Bill Kruszka Overlook Hike

Bill Kruszka Overlook Hike

One of the least visited overlooks in the Massanutten Range and northwestern Virginia. The Bill Kruszka Overlook 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. The Massanutten Trail crosses Edinburg Gap just south of Waonaze Peak on the western ridge of the Massanutten Range.

This hike has several views of Fort Valley through the trees as it climbs the mountain, as well as passing a spring at 1.1 miles. You are unlikely to run into other people on this hike, however the ATV trails in the forest are close so don't be surprised if you hear them. This area of the Massanutten also has a high concentration of Timber Rattlesnakes, so in the warmer months keep an eye on the trail as these forest residents are well camouflaged and can be hard to spot.

A great way to spend the day is to hike up to the overlook, then afterwards head into Woodstock to the family friendly Woodstock Brewery that servers great beer, homemade root bear, and very good food.

• Mile 0.0 - From the parking area on FS 374 walk back to Edinburg Gap Rd/VA 675.

• Mile 0.1 - Cross Edinburg Gap Rd/675 then turn onto the orange blazed Massanutten Trail where it enters the forest on the left. Do Not follow the gravel forestry road. The Massanutten Trail will gently climb towards Waonaze Peak for the first 1.0 mile passing through several stands of Mountain Laurel. The Mountain Laurel is at its peak bloom the end of May and beginning of July.

• Mile 1.1 - In 1.0 miles arrive at a mountain spring. Continue along the trail and pass another trail marker. This trail marker shows the same distances as the marker at Edinburg Gap mile 0.1 on this hike, so per the markers at this rate you'll never get closer to either the Bear Trap Trail or Woodstock Tower road :) From this point the trail becomes somewhat steeper and makes several switchbacks as it climbs the mountain.

• Mile 2.0 - You have views here to the southwest of Kennedy Peak and Fort Valley. The true summit of Waonaze Peak is tree covered without views. Continue over the north flank of Waonaze Peak were the Massanutten Trail descends towards the western ridge.

• Mile 2.5 - At the intersection of the pink blazed Bear Trap Trail there is an slightly obscured view to the west of Edinburg and Woodstock. You can also see the Bill Kruszka Overlook ridge from here just 0.1 miles to the northwest. Continue past the Bear Trap trail on the orange blazed Massanutten Trail for another 0.1 miles a small rock cairn marks the non-blazed overlook trail. Turn left on the overlook trail and follow it 100 yards.

• Mile 2.65 - Arrive at the Bill Kruszka Overlook. The rock face has multiple places to enjoy a break. There are views to the southwest of Short Mountain where the Copernicus Ridge hike is located, and more westerly into the Shenandoah Valley towards Edinburg. Retrace your route back to Edinburg Gap to complete the hike.

• Mile 5.3 - Arrive back at Edinburg Gap.