Last Autumn, I was fortunate enough to find myself spending a few days in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, spending my daylight hours taking in the fall colors, and my nights sleeping under the stars. The views are incredible, and I came across quite a few locals and tourists lining up to take them all in. As someone who grew up in the American South, I know just how easy it is to take this kind of environment for granted – though seeing the looks on the faces of tourists reminded me just how beautiful this part of the world can be.
I figured I would take a moment to write about a few of the trails I hiked (though some of them not in their entirety) and make a few recommendations for those interested in the area. This will go over a few of my favorites – but it’s important to remember just how many places there are to hike here. I’m sure every local will have ideas of their own!
#5 – Humpback Rocks
Humpback Rocks is an easy to hike vista right off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Its relative ease and gorgeous views attract quite a few visitors during the busy seasons, so expect to share if the weather is nice. Park in a gravel lot at the bottom of a gentle climb and make your way into the woods.
You can access the rocks by hiking the 4.5 mile loop, or just take the short-but-steeper route that takes you directly to the top. Once you are there, you will be overlooking a vast expanse of green (or red, or brown depending on the month) treetops. This is an easy and rewarding hike with plenty of rocky real estate to relax once you get to the peak. This trail provides easy access to the Appalachian Trail and the rest of George Washington National Forest as well!
#4 – Massanutten Mountain Trail
The Massanutten (mass-a-nut-in. I’ve been saying it wrong, too) Trail is one of the longest stretches of trail that you’ll find in the area, outside of the AT itself. Expect a steeper ridgeline hike, with long stretches of trees broken up by an occasional view. This is a 36 mile trail, but you don’t have to do it in its entirety with its multiple connection points. That – or you could opt to make this a great trail for overnight backpacking! Like many of the other trails on this list, you’ll find a few rocky outcroppings here, so bring some shoes with a good bit of traction here and be ready to scramble.
#3 The Devil’s Marbleyard
In my experience, any trail that invokes the name of Satan is probably going to be on the more difficult side. This is certainly the case with the Devil’s Marbleyard. This trail is only three miles, though in that time, you will climb 1,400 feet. Much of that climbing is gradual… and then it hits you all at once, only to become gradual again and repeat the process.
The final section is a, quite frankly, hilariously difficult section that involves climbing boulders the size of moving vans one after the other. These huge chunks of white stone sit out in the open so expect to get a lot of sun as you slowly make your way to the top. Gaps between the stones make traversal difficult, and I absolutely recommend bringing someone with you if you plan on braving this one. This was probably the slowest I’ve ever hiked a three-mile trail, but I don’t regret a single second of it. Be safe and bring a buddy if you plan on braving the Devil’s Marbleyard!
#2 Dragon's Tooth Trail
At the top of the 4.5 mile Dragon’s Tooth Trail, you’ll find… A Dragon’s Tooth! Several serrated rocky outcroppings at the top of this mountain resemble the massive fangs of some giant creature. Make sure to exercise caution, as it could be tempting to climb a few of these to soak in the gorgeous views. This is a fairly steep trail with quite a few rocky sections, including a few stone staircases. Be ready for a scramble when you hit the top!
#1 Hanging Rock
At the top of this list sits Hanging Rock. I’m comfortable saying that this trail is the prime example of a “medium difficulty” trail. You’ll start this 7-mile there and back by linking up with the Appalachian Trail. Almost any section of the AT is guaranteed to be well-traveled and well-manicured. Expect to pass a few happy hikers as you make your way through the woods, and into the Three Ridges Wilderness.
After 3.5 miles of classic Appalachian up and downs, you’ll come to Hanging Rock. You’ll stand on a massive outcropping overlooking the valley below. This is an amazing view that’s bound to transfix any traveller. I’d recommend catching the sunset here, as I did. If you do – make sure you are comfortable hiking back in the dark, or camping out just down the mountain, as I did. Just like any spot on the AT, you’ll find places where campers have pitched their tent before. Easy peasy.
And that’s my list of just a few fun places to check out in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest. These are only a few of the memorable trails out here – to explore them all would take years! Maybe someday. Until then, stay safe out there!
