Half Moon Mtn via Bucktail Trail Loop
Details
This loop trail offers hikers a great view from the top of Half Moon Mountain which lies south of Wardensville, WV. It's makes a 15-16 kilometer (9.8 mile) clockwise circuit around Halfmoon Mtn with 611 meters (2005 feet) of elevation gain. it is considered moderately strenuous.
Halfmoon Mtn via Bucktail Trail Loop
We will start in the parking lot off Trout Run Road (39.0139 / -78.6636) and hike east along the Bucktail Trail. Eventually the Bucktail Trail intersects with the German Wilson Trail, which is a steep upward climb as we head south on it. After about one mile, we encounter the Halfmoon Lookout Trail and its another 0.8 kilometers (1/2 mile) to the top of Halfmoon Mtn. We return down the mountain on Halfmoon Lookout Trail for nearly 0.8 kilometer (1/2 mile) until the trail intersects with Halfmoon Trail and we take a right turn onto Halfmoon Trail and follow it for about 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) until the Bucktail Cutoff Trail. The Bucktail Cutoff Trail is the last leg of the hike, and leads us back to the parking area.
Rehydration will be a tailgate affair. Bring something on which to sit, to eat and to drink for an hour or so of après-hike relaxation.
NOTES:
1. Scheduling is subject to weather conditions. If the weather on the hike day is unsuitable, we will postpone the hike.
2. Trail names are all quite similar and it will be important to know where we are and which turns to make for the route that leads back to the vehicles.
3. Minimize the number and amount of valuables that you leave in your vehicle while hiking. The possibility of theft from vehicles is small, but there is no need for unnecessary risks.