Massanutten Trail

[gschwartzman]

In the next few weeks, I'm planning on hiking the 71 mile Massanutten Trial circuit hike in Virginia. Anybody have any insights? I'm curious about water availability, must hit stops on the trail, difficulty of terrain, and any other good info about the Massanutten Mountain area.

[C-Stepper]

I hadn't heard of this trail, but I have to admit it sounds very interesting when I read some details on this site http://www.americantrails.org/nationalrecreationtrails/trailNRT/Massanutten-VA.html

Obviously, I haven't hiked it, but here is a trail description from the local trail club that includes at least some water sources. It specifies between reliable and "unreliable" sources. http://www.patc.net/hiking/destinations/massanuttenring.html

[chknfngrs]

I have a Massanutten/Great North Mtn Trail guidebook that clearly indicates a water cache is recommended. I've carcamped in the immediate vicinity, but have yet to hike it. It's one large loop, with easy access to roads (hence the water stash) go to www.patc.net for more info.

Beautiful area.

[jollies]

I hiked this circuit in the extended July 4th weekend, and my only serious problem was the water availability. Make sure that you research this before you leave and use at least a couple of water caches. They are very necessary.

On the other hand, the trail is simply beautiful and well worth all of the time you can spend on it. It's very quiet, has a lot of wonderful views, and even has one shelter. There are several sections that are very strenous. I believe it is named Sawtooth Ridge comes to mind

Good luck and enjoy.

[Coffee]

At the risk of being accused of resurrection of dead threads, I figured I'd reopen this one rather than starting a new thread with the same title. I hiked a 10.5 mile loop incorporating signal knob and parts of the Massanutten and Tuscarora trails yesterday, my first time in the area despite living in Virginia for 13 years! I'm thinking of thru hiking the Massanutten trail over a long weekend at some point this late winter or spring. Has anyone done this recently?

[redseal]

Every May there is the MMT 100 mile trail race. I have run it. The MT is a great trail. Here is my race report that may or may not help. Feel free to message me with specific questions! I will be doing the race again this year!

http://www.backpackingengineer.com/category/trail-running-2/2015-mmt-100/

[macdaddy]

I hiked this trail in June 2014. Water is definitely a challenge, but there are many road crossings where you can cache water. Don't depend on water being available at the Elizabeth Furnace Recreation Area, it was not when I hiked through. I did the hike in five days, your mileage may vary. I did the loop counterclockwise starting at US211, where I left my vehicle, and included the 2 mile access trail.