Splash Dam South Trail

Leaving from Davis, head South on 32 across the bridge. The trail marker is on the left (East) side of road. Splash Dam South Trail is well-blazed and also marked with "HOH" signs. For the entire ride out, the Blackwater will be on your left as the trail moves through tree cover into rhododendrons and out into open meadow before returning into forest for the ascent to the Hellbender Trail junction.

Splash Dam is excellent riding in both directions. It has a few short steep climbs and many rock gardens (the rock gardens are much tamer now that most have been smoothed out as part of the HOH project). The level of difficulty is fairly constant for the entire trail with challenges that are typical of the area (roots, rocks, mud). This trail is particularly recommended for its natural beauty and its constant care, which has mostly eliminated mud bogs.

Note that part way up the final ascent, there is a trail branch to the left that heads to a pedestrian bridge crossing the Blackwater. The bridge can also be reached from the Hellbender Trail junction by descending a logging road to the Left. Once across the bridge, the CVI trails can be accessed or a return to Davis can be made on the Camp 70 road.