The Traces Trail is a 1.7-mile loop trail near Luray, Virginia, that follows the perimeter of Mathews Arm Campground. The trail is considered easy and takes about 44 minutes to complete. It's a popular trail for camping and hiking, and dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. The trail offers a pleasant walk through the woods with some shaded sections and glimpses of views through the trees. Along the way, you'll see traces left behind by former residents of the area, including stone walls and remnants of old roads. The trail is suitable for families with young children and novice hikers, and there are some family-friendly options available. Wildlife such as deer and small woodland mammals can be spotted, and there are some educational opportunities, including a fenced-in area where research is being conducted on the impact of white-tailed deer on local flora
Plan your family visit to the Traces Trail with these blog insights 👇
Activities: We hiked the Traces Trail, which runs around the Mathews Arm Campground. We learned about the history of the mountain settlement that once existed there and saw interesting geological sights
Highlights: We enjoyed the mix of natural and cultural history along the trail. The kids were fascinated by the traces of the past settlement and the different types of trees and rocks we saw ✨