​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.

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THE GOAL: MOUNT ROGERS

Virginia's highest point is a bucket list hike. standing tall at 5,728 ft. , Mount Rogers treats the hiker to an over 11 mile round trip hike of bountiful vistas, rambling rockfaces, rock scrambles, towering pines and wild ponies.

about Mount Rogers

BEST FOR :
Stamina , Balance, Core strength

Why this trail: Sister trail to big schloss but without the human traffic. this trail is a short burner to build your stamina. Trail has small pockets of rock scramble and a moderate ascent , a perfect way to start your training.
Distance:  3.2 Miles 
Trail Rating: Difficult
Things to Know:  This is a four season trail with recommendations for trail running  or light hiking shoes. Pack one water bottle , light snacks and bug spray. The trail is in the popular wolf gap recreation area with many trails to add on if still wanting more (like Big Schloss right across the parking lot!)

Tibbet Knob Trail

Best for :
cardio, distance hiking and footwork

Why this trail: a fantastic day hike excursion to harpers ferry, WV. the hike itself ratchets up the miles at just under 8 miles of single-track trail. This trail has periods of tough uphill's with a rocky single-track . your lungs will be at work.
Distance:   7.8 miles
Trail Rating: Strenuous
Things to Know: The trail parking is found in harpers ferry and hikers will walk the bridge over to join up with the AT trail and begin the Loudoun Heights adventure. the outcrop summit provides a spectacular perch view of harpers ferry and the shenandoah river.

Loudoun Heights Trail

BEST FOR :
stamina, balance, footwork, core strength

Why this trail: it's time to build that ever so important stamina on this ridge rambling single -track that blesses you with rock scrambles, rock walls, and a rollercoaster of ups and downs. in the end you will gain over 1400 ft. in elevation.  
Distance:  5.5 miles
Trail Rating: strenuous
​Things to know: This trail should be taken with care in wet conditions as it does not irrigate well and the rocks become quite slick. the summit view is magical and worthy of your tired breath , body sore achievement to scale its jetti summit. Make sure to pack a few waters, a good lunch and a few trail bars..

Strickler Knob Trail

BEST FOR :
stamina , breathing and pace

Why this trail: holy smokes is this picture misleading. this picture is at the half way mark, which yes that means that mountain is the second half. the way there is a gliding forest road with slight ascents to get your wind into gear. the second half, is a steep rocky ascent, the kind of ascent that brings on your third or fourth wind. As the trees thin, the trail becomes narrow and several rock scramble areas are appropriately placed to help finish off your quads.
Distance  6.0 miles
Trail Rating: Very Strenuous
Things to know:  hiking shoes and boots 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 Lexington , Virginia valley and if you are lucky you may get a view of the peregrine falcons that call the area home.

House Mountain trail