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Death Rock

Situated high above the city of Williamson, Death Rock 
is a favorite among locals seeking the best view in the 
Tug Valley. The rock itself sits at 1,200 feet elevation and on a clear day, visibility can reach nearly 30 Miles. 

The Tug Valley Road Runner's Club regularly hosts group runs from downtown Williamson up to Death Rock and have maintained a running/hiking trail to the rock in addition to Shoe Rock on out the ridge.

For folks planning to hike to Death Rock, basic outdoor gear is suggested; Plenty of Water, Snacks, and perhaps a small first-aid kit. 

In the fall/winter/early spring, access to Death Rock is quite good with most of the foliage gone. However, hiking in the summer can be more challenging due to the brush that grows along the way. Additionally, hikers should be aware southern West Virginia is home to poisonous snakes and we are in their territory. Boots and long pants are highly recommended for summer time hiking anywhere in the area. 

Suggested Route to Death Rock

  • Start by parking in the public parking lot located adjacent to 3rd Avenue behind Wilson Eye Care Associates. 

  • Walk to the Prichard Street/3rd Avenue Rail Road Crossing and head up Prichard Street 

  • At the intersection with 4th Avenue, turn left and head up the hill 
    (You'll notice a brown Hatfield McCoy Trails Sign with a left-handed arrow)

  • Continue out 4th Avenue and bear right at the Trail #10 Entrance. 

  • Hike the trail up the mountain! (Be aware of Dirt bikes/Side-By-Sides/ATV's)

  • After the last hair-pin turn coming up the mountain, bear left and locate the smaller trail that heads north/northwest. (Blue on the map below)

  • Follow this trail until it intersects with another and turn right. 

  • At the next intersection, watch for a narrower/rocky trail and take that up the ridge.

  • Near the top, follow the painted arrows out to the rock itself. 

GPS Coordinates of Death Rock: 37.681216, -82.279737​

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