You’ve been housebound long enough! Now that the homeschooling portion of the year is winding down, it’s time to dust off your hiking boots and get the family out on the trail. Though Shenandoah National Park and portions of the Blue Ridge Parkway remain closed, these five hikes promise opportunities to get moving and breathe deeply of the Valley’s fresh air. Plus, each is within a short distance of a Beerwerks brewery where you can pick up some craft beer for home.
Check each brewery’s website or Facebook page for updates as their offerings/services change frequently. Most Beerwerks breweries are offering to-go sales on cans, bottles, growler fills, merchandise and gift cards. In several cases, you can call your order in ahead of time and pick it up at the curb or take advantage of delivery options.
House Mountain
25 minutes from Great Valley Farm Brewery
Among the pleasures of the tough 8.2-mile House Mountain hike are the incredible views and the possible company of a friendly goat. The hike follows an old Jeep trail for two miles up the mountain and splits when you get to the “saddle” between the two peaks. From this spot, which was once a homestead (look for an old structure and some apple trees), you can decide which peak you want to climb, or tackle both.
Big House Mountain’s views look west and to reach it, you’ll cover an additional 1.7 miles and climb 740 feet. The goat, like something out of a fairy tale, lives on the 100-foot high cliffs at the peak and will beg for your lunch. If you head back down now, your total hike will be six miles.
Little House Mountain’s views look north east, and the trail to the top has only existed for a few years. This section of the hike is 2.6 miles long and a strenuous 940-foot climb. Many people tag both peaks for the full 8.2 miles.
- Time: 5.5 hours
- Elevation Gain: 2,850 feet
- Parking: Limited parking on Saddle Ridge Rd/VA643 between the parking signs. 37.8116, -79.53266
Hone Quarry
25 minutes from Pale Fire Brewing Co.
Southwest of Harrisonburg in the George Washington National Forest, you’ll find several hikes of varying difficulty in the Hone Quarry Recreation Area. Some hikes originate in the camping area, which is currently closed due to Covid, but the following trails can be accessed from the road. Moderate 2.5-mile Hidden Rocks Trail, follows Rocky Run where hikers can enjoy a small pool and waterfall. The trail climbs up Back Mountain to the Hidden Rocks themselves, a popular scene for rock climbers. If you’re lucky, you might spot someone mid-climb.
- Time: 2 hours
- Elevation Gain:390 feet
- Parking: Small parking area on the Hone Quarry Rd. 38.44813, -79.12205
Oak Knob (7.9 miles) climbs quickly to high ground. Within the first mile, it offers two overlooks with beautiful views of Shenandoah Mountain and lots of opportunities to watch birds, especially heron and kingfishers near the reservoir. This hike has several rock scrambles, and hikers should be careful of their footing. Some hikers suggest hiking the loop clockwise to save the best views for last, though it means a steep climb up a dusty gravel road to start.
- Time: 5.5 hours
- Elevation Gain: 2,250 feet
- Parking: Left side of FR 62 across from Hone Quarry Picnic Area 38.459256, -79.133567
Elliot Knob
10 minutes from Skipping Rock Beer Company
Itching to climb to the highest point in Augusta County, see spectacular views, and get a chance to frolic in waterfalls, too? Head west from Staunton to George Washington National Forest where the Elliot Knob hike boasts all this and more.
The first part of the hike, featuring a gradual ascent and woodland scenery, follows Falls Hollow Run as it works through the forest. If you want to sack out on a rock or splash in a pool by one of the multiple waterfalls, no one would blame you. The second half, along a fire road, will have your quads crying…in both directions! The summit is open and grassy, and offers wonderful views and a, usually private, place to eat your lunch.
You can combine this with the Chimney Hollow Trail hike to make it longer, but simply hiking up to the peak and back down again is 8.1 strenuous miles. Take plenty of water!
- Time: 5.5 hours
- Elevation Gain: 2,425 feet
- Parking: Park on VA42 at a small turn-in. 38.16125, -79.26927
Crabtree Falls
50 minutes from Seven Arrows Brewing
1,200-foot Crabtree Falls, one of the highest vertical-drop cascading waterfalls east of the Mississippi, features five major cascades and many smaller ones. This great hike along and up a waterfall pays off almost immediately. In fact, the first section of the paved, nearly flat trail leads to a viewing platform from which you have an excellent view of the lower part of the falls.
Don’t let the ease of this beginning fool you, though, because from here on out, the trail becomes steep. The switchbacks repeatedly reconnect with the falls, offering the interest of several vantage points and viewing platforms. Steps and railings provide safety in some of the steepest, slipperiest sections. Rest and snack awhile at the large, walled area on top, and take in the rhododendron and the magnificent view of the Tye River Valley. Though it will be tempting to children and photographers, don’t leave the trail to climb on the slippery rocks.
While the up and back might be plenty (3.8 miles), those really wanting to break in their boots, might try the longer route connecting Crabtree Falls with another spectacular hike, Spy Rock (13.9 miles).
- Time: Allow 2.5 hours for hiking up and back
- Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet
- Parking: parking lot with per vehicle fee, VA56. 37.85144, -79.07922
Jerry’s Run Loop
30 minutes from Redbeard Brewing Company
Hikers looking for solitude and incredible views from Shenandoah Mountain in the Ramsey’s Draft Wilderness area of the George Washington National Forest should try the Jerry’s Run Loop. The first 3 miles of this quiet hike includes a lot of stream crossings, so make sure you have waterproof footwear, especially if you attempt this hike in the winter. Hikers wanting to make an overnight backpacking trip out of this hike can extend it to include the Ramsey’s Draft circuit and the Shenandoah Mountain circuit.
- Time: 6 hours with half hour for lunch
- Elevation Gain: 1,175 ft.
- Parking: parking area just beyond Mountain House picnic area, 38.30812, -79.36117.
