Fortune’s Cove provides two loops that reward visitors with stunning mountain vistas. The preserve is situated within some 29,000 acres of relatively intact forest habitat and hosts rare plant communities on a series of rocky glades.
The 5.3-mile loop trail climbs steeply from the parking area, gaining some 1,500 feet in elevation before reaching its highest point.
The trail forks at the 0.8-mile mark. Continuing along the Upper Loop (Yellow Trail) makes for an arduous 5.1-mile counter-clockwise trek around the horseshoe-shaped cove. Hikers should be in good physical condition and should allow about four hours to complete this trail.
Turning left at the fork onto the Lower Loop (or White Trail) shortens the total distance to 3.7 miles and lowers the intensity by cutting out the steepest climbs.
Please Note: Dogs are not allowed at this preserve.
Open daily, dawn to dusk, year-round.
Fortune’s Cove Nature Preserve
Fortune’s Cove Lane
Lovingston, VA 22949
Directions
From US 29 near Lovingston travel north for 0.5 miles to Rt. 718/Mountain Cove Road. Turn left and follow Rt. 718 west 1.5 miles to Rt. 651/ Fortune’s Cove Ln. Turn right (north) on Rt. 651/ Fortune’s Cove Ln and continue for 1.6 miles to Fortune’s Cove Preserve.
