Explore Reddish Knob Trail: A Beginner's Overlanding Guide
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The wild is calling all of you adventurers and there is no better proof than the George Washington National Forest. Spanning 1.8 million acres across the eastern border of West Virginia and Virginia since 1918 this place has been a outdoor enthusiast’s playground. In this post I’ll share with you our experience and conditions and track we did on The Reddish Knob Trail via Flagpole Knob Trail.
Key Takeaways
Scenic Adventure: The Reddish Knob Trail offers stunning views and diverse terrains, perfect for overlanding enthusiasts.
Preparation is Key: Ensure your vehicle is equipped with essential gear for off-road adventures, including recovery tools and spare parts.
Trail Challenges: Be prepared for varying trail conditions, from rocky paths to steep climbs.
Camping Spots: The trail features several picturesque camping spots, ideal for an overnight adventure.
Respect Nature: Practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the natural beauty of the trail.
Reddish Knob Trail
In its network of trails the Reddish Knob trail is an adventurer’s monument. The section from Flagpole Knob to Todd Lake, through Briery Branch Gap, is a testament to the trail’s history, natural beauty and off-road fun.
The Reddish Knob trail is named after one of Virginia’s highest points, Reddish Knob which peaks at 4,397 feet. In its past life in the early 20th century it was a fire lookout post because of its views of the surrounding landscape. Today it’s for adventure seekers, to navigate through different ecosystems and scenic views.
Getting Started
I did a solo trip recently on Flagpole Knob, and I was hooked immediately. You can read about that trip here or watch the YouTube video here. I will focus a little of this blog on that section, but this time, the trail was a completely different environment. Due to recent heavy rains, the entire area was very wet, and the vegetation, which was just pushed out its foilage previously, now threatened to encompass the trail in many places.
I took my son on this trip to spend some quality time with him and let him test the trails with his brand-new driver's license. A little backcountry experience will enhance his driving capabilities, especially compared to the skills needed for asphalt driving. My buddy Ritchie also came along, as we had previously planned a hiking trip for this week but had to rearrange things due to weather issues.
First Nights Camp
The trip started West of Harrisonburg, Virginia, at Skidmore Fork Lake, just off Rawley Pike Road or Highway 33. We got a late start, so we pulled in just after dark. Luckily I hit this trail a month ago, so I knew where we could camp. As we passed the lake, I saw the first water crossing of the trip. As it came into focus, I became very aware the water levels were higher this time, and the streams were much angrier.
We crossed the first crossing with a little hesitation, but I knew the campsite was right on the other side. Although visibility was reduced, I determined we could cross safely. We pulled into camp, and luckily, we were the only ones there. We quickly set up camp, had dinner, and hit the sleeping bags. My son opted for a hammock set up in his Kammock All in One; Ritchie was inside his Nemo 2-Person Hornet Tent while I was on the Jeep in the iKamper Skycamp Mini 3.0. We fell asleep to the beautiful sounds of the stream and some rain that moved in.
Day 2
This first leg of the journey is exhilarating as you navigate the rugged terrain, basking in the beauty of dense forests interspersed with rolling hills and clear blue skies along Flagpole Knob Trail. The 17-mile stretch from Flagpole Knob to Briery Branch Gap weaves through various terrains, keeping the excitement levels high. As the trail ascends, you'll immerse yourself in verdant hardwood forests.
Flagpole Knob is rated a 2 on https://webmap.onxmaps.com; however, there are 2 places on that section that can be intimidating, especially for rookies. I let my son start the journey behind the wheel because I knew the first section was pretty calm but exciting, with a couple of water crossings. He was white-knuckled, but he had a blast.
Flagpole Knob is a beautiful stretch of trail with many camping options and a mix of easy driving as well as some challenging driving. This trip's average speed through the Flagpole knob was around 3 mph due to all the rain and vegetation. Avoid this trail if you are uncomfortable with steep cliffs a foot away from your tires.
Briery Branch Gap
Briery Branch Gap is the end of Flagpole Knob and the beginning of the Reddish Knob Trail. The junction can be confusing because there are 3 directions you can go. To make it worse, the right road is called Reddish Knob Rd; however, the road going straight is the Reddish Knob Trail. As you reach the Briery Branch, Overlook, you're approaching the trail's highest elevation at around 4000'.
