Jones Mountain and Staunton River Loop

This is a 14.7-mile loop from Graves Mill Boundary through the Rapidan–Staunton river corridor, up Jones Mountain, across Cat Knob and Laurel Prong, then back by Fork Mountain and Staunton River. Plan for about 15 miles: the detailed itinerary gives 14.7, a current park trip listing gives 9.8–13.8 for the same name, and the connected mapped trail line measures about 14.9. Flood damage in 1995 altered the trails, and the mileage was never recalculated, so bring a current map and plan around the longer figure. The park lays this out as a two-day backcountry trip, roughly 5–6 miles on day one and 8.7–9.7 on day two. It suits experienced hikers comfortable carrying overnight gear; allow about 10–12 hours of trail time across those days, excluding camp.

Start at the Graves Mill boundary parking area off Route 662. The small surface lot is mapped for about ten vehicles, and boundary trailheads may be hard to spot; arrive with a detailed map and park only in designated spaces. The park entrance fee applies even when you hike in from the boundary. The itinerary calls for a dry camp on Jones Mountain. Overnight camping requires a backcountry permit; current rules also keep camps at least 10 yards from water and 100 yards from cabins. Check the rules before you set out.

The first half mile follows Graves Mill Trail beside the Rapidan River to Staunton River Trail. From there, the route follows the stream corridor for about two miles before turning onto Jones Mountain Trail. This is the trip’s water-focused stretch, with a cascading stream and rocky scenes. If rivers are high, go up Jones Mountain first and backtrack rather than forcing the full loop. Older route directions identify the Staunton River and a spring at Jones Mountain Cabin as water sources; the cabin is a side trip. Natural sources can dry out, and all unmarked water must be purified before use.

Expect a long, experienced-level climb through forest to an open ridge top, with old home and mill sites along the way. Its mileages are estimates, so follow the junctions on a current map. On day two, stay onto Cat Knob Trail for about half a mile, then turn onto Laurel Prong. A short extension to Rapidan Camp adds about 1.2 miles round trip and is not included in this route.

From Laurel Prong, the route turns onto Fork Mountain Trail, then follows Fork Mountain Road down to Staunton River Trail. The last river leg returns to the Graves Mill approach and parking. Those individual leg distances come from the older itinerary and should be treated as approximate, just like its total. The route is a major time commitment, but it links the open ridge, stream corridor and historic home sites in one continuous circuit.

Dogs are allowed on this route on a physical leash no longer than six feet.