 Review the Shawl Gap hike here! Average Review Rating:
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Date of Hike: Wednesday, December 12, 2007 |
It was a 60 degree day in mid-December when two friends and I did this hike – great day for a hike. The trails were in great shape. All the leaves had fallen, so the views along the Tuscarora/Massanutten ridge trail were at their best. The leaf fall was deep and contrasted nicely with the heavily lichened rocks and deadwood. I would rate this hike about 3.5 in terms of difficulty. The ridge trail is very rocky and good boots and poles are recommended – especially with wet leaves. There were ¼ to ½ mile stretches of 15% grades going up and coming down from the ridge trail. My edited GPS track log found the hike to be 8.2 miles with a total ascent of about 1900 feet. Photos and elevation profile at:
http://arthurhass.fotopic.net/c1423301.html
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Date of Hike: Sunday, July 22, 2007 |
A beautiful day allowed us to hike this trail in comfort with a mids 80's temp, and low humidity. I didn't like the first mile of the trail, becaues it was mostly the fire road portion up to the meadow. The meadow offered limited views of the valley, because of the foliage. However, the difficulty of the hike increased greatly as we worked our way up the ridge line. Just after the intersection of Shawl Gap Trail and the trail straight down to SR 613, There was a shallow pool containing some frogs, and a sluggish box turtle. From that point on, it was a direct shot up the ridge to the intersection of Shawl Gap Trail, Buzzard Rocks Trail, and The Tuscarora Trail. That part of the hike was the most difficult. It was very rocky and uphill. We continued on the Tuscarora Trail South along the ridgeline hoping to get to High Peak. We then realized this part of the trail just skirts beneath High Peak, and then continues further south. After about a half mile, we turned around to start heading back to the car. Of course, with any trip up a mountain, the return trip always seems to be a breeze. This allows for more time to check the scenery out. Unfortunately, there was not alot to check out; however, we did find a dense patch of blackberry bushes which had not been stripped by the wildlife. After enjoying a few hand picked berries, we completed our journey to the car. The parking lot could use some grooming, as it was difficult to maneuver when other vehicles are present. Ultimately, we would like to complete the circuit of combining Shawl Gap Trail, and Buzzard Rocks Trail.
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Date of Hike: Saturday, February 24, 2007 |
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Enjoyed this hike. Snow covered most of the trail which added to the beauty. It was challenging in several areas due to the ice covered trails. The Sherman Gap section was slick due to the ice. The views along the ridgeline were beautiful. If you are looking for solititude this trail would be perfect. The walk along US613 was a view into country life.
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DDR
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Date of Hike: Sunday, November 27, 2005 |
Started out as a crisp morning and as I climbed to High Peak the sun was out for a bit and the views from the summit(s) were gorgeous. With the leaves down, the view of the Shenandoah River in the distance was especially nice.
I downloaded the gdb file and used it with my new GPS. Very handy, although this trail is very easy to follow.
The major downside to the circuit is the walk along 613 at the end (I recommend reversing the route and getting the nasty road section over first). I didn't do that and there were a number of cars flying down this road. It is now largely paved and there are many new homes along the road (a testament to the views and urban crawl).
I can't wait to come back in the Spring (with less leaves on the trail). I recommend hiking boots with ankle support!
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