Trail Info
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Trail Distance: 5.0 miles
Trail Type: In & Out Trail Rating: Difficult (3) Trail head / Directions: Trail Parking: 15-20 Spaces You will love: The amazing perch views of the Shenandoah River bends.
You need to know: This is a bear frequented area, and during the fall also beware of hunters. Key Words: Ages 12+ Best time of year to hike this trail: Spring, Fall & Winter. The lesser the foliage the more of a view. |
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The Experience
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Your adventure begins at the Fosters Boat Ramp parking. ( Important Note: There are Fish & Wildlife signage with strict permit parking signs, however leave a note on your dash that you are hiking). Let's continue, from the lot just walk across the street and find the blue marked Habron Gap trail. This feisty trail will have you gain over 1,300 ft in elevation over 2.1 miles, so pace is key. The initiation of this trail will be a meandering folly of short up and downs along a heavily wooded trail and a manageable creek crossing. In fact at first you may think, " is this all?". Have no fear your climb and lung burn start shortly as switchbacks become more frequent and more steep. The incline will have you tackling roots, compacted dirt, leafy material and small rocks and loose stone. Continuing on your upward trajectory , there will be plenty of peek a boo views to be just enough of a carrot to dangle to get you to the top. At 2.1 miles, come to an intersection with the Massanutten trail (orange trail marker) and hang a right. Now your trail becomes a ridge ramble, with a much narrower course, boulders and perch views of the Shenandoah River. Go for 0.4 miles and look on your right for a small perch outcrop with a view of Shenandoah River and inward mountain slope from the left side. It is here (so the story goes) that there is a boulder that sticks out resembling Yoda from Star Wars. I was able to find the boulder but not a boulder resembling Yoda. Regardless, this perch is a perfect place to have a snack or lunch and enjoy the river views. Once fulfilled, retrace your steps back to your car.
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What to Pack
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