Sitting now in the height of summer, with fresh produce in the kitchen and flowers blooming right outside my door, it is hard to remember March . . . cold, desolate March. But try I will, to describe the Signal Knob trail that Wet Boots, Alaska and I hiked the that month.
While not as amazing as
Strickler Knob, and certainly with more crowds,
Signal Knob (10.5 miles, roundtrip) offers views, creek crossings, an old house, nice campsites, and even more views. Its a pleasant hike and recommended for anyone looking for great vistas.
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| Oh to get out in nature and away from the people ... |
This trail begins in the Elizabeth Furnace area of GWNF. It is a popular area for hiking and picnicking and, on the day we were there, trail running races.
The upside to Signal Knob's popularity is that the trail is very well marked with signs and blazes. To get started, follow the
orange-blazed Massanutten trail at the right end of the parking lot (from the road). Within 10 minutes you'll pass an old stone house. Historical significance: unknown.
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| No one is home. |
The trail climbs steadily for the first three miles, but never at a rate that makes you question why you are there. Along the way, you'll come across the so-signed Fort Valley Overlook, several other vistas, and a few well-established backcountry campsites.
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| Enjoying the view from a rocky spot in the trail. |
After passing a junction with a white-blazed trail (stay on the
orange), the trail passes approximately 0.7 miles of flat terrain along a ridge, including a jaunt on a service road that is orange-blazed until it reaches the signal tower. Don't be fooled (as we were): this is not the "signal" of "Signal Knob." (I hope.) The views immediately past the signal tower fence are NOT the highlight of the peak. Maybe 150 yards later, you will come across a spur trail off to the right that leads to a wonderful campsite and a break in the trees with nearly 180 degree views of the surrounding valley. It is a great place for a snack.
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| Not yet... |
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| Here we go! |
From the knob, head downhill on the old fire road for approximately 1.2 miles until you reach the junction for the
blue-blazed Tuscarora trail on the left. (If you are going to fast, you'll miss it.)
The Tuscarora trail crosses a creek and ascends Meneka Peak quickly in the first 3/4 of a mile. After that, you've got just over 3.5 miles (downhill) until you switch back to the
orange-blazed Massanutten trail again for the last half mile to the car.
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| Some of the creek crossings on the Tuscarora trail. |
In short:
- 10.5 mile loop, round-trip.
- Follow the orange-blazed trail to the signal tower and down the service road (for a total of 5.5 miles).
- You'll past vista after vista, culminating with the 180-degree views and awesome campsite on Signal Knob.
- On the service road past Signal Knob, be on the lookout for the junction with the blue-blazed Tuscarora trail, which you'll take up Meneka peak and then back down.
- Half a mile from the car, switch back to the orange-blazed trail.
Logistics: To get to the trailhead, follow US-340 S / US-522 S from Route 66 in Front Royal, VA for 1.2 miles to Route 55 W. Turn right on 55, and go 5.1 miles to Fort Valley Road / State Route 678. Turn left onto Fort Valley Road. The parking lot (you won't miss it) is 3.3 miles up Fort Valley Road.
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| The sign in the parking lot - very useful! |
