Just after you pass a wooden sign marking the boundary for the James River Face Wilderness, you start a steep climb up 19 (!) switchbacks. As you hike up from about 960 feet to 1,680 feet, you get nice views of Glasgow, and the James and Maury Rivers through the trees. Because of the dense foliage, however, except for in a few spots, these views are the most continuous in the early spring, late fall, and winter, when the trees have fewer leaves.

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Best routes to Switchbacks on the Balcony Falls Trail

1. Balcony Falls Trail — Jefferson National Forest

16.5km

05:02

590m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Distance 1.92 km

Uphill 230 m

Downhill 10 m

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Today

Thursday 12 February

5°C

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Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h

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Location: Rockbridge County, Virginia, United States

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Switchbacks on the Balcony Falls Trail

1. Balcony Falls Trail — Jefferson National Forest

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