George Washington National Forest (GWNF): Lee Ranger District!

Bird Knob Area Vistas, Swimming Hole, Wild Berries, and a Post Hike Meal: A Moderate to Easy Side of Strenuous 8 Miles on Massanutten Mountain

The circuit begins on Massanutten South Trail with a long climb from the visitor center in New Market Gap to the rocky crest of Massanutten Mountain  to some magnificent views of the valley to the West. After that, the hike levels off to a pleasant moderate trek through the woods. After exploring the crest, it returns to the South Trail to descend back to the start. Along the way, note horizontally layered rock formations, ledges with fine views to West Virginia ridges, and possibilities for short side trips into clearings to observe birds and other fauna. A particularly attractive clearing is near the southern end of the route, close to Bird Knob after passing the turnoff to a TV relay station, the trail zigzags westward to an open field. A pond in the far corner of that field may be abundant with wildlife, especially in early spring and and fall, plus there is a fantastic swimming hole in this area as well and is not only pretty, but also most clean, cool, and inviting this time of year!   Lots of blackberries and blueberries along the way which should be ripe by now in very Late August, yay! Portions taken form the book "Circuit Hikes in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania" Photo courtesy of Hiking Upward and One taken by a member.

Click Here to Check Out Pics From A Recent Trip! You Will Not be Dissaointed...

Hike Pace
The pace for this hike will be a moderate pace of about 2.5mph which is that of an average hiker. If you are not comfortable hiking within this pace rage, please select another hike today and have a great hike!

Transition Hike (Moderate to Strenuous)

This is a fabulous hike for transitioning from moderate to strenuous hiking because there is a only one yet rather steep climb in the beginning of this hike and then it is mostly flat and moderate the rest of the way. In turn for that initial investment your reward will be 2 fantastic and breathtaking vistas as well as a Chrystal clear hidden away swimmin' hole for us to cool off in which will feel just fine, and all the delicious berries are an added bonus this time of year and also increase our chances of getting to see bears, yay! If you would like any assistance deciding if this is an appropriate hike for you, please contact the hike leader(s) or myself, Kellie, as that is one of many ways we are here for you and we are more than happy to assist you with making an informed decision.

Trail Information
Highlights: SOLITUDE, 2 great vistas, and a fantastic clear and sparkling swimmin' hole, and a lot of ripe wild berries along the way to enjoy!
Near:Edinburg, VA
Distance: 8.3 miles round trip
Total Ascents: 1000 ft
Hike Time: 4.5-5 hours
Difficulty: Easy Side of Strenuous Because of a Difficult Hill Near the Beginning of the Hike, otherwise this is a moderate hike.
HikeType: Loop
Local Contacts: George Washington National Forest-Lee Ranger District [masked]

Trail Notes for Leaders

Hiker Tip!

Freeze some cream and sugar or whatever you enjoy berries with (in season-late Augutst to about mid September) and put it in a container and bring it along for the hike. By the time the hike nears the end it will be just perfect for you to enjoy the berries you or all of us together pick and share with your cream-grin.

Weather Information
We hike rain or shine! Click here to see an up to the minute forecast for where we will be hiking.

Carpool Information
There are 2 carpools for this hike!
Baltimore Area Carpool
To carpool or caravan from the Baltimore metro area, meet at Savage Station. Click here for directions to Savage Station.  Use the comment section to discuss carpooling with other members.

DC Area Carpool
To carpool or caravan from the metro DC area, meetup at the Centerville Park and Ride. Click here for informationand directions to the Centerville location.  Use the comment section to discuss carpooling with other members.

If you can drive or want to carpool from additional locations, please post your location in the comment section below. For those who need a ride, reach out to the drivers. Make friends, and support the environment - by just offering a ride!

Directions to the Trailhead
Click here for directions to where we meet for this hike

Hike is at 10:00 a.m.

Carpool meetup time from Savage Station is 7:30 a.m.

Carpool meetup time at Centerville Park and Ride is 7:45 a.m.

Gear Information
Click here for suggestions for what to wear and what not to wear for our hikes.

Please remember we are a social hiking group that values fellowship and camaraderie and practice good hike etiquette. We take breaks as necessary and have at least one guide in the front in addition to a "sweeper" in the back and guides/sweepers which means that no hiker is left behind. If you get upset because someone has to rest at the top of a hill etc. then find another group! We are very supportive, encouraging, and focus on safety while getting or staying fit on the trail and practicing Leave No Trace outdoor ethics.

Fido is Welcome on This Hike as Long As He/She is a Well Seasoned Trail Dog as This Trail is Tough on Their Paws!

Let's have good times!

Be sure to take the hike leaders numbers with you just in case!

Lauren: [masked]