Is the shuttle service included with the trip?

Yes, Smith River Adventures provides a shuttle to the trailhead as part of the experience.

Can I bring my dog on the trail?

Dogs are allowed but should be kept on a leash to protect wildlife and other visitors.

Are there restrooms available on the trail?

Restrooms are located at the parking areas but not along the Dogwood Glen Trail itself.

Is the trail suitable for beginner mountain bikers?

The trail has moderate difficulty with some climbs and descents; beginners should be comfortable with these conditions.

Are horses allowed on the trail year-round?

Yes, equestrian use is permitted year-round on this shared-use trail.

What wildlife might I encounter?

Common sightings include white-tailed deer and various songbirds native to the hardwood forests.

Dogwood Glen Trail Shuttle with Smith River Adventures

Smith River Adventures offers an exceptional gateway to the Dogwood Glen Trail, a rugged yet scenic 4.5-mile route tracing the hardwood forests and shoreline of Philpott Lake in Bassett, Virginia. This trail blends moderate climbs, crisp forest air, and shoreline vistas, drawing hikers, bikers, and equestrians seeking varied terrain against a backdrop of vast, undeveloped lands.

Philpott Lake spans some 3,000 acres with roughly 100 miles of shoreline edges, surrounded by over 20,000 acres of state and federal preserved wilderness. The Dogwood Glen Trail itself connects the Philpott Dam tailrace area with Salthouse Branch Park, following natural contours through Franklin County. It opens with a brief but steady ascent from the dam, then continues along a fire road before veering onto singletrack sections marked by vivid blue blazes. Riders and walkers will notice an interplay of challenging climbs with relief on the shorter downhill segments.

Smith River Adventures specializes in providing a shuttle to the trail’s starting point, allowing guests to conserve energy and focus wholly on the trek ahead without the hassle of arranging complex logistics. Its central role in local outdoor recreation lies in seamlessly linking visitors with one of the less-traveled, yet immensely rewarding trails around Philpott Lake.

The hardwood canopy—dominated by oak, hickory, and dogwood—shifts through seasonal bursts of color. Wildlife sightings often include white-tailed deer and a chorus of songbirds. The trail is multipurpose, ideal for mountain biking and horseback riding, offering a refreshing alternative to overly crowded parks.

Whether you seek to test your endurance, savor lakeside nature, or simply enjoy a day away from pavement, Smith River Adventures provides the practical support and local know-how to make the Dogwood Glen Trail a standout adventure in southwest Virginia’s Appalachian foothills.