Hike: Signal Knob, VA

PATC Map 9 / CHANGED TO TRAILHEAD HIKE.
Fees previously paid will be refunded. No fee for trailhead hike in this case. See below for more information, including carpool coordination.

$36. Long hike: 10½ mi., 2200 ft. elevation gain. Moderate hike: 8½ mi., 1000 ft. elevation gain.

The hike to Signal Knob provides a panoramic view from its rocky promontory, site of a Civil War signal tower. Today’s visit there features two counter-clockwise circuits from scenic Elizabeth Furnace in George Washington National Forest. We’ll ascend the Signal Knob Trail (with views en route) to the ridgetop. Medium hikers veer off on Meneka Trail along the ridge, enjoy the view from the overlook at the summit, and descend to the bus on the Tuscarora and Massanutten Trails. Long hikers continue to the Signal Knob overlook, descend the fire road, take the Tuscarora Trail back up the mountain, and then follow the same route as the medium hikers back to the bus.

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RESERVATIONS
Capital Hiking Club is a non-profit group, and the public is invited on all trips. Reservations are accepted as late as Friday, but reserving before Wednesday night helps ensure your spot and prevent cancellation of the hike due to low sign-ups. RSVP through Meetup. No fees for this trailhead hike. Please be sure your RSVP gives your full name and phone number and whether you can offer or need a ride.

FIRST-TIME HIKERS
If you're a first-time hiker with us, please notify the leaders in advance so they can make sure you have the info you need. Hikers must be able to keep at least a 2 mph pace.

LOCATION AND CARPOOLING
If driving directly, meet at 10:00am at Signal Knob Trailhead 11621 Fort Valley Rd, Fort Valley, VA 22652 · Fort Valley
Carpooling, Recommendation: Departure 8:30am Vienna Metro North, parking lot next to Bus Bay F. Please post rides offered/needed in the Comments below and coordinate available departure locations, cars, and seats, including other possible locations for meeting.
Please arrive 10 to 15 minutes before 8:30am.

• VIENNA METRO: NORTH parking lot, last bus shelter (Nutley St. Exit off Interstate 66 on North/Vienna side of I-66) at approximately 8:25 a.m. Note: There is a "south" parking lot where there are also bus shelters. If by 8:15, you're not with a group of hikers who say they're Capital Hiking Club, you're likely at the south lot. There's a walkway over I-66 to the north lot.

CARPOOL REIMBURSEMENT POLICY
Mileage for carpool trips is calculated from the designated starting point — either the Vienna Metro Station or Grosvenor Metro Station, as specified in the trip description. For this hike, the total driving distance is approximately 131 miles. Per club policy, all non-drivers should plan to pay their driver $0.10 per mile, which comes to approximately $13 for this trip. This helps cover gas and wear on the vehicle and is a way to thank those generous enough to drive. Please settle up with your driver directly, ideally before or right after the hike

LIABILITY
By RSVP'ing for a CHC hike, you acknowledge and accept that hikers are responsible for their own safety and must assume risks and liability for all outings. CHC leaders, officers, and representatives shall not be liable for any injuries, loss or damage to persons or property, direct or consequential, arising out of any trips or club activities. Participants will be asked to sign a waiver the day of the hike.

CANCELLATION POLICY
Previous reservations will be refunded in full by CHC.

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