Vigorous hike - Tuesday, January 31st

[John Watson-Jones]

Tuesday, January 31st - Massanutten North End - PATC Map G [& see attachments]

The hike:  From the [small] parking lot on SR619 at 8:15 we take the Buzzard Rock Trail up to and along the ridge to an intersection at Shawl Gap, where we head right down the combined Tuscarora [blue] & Massanutten [orange] trails to Elizabeth Furnace.  Crossing Passage Creek on the bridge and SR678, we continue to the intersection where we go left on the Tuscarora [while the Massanutten turns right and goes to our exit at the Signal Knob parking lot, a possible drastic shortcut.]  We cross over Green Mountain, passing the Meneka Peak Trail [white, and a scenic shortcut], and turn right when we rejoin the Massanutten Trail, here a jeep road to Signal Knob.  Passing to the right of the communications tower on Signal Knob, we continue on the Massanutten Trail all the way to the [big] parking lot on SR 678, which ends the hike.  About 16 miles & 3,500 feet ascent.  

Shuttle to complete the circuit:  the two parking lots are several miles apart, so we shall have to park at least one vehicle in the end parking lot.  Please contact John if you could arrive early to help accomplish this.

To carpool:  Meet by 7:00 a.m. at the Stone Road Park & Ride of I-66, Exit 52 at Centreville.  Go west on US29, take the second right into the parking lot, and immediately left to the corner of the lot where our group gathers. 

See http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/connector/maps/centrevillegm.htm 

Directions to the trailhead:  From Front Royal head west on SR 55.  Turn left on SR678 toward the Fort Valley.  Turn left on SR619 and go about 1.2 miles to the Buzzard Rock Trail parking lot on the right.

Leader:  John Watson-Jones, john.wat...@gmail.com , Home 540-923-4670, Cell 540-395-5656