2023 Double Diamond Award Winner

Congratulations to the Back Country Horsemen of the Virginia Highlands for winning the 2023 Double Diamond Award presented at the BCHA National Convention held in Casper, Wyoming on March 27th 2024. 

.DOUBLE DIAMOND AWARD APPLICATION-
Submitted by Nancy Sluys- President - Back Country Horsemen of the Virginia Highlands
Virginia Highlands Horse Trail / Jones Creek Project Phase 1- AKA “The Hale Hole”

The Virginia Highlands Horse Trail is an iconic 87 mile long trail that runs east/west across the
entire length of the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area (George Washington - Jefferson
National Forest) in southwest Virginia. The multi-use trail is enjoyed by equestrians, hikers,
mountain bikers and seasonally by motorcyclists in some areas. About 8 years ago a tree fell
and blocked Jones Creek, which was then diverted into the trail in the middle of a remote 8.5
mile section, scouring 300’ of tread down to bedrock, up to 5’ deep in places, creating a
dangerous situation for trail users. Dubbed “The Hale Hole”, because it was in the Hale Lake
area and really was a hell hole for trail users, the Forest Service did not have the staffing or
funds to address the problem nor the maintenance on the rest of the trails in the area that had
become degraded over the years of neglect.
See the results of their work on the project. Thank you for all your hard work.