Reddish Knob
As we climb gradually in altitude, we come to Stony Run Overlook, and we're treated to some beautiful views of the valley below. A short distance down the trail and there's a spur trail to the left. We almost didn't take it but decided to at the last second. There are all kinds of side trails in the backcountry, but you have to be careful of what you choose to explore because you may need more preparation for what's ahead. I'm so glad we decided to explore this one.
The trail starts to go into a circle and rises in elevation. You immediately realize something special is ahead. The trail rounds out to a parking lot of Reddish Knob at 4397. OnX Maps has an observation tower located here; however, I assume it's been torn down because all that here is a parking lot. Upon reaching Reddish Knob, overlanders are rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree view of the George Washington National Forest. From this vantage point, you can see both Virginia and West Virginia. This unique feature makes this trail one of the most loved among off-road enthusiasts. Here, you can take a break to absorb the majesty of the national forest, stretching endlessly toward the horizon. This stop makes the entire trip well worth the effort.
Heiliger Kanzel
After many selfies and talking with other explorers, we start back down the trail and quickly reach Heiliger Kanzel Overlook. Heiliger Kanzel is an excellent spot for camping or a quick lunch with some views. Theres several fire pits, and a short hike through the woods will deliver a stunning view of the valley below.
We jumped back on the trail. The trail here is pretty simple in terms of off-roading. It's basically a gravel road with little to no obstacles. The average speed of around 12 mph. The trail is also declining in elevation.
Downed Tree
Down the trail, we came across a relatively large tree that recently fell and was blocking the road. Luckily we anticipated this. I always like to travel in the backcountry with a saw, and though my saw was in storage because we're moving, Ritchie brought his. My son's face when he saw the tree was priceless. It was an excellent experience for him and us to calmly know the situation was under control. We cut the tree into several pieces and cleared it from the road.
North River Stop
We stopped for a break at the North River. We needed to stretch our legs a little and move around. Off-roading is wonderful, but you can get a little stiff with all the time inside the Jeep. This was a beautiful spot. We did a little exploring, had a bite to eat, and got back on the road.
Most of the trail from here on out was serene, but only a little to write about. We explored some side trails and then started looking for a campsite. Again, campsites are almost everywhere. When I say a campsite, I'm referring to an existing site that usually has a fire ring or pit. After exploring some options, we backtracked to a beautiful spot right on a different section of the North River.
This location was excellent and open yet still secure; however, firewood was slim. Since there was no rain in the forecast and we didn't have time or the weather for a fire the night before, we searched for firewood. It's a little easier when you have chain saw. However, we're always cautious to ensure we don't cut anything alive. We set up camp, had a great dinner, and drifted off to sleep surrounded by the sounds of nature.
Final Thought
Day 3 was all about the trip home. We returned to the trail for an hour or so until we came to the highway. While Reddish Knob may be overrated at a difficulty of 2 on Onx Maps, there are almost no off-roading obstacles and the Reddish Knob section of this trail. There are some fantastic stops, but the off-roading is simply effortless. Reddish Knob is more of a National Park forest road with amazing views and exciting stops.
As we concluded our Overlanding adventure, a sense of accomplishment engulfed us. From the lofty heights of Flagpole Knob and Reddish Knob to the tranquillity of the North River, we didn't just journey through a trail but through time. We connected with nature's rhythm, echoes of history, and each other. Whether an experienced overlander or a novice, the Reddish Knob trail promises an adventure that will linger in your memories, calling you back to the magnificent wilderness of the George Washington National Forest.
FAQ
Q: What makes the Reddish Knob Trail unique for overlanding? A: The trail offers a mix of scenic views, diverse terrains, and challenging paths, making it a favorite among overlanding enthusiasts.
Q: What gear should I bring for the Reddish Knob Trail? A: Essential gear includes recovery tools, spare parts, a first-aid kit, and camping equipment for an overnight stay.
Q: Are there designated camping spots along the trail? A: Yes, there are several picturesque camping spots along the trail, perfect for setting up camp and enjoying the natural surroundings.
Q: How should I prepare my vehicle for the trail? A: Ensure your vehicle is in good condition, equipped with off-road tires, and carries necessary recovery gear and spare parts.
Q: What are the Leave No Trace principles? A: Leave No Trace principles include packing out all trash, minimizing campfire impact, respecting wildlife, and staying on designated trails to protect the environment.