Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group

Strenuous 10.5 Mile Hike in George Washington National Forest: Signal Knob!

January 20 · 9:30 AM
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George Washington National Forest: Signal Knob! A Strenuous 10.5 Mile Hike

"Certainly this hike was one of a kind. spectacular! Magnificent! Breathtaking!" - Feng, A Member of The Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group

This is a wonderful hike with awesome vistas and about the best we have yet to see in Northern Virginia. The terrain is very rocky in places and there are some serious hills earning it a strenuous rating.

The trail is situated only 8 miles west of Front Royal and it only takes approximately 1.5 hour to get there from the Metro Washington area, making it a gem of a hike and not too far and WELL worth the drive. If you carpool, the time will fly and you will make new friends along the way!

Hike Pace

This hike will lead a moderate pace of about 2.5mph

Note: Hike leaders reserve the right to turn hikers away at the trailhead if they come unprepared (flip flops, no water, not appropriately prepared for the elements, etc.) If you have any questions regarding anything related to this hike, the hike leaders number is posted below and we are all here to help so that everyone can have a comfortable and safe trip. We are always happy to help you make an informed decision but it is up to you to call or we cannot help you.

Trail Information

Activity Type: Hiking
Nearby City: Front Royal
Length: 10.5 total miles
Trail Type: Loop
Skill Level: Strenuous
Duration: 5.5 hours
Season: This hike is simply great year 'round! The views are enjoyable in the winter due to clear crisp views from the vistas, while the spring and summer wildflowers and mountain laurel are simply gorgeous! Then, in late summer there are tons of berries, so you will see this posted year 'round!
Elevation: 2,680 ft with two different ascents
Local Contacts: George Washington National Forest

Trail Notes for Leaders

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.

DC Area Carpool
To carpool or caravan from the metro DC area, meet at the Centerville Park and Ride. Click here for informationand directions to the Centerville location.

If you can drive or want to carpool from any locations such as the DC area, please post your location and needs in the comment section below. Click here for suggested carpool locations complete with directions. 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

Meetup Time for Hike is at 9:30 a.m.

Carpool meetup time from Savage Station is 7:10 a.m.

Carpool time from Centerville Park and Ride is 8:10 a.m.

Fido is Welcome on this Hike only with prior approval from the Hike Leader.

Let's have good times and see you on the trail!

Steve: [masked]

Brian: [masked]

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Sarita K

This was my first hike in GWNF and I LOVED it. Not only was it a nice trail, it was good to see my friends and I made lots of new friends too! Thank you Steve and Brian! I had a blast!

2 · January 21
Irene

Awesome hike, thanks guys Steve and Brian for leading! and what a beautiful day it was too. great to see everyone.

2 · January 20
Tom

Great hike, weather, company, and leadership!

2 · January 20
Chris Klocek

Thanks to Steve and Brian for leading; a beautiful day and a nice hike.

2 · January 20
Steve G.

What an awesome day for a hike, with equally awesome (if not more so) hikers!

It was great to meet some new folks and see some familiar faces! It is always my pleasure to be out with you all!

Hope you all enjoyed the hike as much as I did leading it! Thanks everybody for spending a part of your Sunday hiking with us!

2 · January 20
Devon Alexander Stoney

It was an excellent hike! Steve was an amazing hike leader.

2 · January 20
Stuart Tate

Another great hike with great people and great views. Thanks Steve for leading!

3 · January 20
Sarah W

Had fun, thanks!

2 · January 20
David Caviness

Thanks Steve and Brian for leading the hike. Lots of fun and great group of strong hikers.

2 · January 20
kimmie

I interest in carpool from Centreville P&R, will be happy to contribute on gas. Thank you.

0 · January 18
- View all 9 replies
- Chris Klocek
  
  I can drive from Centreville. Room for 3.
  
  1 · January 18
- kimmie
  
  Chris, thanks for your offer, will see you at Centreville P&R at 8:10 a.m.
  
  1 · January 18
- Anthony
  
  Hello Chris. May I ride with you? Doing so would allow Daniel to carpool more from MD/DC and not have to stop in Centreville.
  
  0 · January 19
- Chris Klocek
  
  Yes,, see you at Centreville
  
  0 · January 19
- Pujak
  
  me too @centerville!
  
  0 · January 19
- Chris Klocek
  
  Ok, see you at Centreville
  
  0 · January 19
- Anthony
  
  Thanks Chris, see ya.
  
