House Mountain: A Big Hike to Very Big Views Near Lexington, Virginia

The 10.7-mile hike to the top of Big House Mountain and Little House Mountain near Lexington is (for me) among the most challenging hikes in Virginia.

There were spectacular overlooks with wide-open views, but wow, you really need to earn the vistas. Still, it was wildly rewarding to check off this hike.

All three rocky overlooks (yes, three) wow with scenic beauty. You’ll want to stop to re-hydrate and catch your breath at each one. Trust me.

This hike is an easy 12-minute drive from downtown Lexington, which is home to Washington & Lee University. It’s also 25 minutes from Buena Vista. 

Trail Stats
Length	10.7 miles
Difficulty	Strenuous
Trail Type	Out-and-Back
Elevation Gain	3,219 feet
Duration	6-7 hours
Terrain	Mostly dirt, rock & gravel trails
Dog-Friendly	Yes
Fee	Free
Driving Directions	Click Here

House Mountain Hike

First things first, the House Mountain hike is made up of two out-and-back hikes that share an approach hike to the saddle between two mountains.

The two mountains are Big House Mountain (elevation 3,645 feet) and Little House Mountain (elevation 3,386 feet).

It’s a rocky and gravelly 2.4 mile ascent to the saddle. Once at the saddle, hike west for Big House Mountain or hike east for Little House Mountain.

Another word of note, AllTrails lists this hike as 9.1 miles. Hiking Upward lists this hike as 8.9 miles. Both are lies. I clocked 10.7 miles. It was a long hike.

House Mountain Reserve

Big House Mountain and Little House Mountain are located in House Mountain Reserve, a 968 acre mountain preserve in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley.

Once owned by White’s Truck Stop, the Virginia Outdoors Foundation acquired the acreage to further recreational use when it was put up for sale in 1989.

In the late 19th century, the mountainous slopes were settled with homesteads. The saddle is now a meadow but was once a fruit orchard.

Several springs originate on the reserve due to its geological composition, but there are no water crossings. There is a seasonal spring near the hikers’ shelter.

There is a designated parking area for House Mountain Reserve on Saddle Ridge Road. There is also an information kiosk with a large trail map.

From the parking lot, turn left to walk up gravelly Saddle Ridge Road. The hike – and the ascent – begins now.

Trail Head Lane

Once you walk up the hill – about 0.1 miles – you’ll reach what’s called Trail Head Lane. Essentially, it’s still Saddle Ridge Road.

You’ll also see a green sign noting public access to House Mountain Reserve and discouraging vehicles past this point. Foot Traffic Only, you know.

Stay right at the next green sign. You’ll then pass a half-dozen or so homes on private property tucked off on either side of the gravel road.

The “Foot Traffic Only” signage is only for visitors. Homeowners are allowed to drive on this road, so you may see one or two along this gravel stretch.

House Mountain Trail

At the 0.7-mile mark, you’ll reach the last two private homes as you approach a closed gate. At this point, the trail becomes House Mountain Trail.

Walk around the gate to stay on the trail. There are no blazes on this rocky stretch to the saddle. For most hikers, it’s a manageable forested ascent.

You’ll arrive at the saddle at the 2.4-mile mark. Keep in mind, the meadow grasses may be tall (read: potentially full of ticks). I was glad I wore pants.

On my hike, the grasses were exceptionally tall and unavoidable. You’ll need to walk through them to reach the blazed trails to the top of both mountains.

Big House Mountain

From the saddle, I started with the red-blazed Big House Mountain Trail. Both hikes are strenuous, and both are roughly three miles.

Big House Mountain is nearly 300 feet taller than Little House Mountain, but otherwise, I felt like they were more or less the same challenge-wise.

From the saddle, continue east and at the 2.5-mile mark you will reach the wooden hikers’ shelter with a fire pit and a privy. It’s nice for a quick stop.

Keep climbing, following the large red diamonds. Honestly, it is very, very steep in some sections. Thankfully, it’s also mostly shaded on this hike.

