Massanutten Ridge Trail — Attraction in Virginia

Please note, when you park to start this trail, you can hike southwest towards Massanutten peak, or northeast (starting on the east end of the parking lot) to Kaylor’s knob. We didn’t look closely enough at the map and thought we were doing the kaylor’s knob hike, but in fact, we hiked towards Masanutten peak. I don’t believe the mileage that is posted for this hike (2.3 miles one way) as we hiked for about 2.5 hours and still didn’t make it to the end. Granted we took some breaks and took our time, but it’s a pretty long haul, and gets extremely rocky and rough especially the latter 2/3 of the hike. I typically enjoy technical, rocky trails, and seeing rock formations, but after more than 3 solid hours of hiking really rough, rocky terrain, we had hit our limit and were really ready for a change! We did this hike in early September, so it was warm and there were minimal views along the way, due to the leaves and foliage. I wish we had hiked towards Kaylor’s knob, as I’ve read that it’s a more enjoyable hike, with more views, and not as rough, etc. It’s was still nice to get out in nature, but this trail wore us out, I’m not gonna lie, especially with the summer heat. Definitely bring enough...

The first third of the trail is easy with minimal elevation change and a mostly forest floor trail. The second third is difficult as it becomes very rocky with some slight elevation changes. Because of the rocks, you need to be more careful. This portion of the trail uses paint marking on the rocks that isn't always obvious. You can't get lost as the trail runs the rocky ridge. but you can tell people have wandered on and off the trail, creating a series of short "alternate" routes here and there. The last third of the trail becomes easier again. Overall, the trail is nice - 3 miles (not 2.25) to the very end at the chairlift and 3 miles back. The trail is pretty closed in along the route (at least in the summer), limiting the views along the way. There is a good view at the chairlift. A much nicer hike is the Kaylor Knob Trail that starts across the road. It's a bit more open, providing better views and nice breezes along the route. The trail is varied with some short rocky sections interspersed with forest floor sections. It's approximately 2 miles out and 2 miles back. At the end, there is a "T" where it connects with a couple of other routes (Second Mtn/Lairds Hill) that allow you to...

This trail is not a stroll in the park but it’s not terrible. It’s legitimately on a ridge so navigating the vertical rock can be difficult. I’d give it 7/10 for difficulty level. Wear good shoes with ankle support and expect to be in weird positions and using your hands for support sometimes. I doubted this trail was 2.25 miles but my watch confirmed it is. It took me 1 hr, 50 minutes each way (no sit down breaks, just 30 seconds or so to catch my breath after inclines). I’m fairly fit as I expected this hike to be no more than an hour each way. I encountered a rattlesnake which prompted me to be more cautious but I was still moving with a purpose. In almost four hours I only saw 4 groups of hikers. Most people don't go all the way up so this trail is good for seclusion. The trail leads to an access road. Turn right and go up the gravel road past the electrical stuff. The blue blazes continue there but you’re basically done at that point. It’s noisy at the sign that says Massanutten Peak, but if you continue around the bend you get away from the electrical stuff...