​​TRAIL GOAL PROGRAM (TGP) is to help get your mind, body and spirit trained and ready to conquer your hiking bucket list goals. The TGP identifies a series of trails with which to train and prepare, these are recommendations only.

​THE GOAL: MOUNT MARSHALL

At 2,850 ft. Mount Marshall is a 13.2 mile circuit hike that treats the hiker to big vistas views, serene dense forest canopy and the backcountry of the iconic Shenandoah National Park. This circuit hike is about endurance because the summits don't come until the backend of the hike. Let's use the below hikes to improve endurance, core strength, breathing and leg strength.

Stony Man
Shenandoah National Park

Best For : Pace, Breathing and Core.

DISTANCE:   2.4 Miles  |  TRAIL RATING: Difficult
Why this trail: not by any means a distance monster but serves more as a warm up. the little stony man to stony man is a quality trek in shenandoah national park. this trail provides short burst incline to work through and a bountiful vista view to enjoy as a reward.
​Things to Know:  Shenandoah Park has an entrance fee and this trail is one of its more popular. 

White Rocks Cliff
Tuscarora Trail

Best For : Distance Hiking, Cardio, Food & Water Prep and use

DISTANCE:   9.6 Miles  |  TRAIL RATING: Strenuous
Why this trail: Not an exceptionally technical trail, it has small pockets of incline to bring on your second wind but this trail is more known for its distance and a bit of rock scramble at white rock cliff. the trail itself is well managed, and allows for a quick pace over its terrain.
Things to Know : Hiking shoes or trail shoes will do the trick. This trail connects with other local trails including the Massanutten and Tuscarora which can add miles to your trek. the trail head has limited parking.

Signal Knob
George Washington National Forest

DISTANCE:   9.6 Miles  |  TRAIL RATING: Strenuous

Best For : Stamina, Core & Footwork

 Why this trail: it's time to build that ever so important stamina on this  single-track adventure that blesses you with a steady dose of incline across a cocktail of loose stones and roots.  all that work and the payoff of a summit view of Strasburg, Virginia and a descent through a mature forest setting. 
​Things to Know: hiking shoes or boots recommended. this trail is often busy so plan accordingly. there is no fee to enter or use.

Emerald Pond
​George Washington National Forest

Best For : Pace, Stamina, Footwork, Breathing

DISTANCE:   8.4 Miles  |  TRAIL RATING: Strenuous
Why this trail: A rollercoaster of a hike with pay offs of a mountain spring pond and wonderful topography to establish pace and stamina over this 8+ miler. 
Things to know:  hiking shoes mandatory. pace yourself on this trail and pack two water bottles, heavy on the snack or a good protein lunch. the summit is a pristine view of the new market, Virginia valley but to get there you have to earn it through a 1.1 mile ascent with elevation gain of +900 ft that will have your quads singing angry songs. from there expect a fast paced ride down the mountain to this beautiful mountain spring before heading back up again.
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Our Mission
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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