Length	Difficulty	Streams	Views	Solitude	Camping
9.0 mls
Hiking Time: Elev. Gain: Links: Resources:	5.5 hours with a half hour for lunch 1,850 ft with two ascents George Washington National Forest Printable Topo Hike Map (PDF) Shenandoah Weather Forecast Graphic Precip/Temp Forecast Current Weather Radar Loop (Java) Garmin (GDB), GPS eXchange (GPX) (What's this?) 3D View of Route!
From:	e.g.. 12000 Government Center Parkway 22035 or Fairfax VA Park on the side Cub Run Road opposite the Morgan Run Trail sign and yellow blazes. NOTE: If driving from the west, and Google Map Directions suggests using the 'Huff Trail', note this is not a drivable road. Enter the GWNF at Catherine Furnace instead.

Morgan Run, on the southern end of the Massanutten mountain range, passes the wonderful Fridley Gap swimming hole that is also accessible on the Fridley Gap Hike. Mountain streams and waterfalls are at every turn on the Morgan Run section of this secluded loop hike.

After parking, continue walking along the Cub Run gravel forestry road as it gently ascends the valley. This forestry road is not heavily traveled, however, keep an ear out as one or two vehicles may pass by before you reach the intersection of the Martin Bottom Trail 3.0 miles from where you parked.

Turn right up the blue blazed Martin Bottom trail as it climbs through the pass before arriving at the purple blazed Fridley Gap Trail. The blue blazes of the Martin Bottom Trail end, and at this point the trail continues as the purple blazed Fridley Gap Trail.

Turn right uphill on the purple blazed Fridley Gap Trail for the steepest portion of the hike as it climbs Third Mountain, crosses the ridge, then very steeply descends to the intersection of the orange blazed South Trail.

Turn left downhill for 150 yards, then turn right at the post, cross a small run and in 75 yards the Fridley Gap swimming hole will be on your left. This is an excellent place for lunch and a swim in the late summer.

To continue, retrace your steps back over the run, turn left up the orange blazed South Trail, again passing the purple blazed Fridley Gap Trail descended earlier. Continue on the orange blazed trail for 2.8 miles as it crosses Morgan Run several times, cresting the high point then gradually descending and meeting the intersection of the yellow blazed Morgan Run Trail on your right.

Turn right on the narrower yellow blazed Morgan Run Trail which in 200 yards meets Morgan Run then descends through the gap. The trail is rocky in places as it crosses back and forth across the run, passing small waterfalls and old growth forest. 1.2 miles after joining the yellow blazed Morgan Run Trail pass a campsite on your right and emerge onto the forestry road returning to the parking area.

Despite the heat and humidity, I really enjoyed this two day backpacking trip. As noted earlier, the fork on 685 is confusing so watch out for that. You actually veer to the right off 685 onto a road named Catherine Furnace. You will then see the GWF sign. Also, the Morgan Run sign can be easy to miss on the right side so keep your eyes out for that. The road section of the hike is a little tedious, but other than that, this is a really good hike and worth walking the three miles on the road. I didn't see another person during the two days. Camped at a really nice spot on the Morgan Run section. There was also a camping spot up the hill from the Fridley Gap swimming and near the intersection of the purple and orange blazes that looked nice. The swimming hole is great. Very refreshing in August.  Also, there is a great place to eat in New Market called the Southern Kitchen which hits the spot after a day of hiking. Overall, really enjoyed the weekend.

We did this hike along with the Fridley Gap loop over the weekend as an overnight trip. The old growth forest along parts of the Morgan Run trail is serene and spectacular. The trail is extremely rocky in certain places and very soggy in others. Sturdy waterproof hiking boots are highly recommended. We did not pass any other people on this trail.  Campsites were few and far betweeen.  We found two at the Fridley Gap swimming hole and one site on the south side of the Martin Bottom trail, farther into the woods near Cub Run creek.  Overall a good hike.

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