Previously, we did a feature called "hikes that gruel" , a play on words to showcase hikes that are a symphony of elements and challenges and conversationally known as amazing hikes in the area. This time around we tackle short hikes that gruel . These mighty mouse trails pack a punch in a their short distance and are most often times under estimated ( & appreciated) .
Short hikes have their advantages and risks, as well as their beauty , wonderous natural elements and they have their own set of challenges too. Let's first begin by defining a short hike, and why some would be cast as grueling. short hikes are limited distances of six miles and fewer. These trails navigate along elements such as roots, rocks, single-track and they offer vistas, summits and more. The short hikes have quite a few advantages to take into consideration from mileage, workout intensity, time on the trail, bang for your buck and natural features. It's quite often that you will find these trails as great habitats for training or day hiking because the time commitment to stay on the trail is far less and yet the workout level can be intense. What makes these destinations tricky is while from the surface they appear as a great day hike destination for all, really they trick many weekenders with difficult elements and challenges that one may not be prepared for.
Let's walk into this world of short hikes that gruel and meet some trails you definitely want to know and even better , prepare for.
Short hikes have their advantages and risks, as well as their beauty , wonderous natural elements and they have their own set of challenges too. Let's first begin by defining a short hike, and why some would be cast as grueling. short hikes are limited distances of six miles and fewer. These trails navigate along elements such as roots, rocks, single-track and they offer vistas, summits and more. The short hikes have quite a few advantages to take into consideration from mileage, workout intensity, time on the trail, bang for your buck and natural features. It's quite often that you will find these trails as great habitats for training or day hiking because the time commitment to stay on the trail is far less and yet the workout level can be intense. What makes these destinations tricky is while from the surface they appear as a great day hike destination for all, really they trick many weekenders with difficult elements and challenges that one may not be prepared for.
Let's walk into this world of short hikes that gruel and meet some trails you definitely want to know and even better , prepare for.
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Billy Goat
Distance: 4.9 miles Location: Potomac, MD Why this gruels: Right outside Washington D.C sits a rock scramble haven of a hike. This one is going to test your balance and footwork as you navigate boulders, rock walls and rugged topography. This trail is literally an ankle breaker, not in the good luck manner. |
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Chimney Top
Distance: 5.4 miles Location: Cabins, WV Why this gruels: a festive ascent to your first clearing at 1.2 miles has you thinking like George Clooney in "the perfect storm" that you have beaten the beast but this hike is not done with you yet, the prized monolith is another two miles up via an unrelenting ascent that finishes your leg muscles off. |
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Dark Hollow Falls - Rose River Falls Loop
Distance: 6.1 miles Location: SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK Why this gruels: A hike that descends first must always come back up. this hike features two of the best waterfalls in the park but know that it comes with work. the hike is fast paced and ends with multiple stages of ascent to return to your car. |
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Duncan Knob
Distance: 3.8 Miles Location: Luray, Va Why this gruels: This hike would never work at hallmark cards. it simply brings a different level of intensity with a river crossing, a forested ascent and a finisher in the form of a class III rock scramble. Oh, if you need more... the area is home to timber rattlesnakes. |
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Fridley Gap
Distance: 6.1 miles Location: Keezletown, VA Why this gruels: You know its never a good sign to have the best part of the hike in the first half mile. Aside from the swimming hole this adventure climbs straight up, over and across very rugged topography and for giggles it is a mosquito haven. be sure to stockpile your grit to beat this beast. |
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Sharp Top
Distance: 3.5 miles Location: Peaks of Otter, VA Why this gruels: Beautiful camping area, engaging lake and then sharp top. I took on this trail in 20 degree weather and I still managed to sweat. If this trail had a middle name it would be " punisher" as it is straight up to the summit. The feel good ending is this summit bluff view !. |
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