Paine Run, Doyles River, and Austin Mountain Loop

Start at the Madison Run boundary access off Route 663. The route follows Madison Run Road for about a tenth of a mile, climbs Furnace Mountain Trail for 3.4 miles, then takes Trayfoot Mountain Trail for 4 miles to Paine Run. A one-mile round-trip spur leaves Furnace Mountain Trail 1.6 miles in and reaches a summit with views; that extra mile isn’t part of the 25.8-mile figure. The first camp is somewhere along Paine Run, within the next two miles, so don’t treat the first day’s distance as a fixed campsite-to-campsite mileage.

On day two, continue along Paine Run until you’ve covered 3.4 miles on that trail, cross Skyline Drive, and turn north on the Appalachian Trail for 2.6 miles. Turn onto Jones Run Trail. At 1.7 miles, a short side spur reaches the falls viewpoint; Jones Run Falls drops 42 feet. At 2.5 miles, Jones Run meets Doyles River Trail. The planned camp is downstream from their confluence. On day three, climb Doyles River Trail for 2.2 miles past Upper and Lower Doyles River Falls, then turn south on the Appalachian Trail. These are streamside trails, and the Doyles route includes a stream crossing. Paine Run crossings can also rise after rain, so don’t assume the water will be low.

Follow the Appalachian Trail south for 1.6 miles, take Big Run Loop for 0.7 mile, then leave it at the concrete post for 0.4 mile on Rockytop Trail. Turn onto Austin Mountain Trail and descend 3.2 miles to Madison Run Road; the last 0.7 mile on Madison Run Fire Road returns to the boundary gate. The turns come in quick succession, so carry a current South District map and track the junctions rather than relying on trail names alone.

An overnight backcountry permit is required, and the park entrance fee applies even when you hike in from the boundary. Campsites are dispersed: use existing sites where possible, stay at least 10 yards from water and a quarter mile from paved roads, the park boundary, and facilities, and reach camp before dark. The roadside parking area near Routes 663 and 708 holds about eight cars on the stream side; keep gates clear. No food, toilets, or potable water were listed at the access or along the route. Dogs are allowed on these trails on a physical leash no longer than six feet. The published trip directions date to 2006, so check current alerts and bring an up-to-date map before setting out.