Name: Bill Kruszka Overlook 5.3 Mi 1325 Ft Moderately Strenuous Hike + Option
Start: 2024-11-18T09:30:00-05:00
End: 2024-11-18T13:30:00-05:00

This is a moderately strenuous 5.3-mile out and back hike with an elevation gain of 1325' on the Massanutten trail (hiking north from parking). Parts of the trail are rocky and steep. The hike is in the vicinity of ATV trails, but we're unlikely to hear many midweek. We will hike about 1.8-2 mph on average, taking it slower uphill and breaking as needed. We'll have lunch at the overlook.

**It's hunting season: wear blaze orange and other brightly colored attire.**

The Bill Kruszka Overlook is located in the George Washington National Forest and is named for the longtime Forestry Service employee who was instrumental, along with Don Sawyer, in developing many of the trails in the Lee Ranger District. The overlook is a rocky outcrop with sweeping views of Short Mountain and Edinburg in the Shenandoah Valley. Reviews indicate this area of the Massanutten has a high concentration of Timber Rattlesnakes, another reason to hike in November. I didn't see any when I hiked it in September. ***Option to add miles to the day (see details below).***

**HIKE ROUTE:** https://www.hikingupward.com/GWNF/BillKruszkaOverlook/

**PARKING:** Since I've heard the gate to parking on FS374 as described in Hiking Upward closes seasonally, we will park at the adjacent Edinburg Gap/FS 374 Peters Mill Run/Taskers Gap OHV System Parking Area (doesn't close until early January)

GPS 38.78867, -78.52153

**RESTROOM:** Vault toilet near OHV parking, as long as ATV area is open.

**AGENDA:** From the parking area we will cross Edinburg Gap Road/675 and turn onto the orange-blazed Massanutten Trail. The Massanutten Trail leads to Waonaze Peak for the first 1.0 mile passing through several stands of Mountain Laurel. In 1.0 miles we will cross a mountain spring then continue along the trail and pass another trail marker. From this point, the trail becomes somewhat steeper and makes several switchbacks as it climbs the mountain. There are views of Kennedy Peak and Fort Valley. When we pass Waonaze Peak the trail descends. At the intersection of Bear Trap trail the Bill Kruszka Overlook turn is .1 from this the trail sign to a small rock cairn on the left. Turn left on the overlook trail and follow it 100 yards. Then we'll retrace our steps back to parking.

**OPTIONAL EXPLORATORY HIKE: Copernicus Ridge is a 3.7 Mi 866 Ft out and back hike in the opposite direction on the Massanutten Trail (hiking south) from Bill Kruszka parking.** https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/copernicus-ridge
Opportunity to shorten this add on hike a smidge and eliminate short road walk TBD day of hike. **I have never hiked to Copernicus Ridge.** Confident and adventuresome hikers, come spend additional time on trail to explore with me.

**WHAT TO BRING:** The Ten Essentials. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and warm/cool layers. Bring plenty of water, snacks/meals, and trekking poles if you use them. [https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/ten-essentials.html](https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/ten-essentials.html)

Please leave your canine companions at home. Thanks!

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Bill Kruszka Overlook 5.3 Mi 1325 Ft Moderately Strenuous Hike + Option

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Bill Kruszka Overlook 5.3 Mi 1325 Ft Moderately Strenuous Hike + Option

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