Big Hollow / Hone Quarry Ridge / Cliff Trail
About:
If you’re looking for something different, this is the ride to hit up. This route has everything that encompasses mountain biking in our area - big climbs that offer up some of the most beautiful views, fun plant and wildlife to observe, and technical rock for some good gnar times.
Just a 30 minute drive from Harrisonburg, parking is available near the Hone Quarry Campground, and spots are also scattered along Hone Quarry Rd.
If you’d like some more mileage for your day, it isn’t unheard of for folks to ride out from town to do this loop. There’s plenty of snacks to grab at the 257 store in Briery Branch. :)
Ride Distance: 15.5 miles
Ride Elevation: 3,215’
This ride begins with climbing Big Hollow to Hone Quarry Ridge.
Key Points
Big Hollow / Hone Quarry Ridge
After turning onto Trail 430 from Hone Quarry Road, riders will want to stay to the right at the first trail intersection to continue onto Big Hollow. Turning left would take you up Heartbreak, and you certainly would have no shortage of heartbreak after climbing those rocks! (It’s really rocky, steep, and crazy, haha).
Just slightly after climbing 2 miles, you’ll intersect with the top of Heartbreak (on the left). You’ll want to continue this route by staying to the right, but I also like to sit down here for a moment and eat a snack. The two miles you just climbed will have had a few creek crossings, loose river rocks, and some steeper uphills, so take a moment to recover. It’s worth it!
Also in those two miles you’ll have encountered what I like to call “Magical fairy, unicorn land”. Ferns, blueberry bushes, wild Dogwoods, and all sorts of plants/foliage are all over And SO many birds fly and tweet all around. The only noise comes from the wind in the trees and the birds; it’s quite peaceful. Right now seems to be especially beautiful as there was a controlled burn on the mountain a few years ago, opening up the forest floor and providing striking contrasts between new and old plant life.
Riders will reach this creek crossing early on Big Hollow. I’ve seen some ride it, or attempt to ride it, but I’m content with walking.
Big Hollow is so beautiful!
A remnant from the controlled burn
The intersection with Heartbreak/Trail 430
The Magical fairy unicorn land continues as you make your way onto Hone Quarry Ridge all the way up to Forest Road 85 (6.3 miles into the ride). Stay to the right as you intersect with this road and continue on for some fun and chunky double track to Meadow Knob (Mile 10.6). Watch out for some monster truck sized puddles! You’ll take Trail 428 (not marked super clearly) - it will be on your right towards the back of the meadow.
This section of trail will roll along with a few very steep downhills - I wouldn’t say there is anything technical in them aside from the steepness and maybe some loose rock. You’re not far from Cliff Trail after you pass the intersection with Pond Knob (Trail 428B); Mile 11.5.
MAGICAL FAIRY UNICORN LAND!!! :)
Cliff Trail
Around 12.5 miles into the ride, you’ll find the start of Cliff Trail on your right. You’ll look in front of you and see a steep climb - if you were to continue straight here, instead of turning right you would be at Oak Knob, which takes you to some other fun trails, but that’s a story for another time. Cliff Trail is designated with the Forest Service signage Trail 429.
ROCKS!
This trail is rocky! It is technical, and fun. There are parts of this trail that I don’t ride because it’s so technical and my abilities don’t match the terrain. And that’s fine! I ride within my abilities and push them when I feel comfortable, as everyone should. For just over 2 miles riders will be able to challenge themselves on all levels of rock gnar as they begin the descent down the mountain.
At mile 15, you’ll reach what’s known as the Lover’s Leap overlook - a beautiful rock outcrop that looks across to the other ridge. This is another spot I like to sit and hang out/eat a snack. There’s just 0.5 miles of descending left, so if you’re not quite ready to head back to society, stay here a while longer.
Wild Azaleas!
Lover’s Leap Overlook
I love the rock variety on Cliff Trail
Don’t think you’re done with the rock in that last half mile, though. Rocks and roots guide you down the trail, some bigger roots/boulders block the way (at least for me, I know of some folks that clear the bigger stuff on this), and a good time is had through it all!
Made it back down to Hone Quarry Rd
Why this Ride?
There’s something about this loop that feels extra special. The forest feels different - more back country, more open, more welcoming. The trails are different and offer variety - creek bed, to double track, to smooth single track, to some rock, to full on gnar! There’s no shortage of beauty on this ride; riders are well rewarded for the climbing and technical spots.
Extras
When Hone Quarry Campground is open, it offers several campsites of different sizes for folks and a low cost/night! It’s definitely a nice spot to stay for a long weekend!
Trails are maintained with the help of the Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition, and other fine volunteers, and we thank them profusely for keeping these trails in great shape!
If you have any other questions about this loop, feel free to ask! Email me at kelly@rocktownbicycles.com.
Photo Credit: Jess Daddio
