Little Stony National Recreation Trail

Set in the Jefferson National Forest, the Little Stony National Recreation Trail is a popular place to hike to catch a glimpse of the Little Stony Creek Falls, a pair of gorgeous waterfalls that you can view from a variety of footbridges that cross over and near them. The trail rises almost 700 feet throughout its length, but the gradual incline welcomes people (and pups!) of all ages. There are places to sit along the trail, and you can even stop to fish or swim in the creek at the bottom of the falls.

The Little Stony National Recreation Trail has two access points: the Hanging Rock Picnic Area and an upper trailhead north of the picnic area. If you hop on the trail from Hanging Rock, you'll have access to the area's facilities, including picnic tables and restrooms, but there aren't any restroom facilities on the trail itself. The northern trailhead gives hikers quick access to the falls if you don't have time to trek the whole trail.

Along the trail, you'll see a variety of wildflowers and beautiful blooms in just about every season. Most parts of the trail are also very shady, offering hikers a break from the hot summer sun, and there are some areas where you'll get to see the natural tree canopy from above. You may encounter some obstacles, like large rocks and fallen trees, along the way, so be sure to wear shoes with good grips to help you maneuver these challenging areas. 

Your pup is welcome to join you on a short leash, but bring some waste bags along to clean up after them. The Little Stony National Recreation Trail offers a scenic tour of the Little Stony Creek Falls and its surrounding natural beauty, and your adventurous pup is sure to love exploring the area with you.