton and try out some of the trails at Montgomery Hall Park. 

On my way to Staunton, I remembered a trail I had done last winter just west of Staunton past Buffalo Gap and remembered that it would be perfect for a day like today so west we went and made the short drive to the Augusta Springs Wetlands Trail, part of George Washington National Forest.  This trail is on the grounds of what once was a resort where people came to partake of the springs.  There are still remnants of the once great resort remaining as well as the foundation of an old bottling plant (August White Lithia Springs).

The trail is made up of two loops, one that is accessible and one that takes you up over the ridge and around through the woods and various streams.

The wetlands trail has several interactive stops along the way and discusses the wildlife that can be found there in the wetlands.  It also includes many boardwalks so that you don't have to walk in the wetlands.

 

 

 

This accessible trail meets up with the adjacent hiking trail, called Uplands Trail, and you can veer off the flat wetlands and start climbing up over the ridge.  This part of the trail, though, can be particularly muddy on wet days.  As you climb through the woods, the trail is well maintained and marked and Waldo and I enjoyed stretching our legs.

 

 

 

Coming down the backside of the ridge, if going in a counterclockwise direction, the trail is a bit steep but the footing is good.  Here is a picture looking back up the hill after coming down.

 

 

 

As the trail winds back down among the many streams we once again find remnants of the bygone era of the resort and its working.  There are some areas along the way with lots of glass jars and metal that could have perhaps been the makings of bottled water, or maybe moonshine made with the fresh, spring water.

 









And maybe their get-a-way car, too?

 

 

The trail then comes back and joins the wetlands trail where you can walk through the heart of the old resort area with the reminders of its former glory like the fountain and the flumes to bring the spring water to the guests.

 

 

 

The beautiful spring is still there with the ruins of the springhouse, too.

 

 

 

Waldo and I had a great afternoon and I recommend this little trail for anyone looking for a nice way to stretch their legs, enjoy the woods, and visit a historic site.  The wetlands trail is about .7 miles long and the uplands loop is another 1.3 miles.  This is a trail that anyone, including a senior basset hound, can enjoy so take the whole family!

 

 

 

 

 

For more information, visit here.