Even over the Fourth of July weekend(7⁄3), the trail wasn’t crowded. Well blazed, a moderate hike. Take all the guidance at the trailhead seriously — there is a long stretch of rock walking/hopping(not climbing) after the Buzzard Overlook. If you’re used to hiking in state parks in VA and WV, be warned that the GW National Forest is more primitive at many trailheads — no facilities, no drinking water source and no trail maps to carry with you. Print from home or take a picture of the posted one.
Megan B.
Tu valoración: 3 Silver Spring, MD
I know, I know. Who gives a trail only 3 stars. Maybe it’s just me, but this mountain is not meant for hiking. Unrelated to the rating, it’s listed as a 4 out of 5 on difficulty, and they are not lying about that. It’s long and steep. If you like a strenuous hike, this is a great trail for you. I also saw some extreme bikers, which was cool. Here’s what I didn’t like: 1) The bugs. This place has got them. Everywhere. They’re some sort of fly, which doesn’t appear to bite, but there are swarms of them at every part of the trail, and they get in your face. I walked out of the hike thinking, I don’t remember wearing polka dots. Oh wait… 2) If there are no leaves on the trees, almost all of this trail is in the sun(10 miles). It drains you. I prefer a trail that is at least half and half. 3) The views are not that amazing. There’s one overlook where you see a town and field, but for the majority of this hike, you’re on a smaller mountain surrounded by taller mountains. Given the trails around here, it’s just not one of the best views. 4) It’s rocky. I know, it’s listed as a rocky trail. But there are lots of LOOSE rocks here, which is kind of dangerous. If that’s your speed, more power to you. Just wear boots because running shoes won’t cut it. Good signage and a decent size parking lot. Hope you enjoy if you go.
Jodie C.
Tu valoración: 4 Warrenton, VA
(2011) Steep. Rocky. Long trip. Again, I was on a time commitment. Had to get my daughter off the school bus. I live about 30 min from here so we tried to hike and meet the bus. We got pretty far up the mountain. Up to where it flattened out a bit and there were more pine needles than rocks. Still though, this thing wasn’t ending… had to turn around and run down. Dumb thing to do on the rocky path this was but had to make that bus! This was a long hike.
Kacy B.
Tu valoración: 5 Washington, DC
Great hike with plenty of beautiful sights. The trail is challenging, a lot of rocky terrain and steep climbs, but very worth it. We cut out the mile out and back to the Signal Knob overlook to get the mileage down a bit and make a dinner reservation, but didn’t feel like we missed out on too much. It was a great, rewarding workout. Rocks definitely do get slippery after a rain, so be prepared. Nothing is too hazardous to pass as long as you’re aware and cautious.
Erica B.
Tu valoración: 5 Washington D.C., DC
One of my new favorite local hikes — this 10.5 mile loop is a great workout and only 1.5 hours from DC. This trail also has more than its fair share of gorgeous vistas. In the first few miles, you’ll climb over 2,000 feet and be rewarded by a view of the surrounding mountains. The valley below acts as a fog basin some mornings, making for a beautiful sight. The Fort Valley overlook comes a bit later. This one is great in the fall and winter, but offers less of a view when the leaves are out. When you reach Signal Knob, there is a panoramic view of Strasburg. This area is more developed, but still picturesque and a perfect lunch spot. Be careful when hiking this trail after a storm. The ascent is narrow, steep, and rocky at points — icy or wet rocks add to the difficulty factor. Solid shoes and sure feet are a plus! After all that hard work, you probably need some fresh apple cinnamon donuts. Happily, that’s easy to accomplish. On your way back to DC, stop at exit 13 and pick some up from the Apple House.
