House Mountain is a hidden gem that not too many people know about. When searching for nice hikes in Central Virginia, few places will suggest House Mountain and I cannot imagine why. This hike is located in Lexington Virginia. The thing that first drew me to this one was the fact that it has two summits, Big House summit and Little House summit. Unfortunately, I was only able to go to Big House summit, due to the fact that Big House is exhausting and my friends couldn't even fathom having to travel up toward Little House summit.
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| This house is this big. |
Before you judge how out of shape they are let me describe the hike first. The first half of a mile is uphill on a gravel road, you actually will pass some houses before you reach the gate. Here the road stops and the actual trail begins. From the road is another 1.7 miles up the trail until you reach the saddle (where the trail divides off into the direction of each summit). This part of the trail was actually one of my favorites to hike along. It features multiple inclines for a couple yards and then it flattens out for a short time. The flat parts provided nice breaks in between each incline which I was thankful for considering it was around 90 degrees that day. The trail is nice and wide, unlike most trails you see on the Appalachian there is plenty of walking room. Once you reach the saddle you can turn right to travel to Little House Mountain or you can continue straight for one mile until you reach the summit of Big House Mountain. I continued going straight (you know you're going the right way if you pass a shelter on your right in a couple yards). Get ready to have your butt kicked on this part of the hike. I have experienced some steep hikes before, but nothing like this. Every time I am on a trail with switchbacks, I always wish that instead of the switchbacks it went straight up the mountain so the hike was shorter. Well, now I know why man created the switchback strategy. This climb will feel like a never ending climb straight up the mountain.
Our group literally had to take a break every 20 feet. You will know that you are almost there when you reach what my friends and I like to call, "90 yards of fury".
The trail will make a hairpin turn and open up to a steep, rocky, 90 yard climb up to the ridge line. This part is so steep you will have to have a hand on to the base of trees and rocks while you climb up. It is nothing dangerous, but it will most likely double your heart rate until you reach the top. Once at the top turn left on continue on the trail for about 50 feet. Graciously enough, the trees will open up to a spectacular view. Once of my favorites, by far. I feel like I say that after every hike, but this one is no different. Although I didn't think it was possible, it was worth the 90 yards of fury.
What drew me to this hike to begin with was the legend that was attached to it. From other hiking posts I looked at before going, I saw that the top of Big House Mountain was named Goat Point Overlook. The reason being, there apparently is a goat at the top that multiple people have taken their picture with. A couple months ago, my sister bought me a shirt with a goat on it that says Don't worry I goat this. Of course, I had to get my picture with my shirt and an actual goat. Unfortunately there was no goat, but luckily there is this thing known as photoshop where you can make it look like you found anything at the top of the mountain. For me, I was content with just a me and a goat.
Another fun side feature at the top that I recommend you go explore is the"rock canyon". From the summit, walk to the right along the ridge line until you run into rocks. The rocks are fun to explore and there is a really cool gravity defying rock called Tabletop Rock. It reminded me of Cross Rock along the Flat Top trail, only much easier to access.
Location: Saddle Ridge Rd, Lexington, VA 24450
