Hike Signal Knob in GW National Forest

The Signal Knob hike, in the George Washington National Forest, boasts some of the best vistas we have seen in Northern Virginia. Situated 8 miles west of Front Royal, it takes approximately 1.25 hrs to get there from Northern Virginia. This Saturday we should see 46 degrees, sun, and only 10% chance of rain.

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/8/b/4/event_192159092.jpegThe hike is a total of 10.5 miles, but you can take a shortcut across the white trail at the top of the ridge. The first 5 miles are on rocky hills which seem to go up all the way (they do :-). This is NOT an easy hike, and you MUST be in good condition to complete this hike. It is rated a difficulty of 4 out of 5 by Hiking Upward. We WILL stop to take pictures at natural points, and breathe when we need to; while this is NOT a race, you do need to be in good condition.

We plan to hike to Signal Knob, from where we can see both Fort Valley, AND the 81 corridor - it is a beautiful point with large rocks perfect for stopping for lunch.

http://www.hikingupward.com/GWNF/SignalKnob/

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/a/d/a/event_192159642.jpeg

WHAT TO WEAR: layers of wicking clothing; sturdy hiking boots (with liner socks if you have them); hat; gloves; waterproof jacket (cuts wind as well as moisture). Please do NOT wear cotton - it absorbs moisture, and you will get cold!

WHAT TO BRING: A day pack with LOTS of water -- I'd recommend a camelback, or four to five 8 oz bottles at least; snacks, lunch; camera; flashlight; hiking sticks; whistle; bandaids. LADIES: bring tissue and a couple baggies.

THE PLAN: We'll meet at the Signal Knob parking lot at 9AM, hike to Signal Knob, have lunch, and return by 3:30 - 4:00 pm, depending on everyone's speed. We can stop in Front Royal for dinner afterwards if anyone is interested.

Please do not be late - we will leave from the parking lot promptly at 9:15 AM.GPS coordinates for the parking lot (found on Hiking Upward Site) 38.93537 -78.31953

DIRECTIONS: For directions, use mapquest or the hiking upward link. Basically, take 66 West, take Exit 6 (turn LEFT at the end of the exit), Turn RIGHT on Route 55, drive 5 miles, and turn LEFT on Fort Valley Road. Drive approximately 3.3 miles, and turn RIGHT into Signal Knob Parking lot. We will meet there at 9AM, and leave the parking lot and start hiking at 9:15AM!!!!

CELL SERVICE: You may not have cell service on this hike.

CARPOOL: If anyone wants to carpool, please post a notice - we could meet at the Centerville Park and Ride at 7:30am (I can take 4 with me). 14700 Lee Hwy, Centerville, VA 20120

For more information, please feel free to e-mail me. I will e-mail my cell # Friday night, although I won't have cell service after 0830 Saturday (Verizon does NOT work in the hiking area).

HAPPY NEW YEAR!