Choose Your Own Adventure with hundreds of miles of trails twist, meander, dip and climb through the peaks and valleys around St. Paul. You can take your pick from peaceful hikes along the Clinch River and technical scrambles up steep terrain; hikes that are short and sweet and multi-day adventures. Our trail system offers something for everyone whether it is hiking, biking or ATV trails you are looking to discover.
Sugar Hill Loop Trail
This well-maintained hiking and biking trail extends nearly 5.5 miles around and over Sugar Hill, the large ridge north of Oxbow Lake Park. The trail climbs steeply to the ridge and then curves back around near the dam at the eastern end of Oxbow lake. The Lower River Trail traverses the banks of the State Scenic Clinch River. This river is home to several species of endangered freshwater mussels. Feel free to observe them from the bank. Sugar Hill Loop Trail traverses dense hardwood forest filled with excitement for the patient observer. The trees hold numerous breeding songbirds including red-eyed vireo, wood thrush, yellow-billed cuckoo, and some warblers as well as fox squirrel.
The Sugar Hill and Clinch River Trails have been nominated as state birding and wildlife viewing trails because of the wide variety of flora and fauna found along the way.
The trailhead for the Sugar Hill Loop Trail is located just west of the Oxbow Lake Loop Trail. Parking is available at the Oxbow Lake Park (shared parking lot) or at the west end of the lake.
Mountain View Trail System
Mountain View has expanded to over 100 tree-lined miles, with 10 miles of dedicated single track for dirt bikes. This system has a nice mix of green, blue, and black trails, great views, and fun for all! The trailhead is located in our ATV-friendly town, just off 3rd Avenue, and you can ride your OHV to your room, the store, and to get gas or food.
All of Spearhead Trail Systems are multi-use, meaning they are open to mountain bikers and hikers as well. Horses are not allowed on OHV trail systems due to safety concerns.
Permits are required and may be purchased on-line or at several retailers in town. For more information, visit SpearheadTrails.com.
Bluebell Island – Part of St. Paul on the Clinch Trails
Visitors will stroll along Lick Creek as it flows toward the Clinch River. The trail follows the creek beneath a railroad bridge built in 1912, then plunges deeper into the riverside forest. Here, the trail forks, with bikers branching right onto another trail and hikers staying left.
The hiking trail continues along the Clinch River and offers a view of Bluebell Island, a 1.3-acre area owned by St. Paul that is now part of a conservation easement with the Nature Conservancy. Its namesake belongs to a flower that blooms in late spring along the trail. The path meanders along the river before emerging from the woods at A.R. Matthews Park, where it continues tracking the river before jotting up a hill and past an old red railroad caboose toward downtown St. Paul. The trail passes through the heart of downtown before rejoining the Clinch River near its terminus.
Oxbow Lake
Oxbow Lake Park is a city-owned park that includes a wetland and forest complex adjacent to the Clinch River. Because of its well maintained trail system, it is a popular destination for many of Saint Paul’s residents. The Oxbow Lake trail is a paved, wheelchair-accessible mile-long loop. Restroom facilities are located at the parking area. The park provides residence to a large selection of big and showy dragonflies including blue dasher, slaty and widow skimmers, and prince baskettail. Butterflies include black swallowtail, zebra swallowtail, eastern tailed-blue, and clouded sulphur. The lake holds a few feral ducks and geese but could be better for waterfowl in the winter and during migration. The surrounding fields, bushes, and hardwood forest hold orchard oriole, ruby-throated hummingbird, eastern kingbird, red-eyed vireo, and wood thrush. The lake itself can attract barn and rough-winged swallows as well as the occasional purple martin. The east end of the lake provides access to three additional trails that traverse both riverine and mountain habitats.
Sugar Hill Brewing
After an amazing day on the St. Paul trails, make a stop at Sugar Hill Brewing. An old hardware store in downtown turned into the area’s destination for quality craft beer, food, and community gathering. As with most dreams and worthwhile endeavors, the process to bring Sugar Hill Brewing Company to life has been a path paved with determination and genuine passion, but it shows in the atmosphere, staff, and top-notch food and drink. The original idea came from the Baileys’ son, Alex, who convinced them that a brewery was a necessary part of life in the tiny town of St. Paul. The Baileys embarked on the epic quest to bring craft beer to this corner of Southwest Virginia Along the way, they’ve been joined by other talented and fearless individuals, all with the goal of making Sugar Hill Brewing Company the best place to Eat, Drink, and Be Merry!
Go to VisitStPaulVA.com for more info!
