North Mountain Trail #443

Big mountain backcountry singletrack at its finest. Experience one of the few sub-alpine zones in Virginia. Although there's no real easy way to get to the top of this mountain, you'll not be disappointed by the fruits of your labor. Elliott's Knob is the tallest point in the George Washington National Forest and can be seen from just about anywhere in the Shenandoah Valley when looking South and West. There's a big fire tower at the top of this beautiful mountain with a 360-degree view of Shenandoah Mountain Trail to the west and the Shenandoah Valley to the east. The section south of Hite Hollow road is seldom traveled and often overgrown and unmarked in many places. The rule of thumb for hiking south on North mountain, stay on the ridge and keep going. Hikers will usually ascend the West side of Hite Hollow road or set a shuttle at the Hite Hollow intersection and hike north on overgrown doubletrack to reach the summit of Elliott's Knob. Shortly before reaching the gravel road that leads to the top of the world, there is the Cold Springs Trail intersection to the West. The trail continues north, below the radio towers at a well-marked intersection with the gravel road. If you've run out of water or need to splash off, fear not. Look for a spring with clean water most months of the year just after you get back on the trail. The northernmost 6 miles backcountry ridge hiking are spectacular. Be prepared for some rugged terrain and a fair share of difficult hiking.