  0 · January 19
- kimmie
  
  Chris,thanks again for your offer, I need to drop out the hike as I need to be at work half day today . I will see you for the next hike.
  
  2 · January 20
- Chris Klocek
  
  Ok
  
  0 · January 20
zahra mcclaion

how we can get approval can i have a phone # of the gorp lieder have tans questions

0 · January 18
- Steve G.
  
  our phone numbers are above.
  
  0 · January 19
Kellie Carlisle

How to Move from the Waitlist to a “Yes” - If you are on the wait list, you will get an e-mail as slots become available. It is a “first come first serve” system for available slots. Slots are open to everyone, whether on the wait list or not. However, being on the wait list will make certain that you are notified when open slots become available as well as letting me know to look for another leader if the trails (and parking) can accommodate it and still comply with our Leave No Trace pledge. Click the following link for how to get off the wait list and RSVP “yes”, http://www.midatlantichiking.co... Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you need further assistance as that is what I am here for.

0 · January 12
- zahra mcclaion
  
  how can i find gorps in my age am 67 years young
  
  0 · January 18
- Steve G.
  
  what's a gorp?
  
  0 · January 19
Anthony

Anyone willing to welcome me as a passenger? I''d glady help with gas.

0 · January 16
- View all 6 replies
- Daniel Corini
  
  Where abouts Anthony? Couple dif carpools or poss. Carpools looks like.
  
  0 · January 16
- Anthony
  
  Centreville Park and Ride. Thanks for asking.
  
  0 · January 16
- Daniel Corini
  
  Were meeting over in grosvenor, but if noone ends up leaving from your area, Centreville Park and Ride is right off 66, which is the route we'll be taking. So if you'd like we can work that into our carpool if no one else leaves from Centreville.
  
  0 · January 16
- Anthony
  
  Cool.
  
  0 · January 17
- Anthony
  
  Chris offered a ride from Centreville. I appreciate the initial welcome. See you on the trail.
  
  0 · January 19
- Daniel Corini
  
  Yup I saw, glad it worked out. See you there.
  
  0 · January 19
Christine

Hey folks, my +1 and I are going straight to the trailhead - see you all there! Looking forward to a great day!

1 · January 19
Daniel Corini

Would anyone want to carpool from Rockville or NW DC Metro area?

0 · January 12
- View all 34 replies
- tara
  
  Hi Daniel, I will be leaving from NW DC...
  
  0 · January 13
- Emily
  
  I am in NE DC and would love to carpool..
  
  0 · January 13
- Daniel Corini
  
  Which metro would you guys want to meet at? Shady grove, rockville, white flint?
  
  0 · January 13
- tara
  
  no matter... I can drive or were you going to Daniel?
  
  0 · January 13
- Daniel Corini
  
  I can drive. Doesnt matter to me, though Ive got a sedan so an SUV would be more preferable.
  
  0 · January 13
- tara
  
  I have a SUV and do not mind driving - I live close to Mt Vernon Sq. so whatever stops works best for you all.
  
  0 · January 13
- Daniel Corini
  
  We can take your SUV then. Would White flint metro work for you? Its in bethesda right off the beltway. Hopefully thats easy for Emily too.
  
  0 · January 13
- Sarah W
  
  Can I catch a ride too? I am in DuPont circle and can meet at the metro. Thanks!
  
  0 · January 13
- Bruce
  
  sarah, if i get into the hike I can easily get you, I am just up at Van Ness. Then we can meet up somewhere where Daniel if he still wants riders. We'll see what happens with the wait list.
  
  0 · January 13
- Sarah W
  
  Thanks for reaching out! Let me know
  
  0 · January 13
- Daniel Corini
  
  Sounds like a tenative plan. We can pick an exact metro once it gets a bit closer. Anything in NW or W dc area works for me.
  
  0 · January 13
- tara
  
  White Flint works for me... what time should we meet?
  
  0 · January 13
- Daniel Corini
  
  Well its roughly an hour and a half drive from white flint. So we should probably aim to meetup at 730.
  
  0 · January 14
- Priyanga
  
  I'm looking for a ride too from that area - is there room?
  
  0 · January 14
- Daniel Corini
  
  We will have room. We can take 2 vehicles if we need to
  
  0 · January 14
- Priyanga
  
  Great - thanks so much! White Flint is actually closer to me but last time seemed a bit awkward for carpooling since there's not really a kiss and ride or waiting spot not in the way of buses and traffic. Would Grosvenor be easier to meet at? It has an easy kiss and ride and ample surface parking right next to the station.
  