Table Rock

At the 3.1-mile mark, you’ll reach a sign for Table Rock. Follow the side trail with orange blazes. Be prepared for some rock scrambles. 

In less than 0.1-mile you’ll reach a trail sign. Turn left for the overlook, which you’ll reach at the 3.3-mile mark. It’s just steps past a small stone fire pit.

The west-facing vistas are simply fantastic. Some call this spot Goat Point Overlook. Of the three overlooks, this one was my favorite.

Once you’ve soaked in all the views, re-trace your steps to the trail sign then follow the orange diamonds to Table Rock at the 3.4-mile mark.

Table Rock is a rock formation set atop a small boulder field that looks kind of like a lopsided table. I definitely thought it was kind of cool.

Big House Mountain Overlook

At the 3.6-mile mark, you will be back on the Big House Mountain Trail. A sign indicates the trail goes left and right. Turn left to proceed to the overlook.

Shortly, you’ll reach a small abandoned building made of cinder blocks. There are some shelves inside, but I don’t know the purpose of the old building.

Then, you’ll see a sign that reads “Overlook.” If you look at the map, you’ll note that this is essentially the summit of Big House Mountain.

When I see such a sign, I assume that an overlook is close at hand. Not this time. The actual overlook is still another 0.4 miles up the trail.

I kept walking and walking, faithfully following the red diamonds. At last, the trail dead-ends at a small rocky outcrop with big east-facing mountain views.

I wanted to turn around many times. I really wasn’t sure the trail was leading anywhere, despite the presence of the red diamonds.

From here, re-trace your steps on the Big House Mountain Trail to the trail sign at the 4.5-mile mark. Then, continue on to the Table Rock junction.

Turn left at the 4.7-mile mark. Watch your feet as you cautiously make your way down the steep, rocky trail. You’ll reach the saddle at the 5.3-mile mark.

Little House Mountain

As you re-approach the saddle, you’ll see a trail sign for the blue-blazed Little House Mountain Trail. Walk across, and as usual, the ascent begins now.

The hike up this trail starts out pretty mellow, but then you need to dig deep to follow the blue blazes and make it to the summit of Little House Mountain.

At the 5.6-mile mark, you’ll reach a nice wide-open view to the south. There is no outcrop or nice spots to sit down. It’s basically a big window on the trail.

You’ll then reach an outcrop at the 5.8-mile mark. It’s easy to miss, too. I did miss this on the way up, but caught the nice views on the way down.

A lot of this blue-blazed trail is fairly narrow, but at least you can enjoy some relatively flat sections near the top, as well as a fun rock scramble.

Little House Mountain Overlook

At the 6.8-mile mark, you have arrived. You are at the overlook on Little House Mountain. Take in all the views of mountains and working farms down below.

I was not eager to make the hike back to the parking area anytime soon because I knew it was going to be a long, rocky descent. Eesh.

In fact, it’s nearly four miles from the rocky outcrop on Little House Mountain to the parking area. Honestly, it felt like it just went on and on and on.

Your hike is complete at the 10.7-mile mark. Pop open a bottle of chilled champagne and celebrate. You deserve it for checking off this hike.

Wrap-Up Notes

From the parking area, this hike took me nearly 5.5 hours, including time spent taking in the views from the various outcrops and overlooks.

In comparing my hike to AllTrails, I can tell you that AllTrails does not include the 0.9 miles to and from the rocky overlook at Big House Mountain.

Their hike also starts from Trail Head Lane and does not include the extra mileage from the approach hike that starts at the parking area.

As an option, you can do either Big House Mountain or Little House Mountain. Both out-and-back hikes on their own are in the range of 7.7 to 7.8 miles.

All in all, the views across the House Mountain area are fantastic. It’s a good hike when you want a work-out. You’ll also be relieved to reach the end of the trail.

Bring lots of water and high-energy snacks. The water sources cannot be relied on. There is only a seasonal spring near the shelter. You will need plenty of water.

Eager to step foot on more scenic hiking trails in Rockbridge County? Check out my favorite hikes near Lexington, Virginia.