If you’re looking for an easy to moderate hike in Southwest Virginia that’s got it all—river views, shaded forest paths, panoramic balds, and even some history—then the Sugar Hill Loop Trail in St. Paul, VA, is where it’s at!
The parking lot and trailhead are by Oxbow Lake, less than a mile from downtown St. Paul.
Which Way to Hike: Clockwise vs. Counterclockwise
At the trailhead kiosk, you’ll have two options to start your hike: left to go clockwise or right to go counterclockwise. I opted to go clockwise and I’m so glad I did!
- Clockwise: If you start clockwise, you’ll gradually gain elevation as you hike through an open meadow with beautiful views. The climb is steady but not too challenging, and if you go early, you’ll likely catch some wildlife, like deer, and maybe even mist hanging over the mountains. The wide-open spaces can get warm, but it feels great in the cooler parts of the day.
- Counterclockwise: Going counterclockwise, on the other hand, makes for a steeper challenge. Most elevation gain happens in the shaded forest, which can be a plus if you’re hiking in the heat. But the incline is a little more arduous.
So, depending on your hiking style and the time of year, you can pick your adventure: a steady, gradual climb with open views (clockwise) or a shaded but steeper challenge (counterclockwise).
What to Expect: Sugar Hill Loop Trail Highlights
The wide gravel and grass trail runs alongside the Clinch River, giving you what I’d call “peekaboo views” since the trees and foliage block parts of it. But even if you can’t always see the water, you can definitely hear it—those soft river sounds and the occasional rushing cascades made for a pretty awesome hiking soundtrack.
The trail eventually opens into a wide clearing with a mowed path, leading to a gentle but steady climb up the grassy bald.
I turned around at the top of the hill to see mountains draped in mist. It was absolutely magical! And just a few minutes later, out of nowhere, a paraglider appeared, soaring through the sky. It was such an unexpected surprise.
I also saw several white-tailed deer in the clearing, some from a distance and others pretty close. A curious fawn became so fascinated by me that it followed for a while until its mama finally nudged it to move along.
Next, I came across the remains of an 18th-century French settlement where not one but two murders took place.
Signage at the site explains that John English settled here in 1772. In 1787, raiders attacked his home and tragically killed his wife and two sons. Afterward, he moved away and sold the property to a Frenchman named Francois Pierre de Tuboeuf, who purchased the hand-hewn cedar log house.
De Tuboeuf and his family cleared the land, naming it “St. Marie on the Clinch.” Unfortunately, the Baron suffered a similar fate to John English’s family—thieves killed him, and his family eventually left the area as well.
Later, new owners farmed the land, and by the 1930s, a maple syrup and sugar operation thrived here, giving the area its name, “Sugar Hill.”
From this point, the trail heads into the forest for the rest of the loop. The path narrows and becomes a bit overgrown in spots, and the shade makes it muddy and slippery at times. I was fine in sneakers, but it hadn’t rained in a week, so the trail wasn’t too muddy. If it’s wetter, though, I’d definitely recommend wearing hiking boots with good tread.
Along the trail, you’ll find several educational markers highlighting different tree species, such as Northern Red Oak, Magnolia, and Sugar Maple—the tree that once blanketed Sugar Hill.
You’ll know you’re close to finishing the loop when you see Oxbow Lake. If you want to explore the lake more, a paved 1-mile walking and biking path circles it.
The last stretch of the Sugar Hill Loop takes you off state park property and back onto city property to finish the trail.
Final Thoughts
So, if you’re up for a hike that combines natural beauty, a bit of history, and some unique wildlife sightings, the Sugar Hill Loop Trail is a great choice! It’s the perfect way to experience Clinch River State Park. Don’t forget to bring your camera for those misty mountain views and maybe even a curious deer or two!
Stay tuned for an article with another way to experience Clinch River State Park—snorkeling!
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