Kris and I joined the Center Hiking Club (October 27) for
this moderate jaunt to a highly rated vista atop Massanutten Mountain.
Massanutten, just west of Shenandoah National Park, is one of countless linear
ridge systems forming the mid-Atlantic portion of the Appalachians. Many of the
high points are rocky crags and sometimes the ridge crest itself is exposed
rock offering views across the adjoining valleys. Strickler had both. Access has
become easier in recent years thanks to the efforts of volunteer trail
builders. One of the write-ups online warned of rattlesnakes warming themselves
on the rocks. I noticed our experienced hike leader bounding up the ridge in
shorts, unconcerned, which suggested that those who’ve hiked these hills for
many years remain unfazed by the threat.
36. Strickler Knob: Fall colors enhanced the
walk-in-the-woods portion of the hike and the scenic ridge gave a nice finish.
The top was a craggy jumble of giant boulders that we scaled for more views and
a quick lunch. While there were bound to be snakes lurking in the rocks, none
came out to greet us.
Miles (RT): 9.5
miles; elevation gain: 1,800 feetCumulative mileage and gain: 151.3 miles / 40,300 feet
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| Strickler Knob summit. |
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