Peakbagger's Challenge Hike Information
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Peakbagger’s Challenge Hike Information James Madison University Recreation Outdoor Nation Campus Challenge Don’t forget to log your hike at ONcampuschallenge.org with a photo and "Peakbagger's Challenge: (Hike Name)" as the title. HIGH KNOB This hike is short with a big pay-off. High Knob, at elevation of 4,107 feet, offers incredible views all the way around. The old fire detection tower was built by World War I veterans and the Civilian Conservation Corps and was once used by fire wardens for spotting fires. The tower was renovated in 2001-2003 and today is a beautiful reminder of our past; with population increases, fire wardens are no longer necessary in our national forests. http://www.vawilderness.org/high-knob.html FRIDLEY GAP Fridley Gap, in the George Washington National Forest, has a little bit of everything. From gentle mountain streams to ridge climbs and a great swimming hole, this hike has it all. Time: ~ 6.5 hours; Elevation gain: 2,780 ft http://www.hikingupward.com/gwnf/fridleygap/ ELLIOT KNOB Elliot Knob is the highest point in Augusta County, and one of the highest peaks in Virginia. Just west of Staunton and secluded in Buffalo Gap, this hike features two waterfalls, several great views to the west and east, and a grass covered summit. If you're lucky, this hidden treasure can be all yours for a day. Time: ~ 5.5 hours; Elevation gain: 2,425 ft http://www.hikingupward.com/GWNF/ElliotKnob/ BIG SCHLOSS Big Schloss is another treasure in the George Washington National Forest, relatively easy at only 4.4 miles and 1,000 vertical feet. Big Schloss peak, named by German immigrants for its rock outcropping, provides a wonderful view of the surrounding valleys. Time: ~ 4 hours; Elevation gain: 1,035 ft http://www.hikingupward.com/GWNF/BigSchloss/ AUSTIN FURNACE MOUNTAINS The Austin and Furnace Mountains loop is one of the most strenuous and most rewarding day hikes in the Shenandoah National Park. Not only is the hike long, at over 13 miles, but includes a steep descent down the Austin Mountain ridge, and long climb up the exposed Furnace Mountain trail. Time: ~ 7 hours; Elevation gain: 3,045 ft http://www.hikingupward.com/SNP/AustinFurnaceMountains/ HUMPBACK ROCKS This is a very popular, accessible hike near the Blue Ridge Parkway and Afton Mountain with spectacular views of the Shenandoah Valley to the west and Shenandoah National Park to the north. Time: ~ 2.5 hours; Elevation gain: 1,240 ft http://www.hikingupward.com/GWNF/HumpbackRocks/ VEACH GAP This is a secluded out and back hike in the Veach Gap area of the George Washington National Forest near Front Royal, VA. Most of the hike is a gradual ascent through Veach Gap, with a beautiful overlook and campsite at the high point. Time: ~ 4 hours; Elevation gain: 1,050 ft http://www.hikingupward.com/GWNF/VeachGap/ OLD RAG The Old Rag Mountain hike in the Shenandoah National Park is one of the most popular hikes in the mid-Atlantic region. With many spectacular panoramic views, and one of the most challenging rock scrambles in the park, this circuit hike is a favorite of many hikers. Time: ~ 5.5 hours; Elevation gain: 2,510 ft http://www.hikingupward.com/SNP/OldRag/ .