Lovely Valley Loop Hiking Trail - Wirtz, VA
Lovely Valley Loop Hiking Trail – Dog-Friendly Hiking in Wirtz, Virginia
Located in the heart of Wirtz, Virginia, the Lovely Valley Loop Hiking Trail is a picturesque escape perfect for dog lovers seeking pet-friendly trails. This 2.25-mile loop winds through mature forests, featuring shady paths, gradual climbs, and scenic creek crossings over charming wooden bridges. Spacious and tranquil, the trail delivers an enjoyable outdoor experience for both you and your pup, with benches thoughtfully placed for rest stops along the way.
Dog owners appreciate this trail’s well-maintained condition—even after heavy rain, the trail drains well and remains accessible, though surfaces may be moist or slippery. The route offers a peaceful environment, ideal for a relaxing walk without the crowds, and is a favorite spot for locals looking for a dog-friendly hiking trail near Wirtz. While Lovely Valley Loop doesn’t provide water fountains or restrooms, visitors are encouraged to come prepared and enjoy nature at its best. The dense forest canopy offers plenty of shade, keeping you and your furry friend cool during your adventure.
FAQ
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Dogs should be leashed while enjoying the trail.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Yes, there are benches available along the trail for resting.
- Is there shade or shelter available? The entire trail runs through mature forest, offering ample shade.
- Are restrooms available for owners? No, there are no restrooms available at the trail, so plan ahead.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? Yes, maintenance is prompt; downed trees are removed quickly and the trail is kept in excellent condition.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, this is a dedicated hiking trail loop ideal for dogs and their owners.
- Is the park muddy after it rains? The trail drains well, but certain areas may be moist or slippery after rainfall.
Reviews
This is an easy 2.25 mile loop trail through mature forest. The trail crosses a small creek twice by means of little wooden bridges.
There are a few benches along the trail so you can rest comfortably if needed. It’s not busy and you might meet only one or two other hikers during your time here. No restrooms and no access to drinking water, so please come prepared. I identified over a dozen bird species on my walk. Even with stopping once in a while, I completed the loop in a little over an hour. Thanks to all the folks involved in donating to the creation of this nice trail.
I took my Australian shepherd to this trail and it was great. Plenty of benches along the way. Only thing I didn’t care for was how close the trail comes to a few roads at certain points. I’d say almost half the time we were pretty close to cars going down the roads, but other than that it’s a nice little trail to get outside and walk. I thought it was 1.25 miles originally, but it’s actually 2.25 miles. Took around an hour, maybe a little more, but my dog likes to stop and smell everything. lol. Will definitely be back to do it again, nice to have a trail out here in Wirtz, & very close to my home.
(Also, due to recent ice storms there were trees down all over, some on the trail. But they were not difficult to get around.)
UPDATE: The next time I went back to walk this trail, all the trees had been removed from the path. It was within a week of my original post, so it was taken care of very quickly. I’ve been back with my dog 3 or 4 times now, and we LOVE IT.
It is rocky not smooth so if you need a cane you should use it. It’s in the trees so shady. You do go up some small hills in some areas. It could be muddy and slippery after a rain. It’s wild and wonderful. 2 to 3 miles.
Hiked this trail on a beautiful Sunday morning in late September. All climbs and descents are gradual. Beautiful stream! The 3-4 foot slithereing friend was a harmless black snake. Thankful for the folks who planned and volunteered their time to make it happen.
Stopped by early in the morning, after torrential rains the night before. The trail has good drainage and it was in great condition considering how much rain. It was still moist, and the leaves were slippery, but overall it wasn’t very muddy at all. The creek was running nicely.