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.
Start by passing the closed gate and heading up the yellow blazed Veach Gap Trail. Cross from the right bank over the run in 1.0 miles. After crossing the run meet the intersection of the orange/blue blazed Massanutten/Tuscarora Trail in another 0.1 miles.
Continue up the orange/blue blazed trail for another 1.4 miles, where the trail will turn right for
0.1 miles before turning back to the left. From this point there is a nice view of the Massanutten Valley to the southwest.
Continue up the trail passing a small rockslide, and in 0.2 miles as you reach the ridge line, arrive at the first of three overlooks. The second overlook is in another 0.2 miles. The third, and most spectacular overlook, is in another 240 feet at the high point of the hike, along with a great campsite. The sunrise is fantastic as it comes over the Shenandoah National Park to the east on a clear morning.
To return just retrace the route
back to Veach Gap Trail, turn right, and continue down to the parking area.
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Reviews For The Veach Gap Hike (5 Most Recent)
Great hike good for an out -and-back backpacking trip without killing yourself. A few points though:
1. Make sure to wear good water proof hiking boots since the trail can become a tad muddy and wet at points and you will need to cross a stream toward the end of the yellow section.
2. After you leave the yellow trail and head up the orange section you will start moving away from the stream and water sources will become scarce. However, at the top of the orange trail where it takes a sharp right turn and you cross over to the other hill there is a natural spring coming out of ground. Its just to the left of the trail, you may need to move some leaves to find it. The water is cold and running at a decent rate, add a good filter and you'll have all the water you need!
3. The campsite at the top is only large enough for two small tents. We managed to fit an REI Hoodoo 3 and North Face Tephra 22 side-by-side.
The views of the valley below were worth the hike up.
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Date of Hike: Saturday, April 19, 2008
I went on this hike with the previous reviewer. One thing I would like to add is to be watchful of ticks. The benches around the campsite at the top of this trail are backed by scrub bushes. Both my girlfriend and I found ticks on us when we got home, and they were both near our lower backs-- which is why I think we got them from sitting on this bench with our backs to the bushes.
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Date of Hike: Saturday, February 09, 2008
If you live in the DC metro area and want to get away from it all for an overnight, this is a great hike. Less than 2hrs from town and an easy 4 mile hike to a great campsite on top of the ridge. The trail is a little rocky and wet in places but nothing a half-decent pair of boots can't cope with. The view from the campsite at the overlook is outstanding and the sunrise well worth the trip.
The trail is easy to follow and well blazed. Don't be tempted to cross the run early around the 1 mile mark (like I did), stay with the trail and it'll take you to the intersection with the orange/blue blazed Massanutten/Tuscarora Trail. The campsite at the overlook is small, it can accomodate only 1 two-man or two one-man tents so have a plan B if you go in the Spring or Fall.
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Date of Hike: Saturday, January 05, 2008
This was a good hike on a beautiful day. We were actually pretty lucky it was below freezing much of the time we were hiking as portions of the trail were frozen rather than muddy. The only other people we saw on the trail or at the parking area were some hunters. While we were hiking we heard the dogs and some gunshots, which was a bit disconcerting. We wore some non-natural colors and stayed to the trail, and everything turned out okay. The hunters we met on the trail were even nice enough to let us pass them and their dogs when they realized we were moving faster than them.
The hike is a nice gradual ascent and the view of the Shenandoah from the top is outstanding. We are definitely considering coming out to this trail sometime for an overnight trip at one of the two campsites.
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Date of Hike: Friday, December 28, 2007
This was good out and back hike. It was in the mid 40’s and mostly cloudy skies. The first mile which is on the Veach Gap trail there is in not alot of rocks. Once you make the left on the orange/blue blazed trail it gets rocky. Never the less I enjoyed the hike. It was quiet and I did not see one person the whole time.The scenery at top is perfect.
Side note: Hiking during this type of weather is perfect. No humidity and no mosquitoes. If you dress right you want notice the cold.
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