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Kepler overlook

George Washington National Forest
​LOCATION: Mauertown, VA
TRAIL DISTANCE: 6.5 Miles

TRAIL HEAD/ DIRECTIONS:  route 603/ van buren 
TRAIL TYPE: Circuit
TRAIL GRADE:   Difficult (3)
TRAIL PARKING: 10-15 spaces
KEY WORDs: Ages 7+ , Summit View
More Central VA & SNP Hikes
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TRAIL INFO
What's to like about the trail:  Full robust forest trail, distance hike with multiple outcrops for views. the summit has multiple campsites.
Why go for a hike on this trail:​  You crave something different, a lesser known hike that proves to be a great distance burner. this little hike will have you saying " hmm not too shabby"
Best time to go for a hike on this trail:  Spring & Fall

SUMMARY
​The trail head is just off Van Buren road, the parking is part of a large campsite and holds 10 to 15 cars. From here follow the yellow blaze trail (Cedar Creek), for roughly half mile until you meet the blue Tuscarora trail where it will take you across the Cedar Creek . (the crossing is a series of rocks and fallen trees, however during the spring this may be a wet walk) The trail is mostly compacted dirt, rock and at times mossy while under the forest canopy. At nearly mile since the start, look to make a left and continue on Tuscarora (blue). From here remain on the trail for another 1.2 miles until a small outcrop of rocks will delight your senses with views of the North Mountain range area.  Continue on the trail enjoying mountain laurel and a gentle ascent to tea mountain / little sluice meet. From here veer left and continue for 0.3 miles to Kepler.  The overlook itself is not well marked, however there are a series of campsites in the area and a small grassy trail that takes you out to the ridge. Personally I thought there were better views during the hikes on the small outcrops but none the less this trail would be ideal for primitive campers who enjoy a little backcountry hike mixed in. Once you have had your fill of the view, retrace your steps to your car.

HIKE ON!
GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS
  • 2 water bottle
  • Lunch and trail bars
  • hiking shoes or boots
  • bug spray (summer)
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Our philosophy is to encourage exploration of trails in Virginia, Maryland and West Virginia through experiential content and purposefully simplistic guided summaries. We aim to provide you the knowledge, the essentials and the confidence to hike a trail.

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  • Home
  • Articles
    • Experiences >
      • Dark Sky Parks
      • Destinations >
        • Bluemont, VA
        • Delaplane, VA
        • Fayetteville, WV
        • Grayson Highlands, VA
        • Natural Bridge, VA
        • Sperryville, VA
        • Strasburg VA
      • Hike & Brew Pairings
      • Hike & Food Pairings
      • Hikers Streaming Guide
      • Must visit spaces & places in Virginia
      • Winter Hiking
    • Health & Safety >
      • Hikers First Aid Kit Essentials
      • Hikers Safety Guide
      • How to plan for a hike
      • Ticks
      • Trail Food Guide
      • Trail Training >
        • Work Up : OLD RAG
        • Work Up : Mount Rogers
        • Work Up : Mount Marshall
    • Hike Lists >
      • Beginner Trails
      • Family on the trail >
        • Family Friendly Trails
        • Parents Guide to Family Hiking
        • Six Hikes for 5 and under
        • Top Kids Trails Shenandoah National Park
        • Ultimate Kids Trail Guide
      • Top Rated >
        • Bucket List Hikes
        • Hidden Gems Shenandoah National Park
        • Summer Blockbuster Trails
        • Top Day Hikes Shenandoah National Park
        • Top Spring Hiking Trails
        • Top Summit Hikes not in a national park
        • Top Swimming Holes
        • Waterfall Hikes
      • Romantic Hikes
      • Short but tough hikes
      • Toughest Virginia Hikes
      • Northern Virginia Trails for Dogs
      • Virginia Fall Hikes
    • Gear Guide >
      • Beginner Hikers Must Haves
      • Bicycles 101
      • Gear Reviews >
        • Exo Spikes
        • Nike Juniper Trail
        • Relive App
      • Layering
      • Trail Shoe Guide
      • Trail Sock Guide
  • Trail Finder
    • Maryland Trail Finder
    • Northern Virginia Trail Finder
    • Shenandoah National Park Trail Finder
    • West Virginia Trail Finder
    • Central Virginia >
      • Bear Church Rock
      • Big Scloss
      • Blue Ridge Tunnel
      • Copernicus Ridge
      • Duncan Knob
      • Emerald Pond
      • Fridley Gap Trail
      • Hidden Rocks
      • Jawbone Gap Overlook
      • Kennedy Peak
      • Kepler Overlook
      • Little Schloss
      • North Mountain
      • Strickler Knob
      • Tibbet Knob
      • Veach Gap
      • Yoda Overlook
    • Southern Virginia >
      • Barneys Wall
      • Bear Creek Lake Loop
      • Big House Mountain
      • Bottoms Creek Gorge Preserve
      • Buffalo Mountain Preserve
      • Cedar Cliffs
      • Cascade Falls
      • Cole Mountain
      • Crabtree Falls
      • Devils Marbleyard
      • Dragons Tooth
      • Elliot Knob
      • Fortunes Cove
      • Hay Rock
      • High Bridge Trail
      • Humpback Rock
      • McaFee Knob
      • Mount Pleasant
      • Mount Rogers
      • Paul's Creek Trail
      • Rock Castle Gorge
      • Sharp Top
      • Stiles Falls
      • St. Marys Wilderness
      • The Channels
      • The Priest
      • The Triple Crown
      • Tinker Cliffs
    • Trail Ratings
  • Shop
  • Subscribe