  0 · January 14
- Daniel Corini
  
  Any works for me. Im coming from rockville so whatever is easiest to meet up and central to everyone works for me.
  
  0 · January 14
- Maggie Snowel
  
  Grosvenor worked well this weekend. I'd like to join too.
  
  0 · January 14
- Sarah W
  
  Do you guys still have 1 more spot? Thanks, Sarah
  
  0 · January 15
- tara
  
  I can fit three comfortably.
  
  0 · January 15
- Daniel Corini
  
  Sarah dont worry about room. We will have to take 2 vehicles so we can all just meet up at grosvenor like priyanga suggested and we'll take as many as we need to.
  
  1 · January 15
- Sarah W
  
  Sounds great, I can be there! I think the first metro does not leave until 7 and it arrives around 715 at my stop, so, I will probably be a little after the 730 time. Is that still okay?
  
  0 · January 16
- Priyanga
  
  Sounds great, Daniel - thanks!
  
  0 · January 16
- Daniel Corini
  
  How far down the line are you Sarah? Someone might be able to pick you up and bring you with them to grosvenor. If not then the second car can just wait a bit longer till you get there
  
  0 · January 16
- Stuart Tate
  
  Hooray, I was able to get a spot on the hike. Would like to meet you all at Grosvenor as well. I can be an extra car if needed or a paying passenger if not
  
  2 · January 16
- Devon Alexander Stoney
  
  Yipee Stuart!
  
  0 · January 16
- Daniel Corini
  
  Sounds good stuart, we can figure out what extra cars to take when we all get there. See you on Sunday
  
  0 · January 16
- Sarah W
  
  Daniel, I am at dupont cir
  
  0 · January 17
- Daniel Corini
  
  715 at dupont though it would get there only a little after 730 i'd imagine. So that works still.
  
  0 · January 17
- Sarah W
  
  I will be there, thanks
  
  0 · January 19
- tara
  
  hey all bad news... i broke a toe in my soccer game today and there is no way I can participate in the hike. I cannot tell you how disappointed I am.
  
  0 · January 19
- Daniel Corini
  
  Bummer Tara, thanks for letting everyone know though. Well the great thing is there's always more hikes for when its healed up.
  
  0 · January 19
- Devon Alexander Stoney
  
  Ok Guys I was originally going to drive straight to the trailhead but I will meet you guys at 730am tomorrow. I will be driving and Stuart will be riding with me which means I have room for 2 more people. Sara W I live in Dupont Circle so I can give you a ride I am at 1916 R Street NW I will be leaving at 7am Promptly so feel free email me direct at [masked] or call my cell [masked] Devon A. Stoney.
  
  0 · January 19
- Daniel Corini
  
  Cool see you there Devon
  
  0 · January 19
Sameer

I am driving from Alexandria area, let me know if anybody need car pool

0 · January 19
Steve G.

Wow, that sure is some waiting list!

So I give you my usual spiel. This is a very full hike with a loooooong waiting list. If you're plans change, please, oh please update your rsvp. Lets have no no-shows for this one, no shows on full hikes make me sad, and you don't want to make me sad, now do you?

3 · January 15
- View all 5 replies
- Christine
  
  I won't take my spot for granted! :) Quick question: will there be a post-meal? (I always have to ask...)
  
  0 · January 15
- Daniel Corini
  
  Wouldnt want that now steve haha. My plans are solid, i'd also like to know if were planning on a post meal.
  
  0 · January 15
- Steve G.
  
  I don't usually do much advanced planning regarding a post-hike meal, it just kind of happens. I can guarantee you though, I'm always hungry after a hike, and I'
  
  0 · January 15
- Steve G.
  
  (crap hit return too fast) I'll be going someplace to eat after. I even know of someplace with half-way decent food in Front Royal. :)
  
  2 · January 15
- Daniel Corini
  
  Haha sounds good. Ive always been partial to post hike big meals myself
  
  3 · January 15
Steve G.

For this one, I'm going to be driving via Harper's Ferry from Baltimore. If anybody is interested in carpooling from either the park and ride at I-70&Security Blvd, or I-70&MD-32, let me know. I'm willing to drive.

0 · January 13
Bruce

I am in NW DC and would be happy to share a ride, but I am still on the waiting list. Fingers crossed....

0 · January 12
- Daniel Corini
  
  Alright Bruce let me know if you nab a spot as it opens.
  
  0 · January 12
- Bruce
  
  will do.
  
