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A tough loop with three great viewpoints in different directions.


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Map Key

8.4

Miles

13.5

KM

78%

Runnable

3,075' 937 m

High

1,323' 403 m

Low

2,282' 696 m

Up

2,280' 695 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (6°)

64%

Max Grade (32°)

Dogs Off-leash

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildlife

Overview

This is a tough loop run with three great overlooks, each providing views in a different direction.

Need to Know

Trail runs through Virginia DGIF lands, which requires a day pass purchased through their website - or a valid fishing, hunting or boating license carried with the runner. Run not recommended during deer hunting season, between Thanksgiving and the first weekend in the new year.

Description

The run starts and ends on Swinging Bridge. Turn right after crossing and follow the Goshen Pass Preserve Hiking Trail along the river for a mile before turning left and heading steeply uphill on Chambers Ridge. Pass a small waterfall and trail intersection, continuing on Little Peak Trail before another steep climb, including a climb up rocks.

At the top of the ridge, there is a great overlook just off trail to the right. Then, follow the ridge left (north) until the Jump Rock Trail drops right off of the ridge. You can see Jump Mountain here, and need to bushwhack through open woods to the gap, where the trail again becomes evident. Follow the Jump Rock Trail to the top of Jump Rock for great views.

Return using same trail, but do not leave the trail to bushwhack. The Jump Rock Trail takes you to the ridge heading north on Little North Mountain. Stay on the ridge until you see a sign made by a Scout troop (scouts camp at a nearby summer camp), going left off of the ridge for Viewing Rock Trail. Just below this point is "Viewing Rock," with views to the west. Continue down the Viewing Rock Trail, then follow the Trail Run Project mobile app or GPS track back to the car on the established trails, Round Knob Trail and Anderson Trail to the Goshen Pass Preserve Hiking Trail.

Contacts

Shared By:

Jeff Monroe

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 1 vote

#4139

Overall
  4.0 from 1 vote
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Recommended Route Rankings

#128

in Virginia

#4,139

Overall
17 Views Last Month
958 Since Feb 20, 2020
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Photos

Beautiful rustic beach along the river.
Dec 30, 2019 near Lexington, VA
Viewing Rock has views left towards West Virginia, including Lake Merriweather and the nearby Goshen Scout Reservation.
Feb 24, 2020 near East Le…, VA
Path along the river, beautiful in the winter. Could be overgrown in the summer.
Dec 30, 2019 near Lexington, VA
Swinging bridge at trailhead.
Dec 30, 2019 near Lexington, VA
Portions of the trail are very steep.
Feb 24, 2020 near East Le…, VA
View from Jump Rock looking north along Little North Mountain, with Elliott Knob - the highest point in the George Washington NF and higher than anything in Shenandoah National Park - visible behind on the left.
Feb 24, 2020 near East Le…, VA

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