Duncan Knob & Strickler Knob Loop (Rating: A)

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike.

This is a 10.3 mile "lollypop" loop hike with side excursions to Duncan Knob and Strickler Knob, 2 of the best viewpoints in the George Washington National Forest. There will be about 2,300' of elevation gain, so this hike has a DIFFICULTY RATING of A (10 pts distance + 5 pts elevation = 15). The Scothorn Gap Trailhead (38.69143, -78.58004) is along Crisman Hollow Road/Rt #274, and is very small, so carpooling is encouraged. There is no bathroom at the trailhead, so a stop in New Market or Front Royal (depending how you come) may be advised.

We start out on the Scothorn Gap Trail (Yellow) going clockwise around the loop until we get to the Gap Creek Trail (Blue) and our first side trail up to Duncan Knob. This side trail is an extensive rock scramble (not suitable for dogs). We will continue over the ridge until we meet the Massanutten Trail (Orange), which will take us along the valley until we climb up to the unofficial Strickler Knob Trail (Pink). We will have lunch there and then return to Massanutten Trail (Orange), which will take us back to the Scothorn Gap Trail, and our vehicles. Lunch will be on the late side, so please bring a snack.

I hike at around 2.5 MPH pace and stop at all trail crossings and photo points. I don't recall any difficult stream crossings, although it has been muddy in the past.

CARPOOLING: For those who are looking to carpool, we will meet at the Centerville Park and Ride and plan to leave at 7:00AM to arrive at the trailhead by 8:45, in time to get signed in and start hiking by 9:00 AM. As hike leader, I will be at the carpool location.

Neither the Club nor the hike leader is responsible for coordinating transportation to/from the trailhead. Hikers are not guaranteed to get a ride to the trailhead from the carpool location. Carpooling is organized by the participants and they participate at their own risk. Suggested carpool fee: $9.00 per rider. Driving time from the Centerville, VA Park & Ride to the trailhead is about 1hr 35 minutes.

NOTE: Times listed are to and from the Centerville Park & Ride.

The hike will start at 9:00am from the Scothorn Gap Trailhead (38.69143, -78.58004) along Crisman Hollow Road/Rt #274.

Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy, but they will keep you from getting to the 2 viewpoints due to rock scrambles. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy

Leader: Caroline Steinberg (703.489.1315)

Rating: A (Please NOTE, this is a DIFFICULTY RATING, be sure you are able to handle a hike of this difficulty including high comfort level with rock scrambles.)

Map for hike: Alltrails link: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/ad8nfternoon-hike-2668a71