No, your eyes are not deceiving you: the leaves have already started to change. It’s still crazy hot, but autumn is right around the corner. If you’re fantasizing about fall things like sweaters, football, pumpkin-spiced anything, and leaf-peeping along the trail, this is the season for you. Here are nine hikes along the Beerwerks Trail that are especially nice in autumn. Better yet, they’re all a short distance from a Beerwerks brewery where you can refresh and toast the changing seasons.
Zone A
Hightop Summit Trail
15 minutes from Elkton Brewing Co.
You can choose the distance you want to hike to reach the panoramic views at the end of Shenandoah National Park’s out-and-back Hightop Summit Trail. Start at Swift Run Gap to tackle the entire 5.6 miles and a steep climb of 1,480 ft. Alternately, park at the Hightop Mountain pull-in on the Skyline Drive to do an easier 2.3 miles. Time this one right and score a big sunset. Both hikes are all downhill back to your ride. This hike is considered moderate and is one of SNP’s less-traveled trails.
Hidden Rocks Trail
30 minutes from Restless Moons Brewing
Hidden Rock Trail in Hone Quarry Recreation Area is a moderate 2.5-mile hike that follows (and crosses) Rocky Run. Hikers will love looking at the pretty mountain stream, especially where a pool has formed under a waterfall. The trail climbs up Back Mountain to the Hidden Rocks. This cliff formation is a popular scene for rock climbers and you might spot someone mid-climb. The trail continues past the base of the rocks to an overlook on top of the cliff. Nearby Hone Quarry Ridge (5 miles) and Oak Knob (7.9 miles) also pay off with overlooks and opportunities to see migrating birds and autumn leaves.
Massanutten Ridge Trail
15 minutes from BrewHaHa Brewing Company
Massanutten Ridge Trail is a 4.5-mile out-and-back scenic trail that provides impressive views of Massanutten’s ski slopes and surrounding mountains from the top of the ridge. This is a quiet hike with some challenging rocky sections along the ridge. Enjoy the autumn leaf show or plan your upcoming golf or ski trip while you hike. It’s worth it to arrive at sunrise or sunset!
Zone B
Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail
2 minutes from Basic City Beer Co.
Once the longest railroad tunnel in North America, the Claudius Crozet Blue Ridge Tunnel is now a 4.5-mile out-and-back hiking trail that delves under Afton Mountain. Visitors can hike or bike the trail, including the nearly mile-long tunnel section. The tunnel stays a pleasant 50 degrees year-round, and you might see underground dwellers like crawfish and salamanders. Signage along the trail gives background on the tunnel’s history (it was built in the 1850s and closed to trains in 1944) and the project to restore it, which took nearly 20 years. There is no interior lighting, so visitors should bring flashlights.
Calvary and Chimney Rock
35 minutes from Seven Arrows Brewing Company
Located in Shenandoah National Park, the Calvary and Chimney Rock hike is a moderate 3.4-mile out-and-back hike with two impressive overlooks and large, interesting rock formations. Turn around and head back to your car or extend the hike into the 10-mile Riprap Loop.
Elliot Knob
20 minutes from Redbeard Brewing Company
The tough 8.1-mile out-and-back Elliot Knob hike climbs to a fire tower on the highest peak in Augusta County. The hike begins gently, traversing woodland scenery and following Falls Hollow Run as it works through the forest. Rest and admire the pools and waterfalls. The final steep mile and a half, along a fire road, will have your quads crying…in both directions! The summit is open and grassy, and it offers wonderful views and a private place to rest and eat lunch.
Zone C
Chessie Trail
5 minutes from Heliotrope Brewery
You won’t have to drive along miles of switchbacks to get to Chessie Trail, which can be accessed from either Lexington or Buena Vista and connects the two. Ideal for strolling or riding your bike, the 7-mile (each way) trail follows an old railroad bed and hugs the scenic Maury River. The well-maintained gravel trail is flat and quiet and runs through forested and open land. There’s a good chance you’ll see some native wildlife.
Mt. Pleasant Trail
40 minutes from Devils Backbone Outpost Taproom & Kitchen
Mt. Pleasant Trail is a well-maintained 5.5-mile loop trail that’s loaded with interesting things to look at including two summits with beautiful views. This hike is good for a long day hike, but hikers hoping to stay longer can claim one of several established campsites near the mountain’s saddle. October is a wonderful time to visit and photograph the changing leaves.
House Mountain Trail
25 minutes from Great Valley Farm Brewery and Winery
The tough 8.2-mile House Mountain Trail follows an old Jeep trail up the mountain and splits when you get to the saddle between the two peaks. This spot was once a homestead and you can still see an old structure and some apple trees. From here, you can pick a peak to climb (or tackle both). Big House Mountain looks west from the top of a 100-foot high cliff, and to reach it, you’ll cover 1.7 challenging miles and climb 740 feet. Little House Mountain looks northeast, and the trail is 2.6 miles long and has a strenuous 940-foot climb. Many people tag both peaks for the full 8.2 miles.
One of the best ways to celebrate fall is with a beautiful hike followed by a cold beer. Make plans to hit the trail this weekend!