Duncan and Strickler Knob Circuit Hike-10 miles-Strenuous
Details
Starting Point - Scothorn Gap Parking Area
Ending Point - Scothorn Gap Parking Area
Hike Distance/Rating/Elevation - 10 miles/Strenuous/1600 feet of elevation
Disclaimer #1 - This hike is rated as a strenuous hike due to the distance and the two rock scrambles that have to be navigated. Since this hike is rated as a strenuous hike, all hikers are going to start the hike on the wait list until I can verify the hiking experience of all hikers. Those, who have not hiked with me on a strenuous hike, will need to answer the following vetting questions.
- How often do you hike?
- What strenuous hikes have you completed?
- When and what was the last strenuous hike that you completed?
The answers to these questions need to be either emailed to me at patrickcory@hotmail.com or via Meetup messages. Failure to answer these questions within one week of their RSVP will move those hikers from the wait list to NOT GOING.
Hike Highlights - Scothorn Gap Trail, Massanutten Trail, Gap Creek Trail, the boulder field of Duncan Knob, the rock scramble of Strickler Knob, two 360 degree views from Duncan Knob and Strickler Knob, Peach Orchard Gap
Hike Details - This is a hike that I have been wanting to do in the Fall since I did the prehike last summer. We are going to make our way to the Massanutten Ridge to experience the Fall colors of Virginia without the crowds. We are going to start by forming carpools at the North Research Park shortly before 8:15 AM. From the North Research Park, we are going to drive to the Scothorn Gap Trailhead located on Chrisman Hollow Road. From the Scothorn Gap Trailhead, we are going to start the hike by making the steep climb up the Scothorn Gap Trail up to the Massanutten Trail junction. We are going to turn left to continue on the Scothorn Gap Trail. This stretch of trail will have some ups and downs before reaching the Gap Creek Trail. We are going to turn right on the Gap Creek Trail and make the short climb to a saddle at Peach Orchard Gap and the Duncan Knob overlook trail on the left. The Duncan Knob overlook trail will go into a boulder field before making the climb up to the top of Duncan Knob and the expansive views from Duncan Knob. After soaking in the views, we will return to the Gap Greek Trail and make a steep descent down to the intersection with the Massanutten Trail. We will turn right onto the Massanutten Trail. We will make the long and steady climb back up to the ridge line and the unofficial Strickler Knob Trail. We will turn left onto the Strickler Knob Trail and hike the one mile out to the Strickler Knob. This one mile out to Strickler Knob will require the use of your hands as there will be spots that will require some bouldering. We will once again have spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys from the Strickler Knob. After soaking in the amazing views and taking a whole lot of pictures, we will retrace our steps back to the Massanutten Trail. We will descend the Massanutten Trail back to the intersection with the Scothorn Gap Trail. We will descend the Scothorn Gap Trail and complete the hike. Please make sure to review the hike link below before signing up for this hike.
https://www.hikingupward.com/GWNF/DuncanKnob/
As is tradition with my hikes, there will be an optional post hike at a local restaurant or brewery. Carpools can be arranged accordingly for those who wish to partake in the post hike.
What to Bring - Broken in hiking boots, trekking poles, $8 for your driver if not driving, 3 to 4 liters of water, lunch/snacks, layers of clothing for colder mountain weather, a good day pack, a first aid kit, beanies and gloves
Disclaimer #2 - GetHiking Charlottesville's Organizers are not professional guides. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were hiking alone. With your RSVP you agree with this disclaimer - Disclaimer (https://www.meetup.com/GetHiking-Charlottesville-Charlottesville-VA/pages/21088739/Disclaimer/)