Blue Ridge Trail South - Wag!
Blue Ridge Trail South is a three mile hike that packs a huge elevation gain into the space! If you're looking for the kind of hike that challenges you, but won't take all day, this is the one. It's so intense that hikers recommend going early in the morning or waiting until a cool month like late fall or spring to tackle. The heat can get intense!
To get to the Blue Ridge Trail South trailhead, you're going to need to pull into the parking lot at Cache Creek Regional Park. The Lower Park is home to Blue Ridge Trail North and Blue Ridge Trail South. Park in the lot right off Highway 16. There is a $5 fee for using the lot. From there, walk past the gate and continue along the road until you see the sign for the Bureau of Land Management. Take a left, and walk until you reach a gravel pull out and the Blue Ridge Trail South trailhead!
From the trailhead, you're going to head up, up, up! You're going to be climbing two thousand feet almost right off the bat. The first mile of the trail takes you up onto Blue Ridge, which is where the trails got their names. Once you've made it to the top, the elevation evens out into a few rolling hills. You'll have fantastic views of the surrounding park land for the bulk of your hike. Two miles from your ascension point, you'll reach Fiske Peak, the highest point on the ridge. Take a snap shot and head on back with your pup!
Dogs are welcome to accompany you on the trail, but should be kept on leash. The rocky path is easy for humans to hike on, but can be tough on a dog's paws. If your dog is new to hiking, watch them for signs of soreness.
Tackle Blue Ridge Trail South when you want a challenge that won't take all day!
Be on the lookout for snakes along the rocky surface of this trail! Keep your pup out of the underbrush, and make noise as you go along. Snakes don't want to meet you, either!