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.
At 0.4 miles pass a small logging road on your right, the first of four. In 0.6 miles from the parking area the trail makes a turn to the left before entering the first of three small clearings at 0.8 miles.
Pass through the clearings and arrive at Falls Hollow Run on your right in another 0.6 miles. Continue up the trail, cross the run, and in 50 yards reach the first of the two main falls. Cross the run again, where the trail becomes steep, then arrive at the largest set of falls in another 0.3 miles. There is a yellow diamond on a tree, and small pile of rocks marking the falls.
In another 0.1 miles the trail turns off the old FS road to the left. The turn is marked by three yellow diamonds. The old Falls Hollow Trail continues straight and is no longer navigable.
After turning left on the yellow blazed trail continue 0.8 miles, crossing two small spurs, and passing through a utility clear cut before arriving at an access road. Turn right uphill on the yellow blazed dirt access road for the steepest part of the hike before arriving at a spring and small pond in 1.0 miles.
Continue along the road as it passes a small stand of spruce, winds back to the right, then to the left, passes the yellow blazed North Mountain Trail and transmission station, then enters another stand of spruce and flatter area.
At this point the dirt road you have been following turns to the right towards the transmission station. Turn left onto the trail that climbs on the west side of the mountain and up to the grass covered summit in another 0.1 miles. The lookout tower was built in 1958 and hasn't been used since the early sixties. If you are doing this hike as a backpack there are two sheltered campsites under a stand of spruce at the summit.
To return retrace the route you took up. However, be alert for the left turn off the steep dirt access road onto the trail that leads back towards the run. There are three yellow diamonds making the intersection, take the immediate left onto he trail.
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Reviews For The Elliot Knob Hike (5 Most Recent)
A cake walk of a hike, until the last section up the fire road! Views from the top are less than impressive, but waterfalls are good, and it is secluded. Only passed 2 people, and a 1 family of idiots with an unleashed dog. Not one I would do again, but worth doing if your local.
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Date of Hike: Friday, May 20, 2011
I started out late on Friday with my dog Maxwell with the intent on staying the night at the top. The trail was really well maintained. There are A LOT more waterfalls and streams than the description puts on. The trail pretty much follows the stream most of the way until about the last mile and a half, so there is plenty of filterable water along your way. The last push up the logging road is no joke! I recommend walking sticks and having enough water as the last ascension is really the hard part of the hike. The view from up top was incredible! There was a great overhanging rock to see west side view, and i camped where I could see the Shenandoah Valley. Not much to offer for campfire wood on top. The next day I descended to stay at one of my favorite secrets, Falls Hollow. On the way down I passed a mountain biker, and a boy scout troop. When I woke in the morning I saw some horseback riders. For such a beautiful weekend I was surprised to see so few people. Excellent hike! Max sure loved it too.
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Date of Hike: Friday, April 29, 2011
My wife and I decided to do an overnight trip to Elliot Knob during her spring break. The hike is really 5 separate portions. The first part starts out very easy along the logging road. I read somewhere that this was an old logging road, but it was still pretty active today. We could hear hunters in the distance which took a little away from the walk. The trail is very easy to follow even though there are many off roads. Eventually, you come to the second section, which is the stream ways. This was our favorite section of the hike. Even though we didn't realize it, you end up crossing streams about 8 or 9 times. There had been a crazy storm the night before, so it's possible that some of the streams were higher than usual. Still, it was very fun and exciting to cross them. I would not want to do this during colder weather though. The 3rd part of the hike is a small trail that connects the Hollow Falls trail to the service road up to Elliot Knob. It's narrow, but an easy and has great views of the surrounding mountains. The service road, just as this page says, is very difficult. It's lose gravel and very steep and we considered it part of the hike. The pay-off was worth it though and the summit and final stretch offers some really amazing views. Yes, there are a bunch of towers at the top, but I didn't think they took away from the hike. We had the summit all to ourselves for the night and camped out in the open. The temperature dropped drastically at night and we woke to find our tent covered in frost. It was also very windy and even though it was around 70 degrees during the day, the night was very cold. Still, we had a great time. The next day we hiked back down the same way to our car. I would recommend this hike during May or June, before it gets extremely hot but after the cold passes. The service road is hard and in the blazing heat of the summer, it would be very difficult as much of it is in the direct sun. Feel free to email me if anyone has questions or would like to see pictures. Happy hiking!
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Date of Hike: Saturday, January 22, 2011
I've hiked to Elliot Knob in all four seasons over several years and it's a good hike, but those who complain about the obvious presence of man have their points. Notwithstanding the complaints about the "roads" and the transmission towers near the summit, it has a good mix of moving between fire roads and narrow hiking trails as well as stream crossings and some great views (even on the way up). I went today when it was in the low 20s and virtually no wind. When there's no wind, no leaves in the trees, and virtually no birds, you can experience complete zen quiet on the ridge between the Falls Hollow Trail and the fire road.
Physically, it can be challenging for those who haven't been out for a while or are novices. It's not technically challenging, but there are some decent ascents during the first 3/4's of the hike. The road to the top is another story. It's a solid mile of steep climbing on a gravel road that zig-zags between the clear-cut utility lines that cut down the mountain. It's worth the hike though, because as soon as pass the humming transmission stations, there's one last ascent to the top that offers great views and a true sense of reaching the highest spot in the area.
Once you're at the top, there are plenty of spots to set up camp or just relax for a quick lunch before heading back down. On that note, your knees and ankles will be grateful if you brought a pair of trekking poles for the descent down the access road. It's a sustained steep descent, so if you have sensitive joints, take precautions or just be ready take your time going down so you don't put too much stress on your joints.
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Date of Hike: Friday, November 12, 2010
The hike itself isn't anything special. For most of the 8 miles you're either walking on an old logging road or slogging up/slipping down a steep gravel access road. Still, on a clear, cool day this is a worthwhile hike to soak in the views up top. A large hole has been cut in the gate around the lookout tower, so for now access is easy.
As many reviewers have noted, the summit area is far from pristine with the towers at the humming transmission station. But the views make up for the man-made annoyances. I'd rate the views up top a "5." On a clear day you're treated to a commanding view of the Shenandoah Valley. There is also a beautiful overlook to the southwest at a rocky outcropping just before reaching the summit.
The access road is now gravel rather than dirt, but it's still steep and slick on the trip down. Trekking poles are definitely useful. I wouldn't recommend this hike on a hot, sunny summer afternoon or else you'll bake on the exposed access road. For me, this hike is all about the views, so I only suggest huffing up to the summit on a clear day unless your primary goal is to get in a great workout.
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