Duncan Knob & Strickler Knob Loop (Rating: A)

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This is my favorite fall hike, and while Skyline drive was only 20% on the 20th, Big Schloss was at about 60% peak on the 16th, so fingers crossed. This is a 10.3 mile "lollypop" loop hike with side excursions to Duncan Knob and Strickler Knob, 2 of the best fall foliage 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 (where you exit I-81) may be advised. For those driving direct to the trailhead, please arrive by 9:15am so we can get everyone parked and formed up to hike by 9:30am.

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer http://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.

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 (and 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). Strickler also involves rock scrambles, so gloves are advised. We will have lunch there and then return to Massanutten Trail (Orange), which will take us back to the Scothorn Trail, and our vehicles. (It is clearer on the map: https://www.hikingupward.com/GWNF/DuncanKnob/ ). For those familiar with my "Helicopter Overviews," here is a view of a past November's hike: https://www.relive.cc/view/v26MxY8D33O

This is a little further away, but drive-time-wise not much different than many hikes along Skyline Drive. Both viewpoints offer spectacular near-360-degree views, and the fall colors should still be vibrant, so if you haven't been there before you owe this one to yourself.

I hike at a 2.5 MPH pace on the flats (slower uphill), 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, the suggested location is at 7:15AM at the University Boulevard - Gainesville Park & Ride lot
(13675 University Blvd, Gainesville, VA, across from the Sheetz) and plan to leave at 7:30AM to arrive at the trailhead by 9:15, in time to get signed in and start hiking by 9:30AM. Hike leader, will NOT 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: $8.00 per rider. Driving time from the Univ. Blvd/Gainesville, VA Park & Ride to the trailhead is about 1hr 30 minutes.

NOTE: Times listed are to and from the Park & Ride.
The hike will start at 9:30am 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: Dale Johnson (540-454-5592)

Rating: A (Please NOTE, this is a DIFFICULTY RATING, be sure you are able to handle a hike of this difficulty)

Map for hike: https://www.hikingupward.com/GWNF/DuncanKnob/ / PLEASE PRINT OUT AND BRING IT WITH YOU. Or here is an Alltrails link: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/ad8nfternoon-hike-2668a71