  0 · January 13

24 attended

Brian Crowe

Certified Hike Leader

Event Host
Steve G.

Certified Hike Leader

Event Host
Maggie Snowel

Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes! 01/20/2013
David
Ross Cantrell
Daniel Corini

Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes!
Sameer

Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes!
Pujak
Kelly
Christine +1
Sarita K

Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes! 03/19/2013
Christian
Christina
Irene
Tom

Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes!
Chris Klocek
Anthony
Devon Alexander Stoney

Certified Hike Leader
Stuart Tate

Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes! 01/14/13
Sarah W
David Caviness

Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes!
Lyndal

Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes!
Chris Taylor

Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes! 01/14/13

Your organizer's refund policy for Strenuous 10.5 Mile Hike in George Washington National Forest: Signal Knob!

Refunds offered if:

the Meetup is cancelled
the Meetup is rescheduled
you can cancel at least 2 day(s) before the Meetup

Additional notes: If your RSVP is changed to no PRIOR to 48 hours before hike time!

Payments you make go to the organizer, not to Meetup. You must make refund requests to the organizer.

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Washington, DC

Founded Jul 21, 2007

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We are a laid back group of diverse people who enjoy hiking with others while exploring trails in Maryland, DC, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. A sense of humor is a must and we are very much a social hiking group. Our group focuses on camaraderie, safety while having good times out on the trail, and leading an active lifestyle. We enjoy Mother Nature's diversity as well as our own, so get your rear in gear and come on out and join us for a hike!

Why We Hike - To have good times, make friends, and maybe even meet that special someone along the trail while enjoying the benefits of the great outdoors. Whether you want to lose weight, have never hiked a mile in your life, or have a goal to rise up to the challenge of ultra hiking 30 miles in one day, we have a hike for you. Remember, we were all newbies once and we enjoy introducing others to hiking. It is a great way to relieve stress while getting great exercise and enjoying the variety of what Mother Nature has to offer.

When We Hike - In the mornings, afternoons, evenings, darkest of nights, every weekend, all year round. We average 10 hikes a week. Seasonal, after work hikes are offered in many areas throughout our region as well.

Where We Hike - Anywhere within the Mid-Atlantic region. We also have special trips to places farther away. Hikes range from very easy sneaker hikes on paved paths along gentle streams and clear lakes, to very strenuous, steep climbs and rock scrambles to mountain summits. We visit Shenandoah National Park, George Washington National Forest, and the Appalachian Trail almost every weekend. We strive to offer at least one easy, moderate, and strenuous hike within 60 miles of Baltimore, DC, and Northern Virginia each weekend. Additionally, we have cookouts, white water floats, hike out/paddle backs, cave trips, natural water slides hikes, Appalachian Trail section hikes, camping trips, volunteer offerings, and last but certainly not least, our very popular Monuments in the Moonlight hikes that have been featured in the Washington Post.

How We Hike - With safety and camaraderie! We will NOT leave anyone behind and we strive for a 1:15 volunteer hike leader to member ratio. Hiking in large groups is not fun for you or anyone else on the trail, including our own volunteer leadership team. Hikes with a large number of people signed up typically have more than one leader to maintain our goal ratio. This also allows us to offer various pace options so you can hike at the right pace for you. We have pledged to practice Leave No Trace outdoor ethics and we do. We also offer many volunteer and trail maintenance opportunities in addition to community building events, so come on out and make a difference in our parks!

Who Should Join - Simply put, you! Whether you are young, old, working, retired, laid off, shy, talkative, energetic, geeky, lazy (but hopefully you don't want to be or we just might have a problem with this one-grin), recovering from an injury, social, or a competitive speed hiker, this is a group for you. We love our diversity and thrive on it!

WARNING - Our calendar is very active ALL FOUR SEASONS and may become addictive and beneficial to your health!

To keep up with our very active schedule, you can follow our activities via Twitter and socialize with your fellow hikers on Facebook.

I hope to see you on the trail soon and let's have good times!

Kellie and the Entire Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group Volunteer Leadership Team

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Strenuous 10.5 Mile Hike in George Washington National Forest: Signal Knob!

24 attended

Certified Hike Leader

Event Host

Certified Hike Leader

Event Host

Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes! 01/20/2013

Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes!

Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes!

Christine +1

Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes! 03/19/2013

Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes!

Certified Hike Leader

Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes! 01/14/13

Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes!

Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes!

Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes! 01/14/13

Your organizer's refund policy for Strenuous 10.5 Mile Hike in George Washington National Forest: Signal Knob!

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