Last Updated on March 7, 2023 by Andreas
Starting Up
You can find Elliott Knob within the George Washington National Forest. It’s one of Virginia’s highest peaks with a wonderful view of the Shenandoah Valley. At this elevation there are species of trees usually found hundreds of miles to the north. Two groves of Red Spruce grow on the summit with dispersed campsites throughout them. This unique location has an old forest fire lookout that’s open to those that can make the hike. Two routes lead to the summit. The easier Falls Hollow Trail that is 8.3 miles or the gravel access that climbs 2,000 ft within 2.5 miles.
The gravel logging road ascends with few switchbacks and does provide a challenge. Even if taking the hiking trail, part of reaching the summit is via the old gravel access.
Rabbits, deer, bobcats and black bears live in this lush mountain habitat. I spotted a bear cub before it quickly vanished off into the undergrowth. Oaks and Hickory primarily make up the woods but Maples and Birch trees can be found too. Ferns and Wild raspberry patches can be seen among the rhododendron understory.
There are many trails to explore in the area, some more traveled then others. Technicians accessing the communications equipment at the peak traverse the gravel road daily. These towers and buildings are well labelled with keep out and no trespassing signs. Yet they don’t impose on the view too much and the AC units noise becomes trivial compared to sound of the wind.
Elliott Knob fire tower
The view from a decommissioned forest service tower is thrilling. It will not disappoint even on days when visibility doesn’t allow a panoramic view. The clouds coming roweling up the side of the mountain and hit you like a fog bank. At night you can see the surrounding towns, cities and the cars traveling between them. These lights do not impede on the starlight and you can make out the milky way and many constellations. The weather was decent while I was here, moderate cloud cover and at times lifting for a better view.
Within the tower
The fence for the tower was closed to the public but it seems they gave up on keeping people out and the gate is now open. However there are antennas and cables on the tower in operation, so it’s best to treat these things with respect. It would be a shame to give the forest service a reason to lock it up again. The building atop the tower is in decent shape. A few broken windows and mice that haven taken up residence. You can stay inside the structure, under the tower or one of the many surrounding campsite.
A location like this is very unique and must be treated similarly to how we tread lightly in nature. We can’t let this spot become damaged from our visits. Please don’t do anything that would damaged this structure, area or yourself. When it comes to safety, know your limits and don’t put yourself into a dangerous spot. We need to be watching out for each other and the environment when hiking and camping. Pack it in, pack it out. And don’t wantonly destroy plants and wildlife. Let’s keep things looking this good for future generations.
dispersed camping at the top? can u drive up it along a fire rd? are there dispersed camping sites on the way up?
There’s about four campsites at the top and a couple near the beginning of the trail. It’s not possible to drive long the fire road to the top, which can make the summit fairly free of humans. Be warned, the fire road portion of the hike is brutal.