Buzzard Rock North Hike
The Buzzard Rock North hike is a short and easy hike that has a great payoff with spectacular vistas from Buzzard Rock. Buzzard Rock is the high point of the cliffs that are visible from Fort Valley. The main rocks area have commanding views to the south through Fort Valley, as well as from the overlook of the Fish Hatchery to the north. The Buzzard Rock cliffs can also be accessed from the south on the Buzzard Rock hike that starts at the Elizabeth Furnace picnic grounds.From the Buzzard Rock parking area on Mountain Rd/VA619 follow the white blazed Buzzard Rock Trail as it winds through several small hollows on the lower part of the mountain before becoming more steep and reaching the ridge in 1.5 miles.
From the ridge there are views towards the north and Winchester, as well as to the east and the Front Royal area. There is a small campsite and fire ring at this point but the ground is uneven. The next good campsite on the ridge is in another 1.8 miles, 0.1 miles before the Shawl Gap trail intersection.
Continue on the ridge and in 0.1 miles, the trail will make a short switchback with a climb over a small knoll. In another 0.1 miles after crossing the knoll reach the first of several great overlooks from the Buzzard Rock Cliffs. Follow the cliffs for another 0.3 miles where there are spectacular views of Fort Valley. Turn around at this point. The white Blazed Buzzard Rock Trail continues another 1.8 miles to the intersection of the Shawl Gap and Massanutten Trails.
