Stephens Trail Parking - Fort Valley, VA
Stephens Trail Parking: A Dog-Friendly Hiking Hub in Fort Valley, Virginia
Stephens Trail Parking offers a great starting point for pet owners and outdoor enthusiasts seeking dog-friendly hiking adventures near Fort Valley, VA. While not a traditional dog park, this location is known for its pet-friendly trails that connect to scenic local hikes such as Kennedy Peak and Duncan Knob via Catback Mountain. The area is particularly popular when the Kennedy Peak parking area is full, and it provides easy access to longer hikes with stunning views of the Shenandoah Valley.
The parking lot itself is spacious and accommodates plenty of cars, making it a reliable option for weekend hikes. Trails are suitable for active dogs and their owners; however, be mindful that the terrain can be rough, with some ruts, loose stones, and elevation changes, so sturdy footwear and leashes are recommended. Families will appreciate that the hiking routes are good for kids, with options for kid-friendly loops and plenty of opportunities for adventure together with your pup.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed at Stephens Trail Parking? Yes, dogs are welcome on the hiking trails.
- Is there a fenced area for dogs? No, there isn’t a fenced dog area at this location.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, you can access Kennedy Peak, Duncan Knob, and other scenic pet-friendly trails directly from the parking area.
- Is there a playground or activities for kids nearby? The area is considered good for kids, especially for hiking and exploring nature with the family.
- Where is the best place to park? The parking lot at Stephens Trail Parking offers plenty of space and is the designated spot for accessing nearby trails.
- Is the terrain easy for dogs? Some trails have loose stones, ruts, and elevation changes; caution is advised and leashes are recommended for your dog’s safety.
Reviews
Good jumping off point for the Kennedy Peak loop, back way to Duncan Knob. Road in is a little rough…fine unless you’ve got low clearance. Loop has better valley views after leaves are down…overall about 1,600 of elevation change, trails generally in good shape.
This was a lovely day hike, we did the 9.2 mile loop up to Kennedy Peak. Beautiful views from the watchtower up top.
Some ruts and bumps in this parking area. You can also hike to Duncan Knob via Catback Mountain from this area, though it doesn’t seem like a popular way to get there, for whatever reason, perhaps because it is slightly farther than Kennedy Peak in terms of a hike.
This is a good place to park if the nearby Kennedy peak parking place is full. It’s going to be a longer hike from here, but you can easily get to the peak from here.
The parking lot is top notch. plenty of room. I parked here to hike the Massanuttan Trail that crossed the road and heads
south. This may be the worse trail I’ve ever been on. the first mile is great but then the forest opens up. it looks like the woods were either burnt, blighted, or timbered in the last 10-15 years. horrible looking. lots of loose stone on the trail as well so be careful. i rolled my ankle 3 times before i decided to get out.