The Experience
You will love: 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"
You need to know:
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
You need to know:
- Be aware of copperheads and rattlesnakes
- No fee required to access park
- Trail resides in George Washington National Forest
- Primitive Camp sites available
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)
