Ace Gap Trail

Ace Gap Trail is a 10.7-mile out-and-back from Rich Mountain Gap to the Beard Cane Trail junction and back. The mapped corridor is about 5.3 miles each way, following native tread through a wooded ridge. This is a long forest walk for spring flowers, quiet miles and a logging-era crossing, not a summit or reliable overlook. Allow about five to six hours; the distance is the main commitment.

At the small gravel lot, take the Ace Gap path to the right. The separate path by the limestone sinkhole goes toward Bull Cave, not along Ace Gap. Stay on the named trail to its junction with Beard Cane, then retrace your route. The natural tread is rocky in places, with creek crossings reported along the way, so footing can slow the walk.

Near Ace Gap, about 4.5 miles from the start, the trail crosses an old logging railroad bed left from early twentieth-century lumber operations. It is the walk’s clearest historic detail. The route continues to Beard Cane Trail, but there is no confirmed overlook at the turnaround; tree cover keeps most of this hike in the woods.

Spring brings reported blooms such as fire pink, trilliums, azalea and mountain laurel, especially in April and May. The trailhead is on Rich Mountain Road, a one-way road with seasonal vehicle access, normally April 10 through November 9. Check the park’s road schedule before setting out. The lot is small, and pets are not allowed on this trail.