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Duncan Knob Hike

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Distance:
3.5 Miles / 5.6 km
Type:
Out-and-Back
Difficulty:
Moderate
Time to Hike:
1 hour, ~45 minutes
Features:
Surface Type:
Dirt
Park:
George Washington National Forest
Town:
Mount Jackson, Virginia
Directions:
38.708681, -78.560376
Added:
January 25, 2025
Updated:
April 04, 2025
Copy Trail Link Hiking this trail? Send a friend or family member a link to this trail guide for your own safety. Hike at your own risk (disclaimer)
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1,130'

Total Change
1,152'

Ascent
1,152'

Descent

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Duncan Knob Hike

Along with sister hike Duncan Knob Hollow, Duncan Knob climbs Catback Mountain in the Massanutten Range offering solitude, a rock scramble, and great views of the Massanutten Range and Shenandoah Valley. Choose from this route along 3.6 miles out-and-back to the Duncan Knob summit from Gap Creek, or make the longer 8.5 mile circuit hike from Scothorn Gap. There are multiple good camp sites on both hikes, including a site at the summit with gorgeous sunset views to the southwest.

Gap Creek - Out/Back - 3.5 Miles

  • Mile 0.0 - From the parking area along Crisman Hollow Rd follow the side track and blue blazed Gap Creek Trail for 100 yards to the first campsite on the left. At this point the Gap Creek Trail turns left and crosses a wooden footbridge over Gap Creek. The trail is initially rocky as it climbs Catback Mountain. Make six switchbacks in the first 1.2 miles then arrive at the intersection of the yellow blazed Scothorn Gap Trail that comes in from the right.
  • Mile 1.2 - Continue climbing on the blue blazed Gap Creek trail for another 0.3 miles to Peach Orchard Gap where there is a large campsite. The white blazed Duncan Knob Overlook Trail is on the left in the saddle.
  • Mile 1.5 - Turn left onto the white blazed trail then in 0.1 miles pass a campsite on the right. After the campsite the trail becomes more rocky and harder to follow. Look for rock cairns to guide you. As the trail enters the rock slide below Duncan Knob stay to the left and around the largest bolder in the field before heading uphill to the ridge. At the ridge there is a small campsite suitable for a single tent. Follow the trail right to the overlook.
  • Mile 1.8 - From the overlook there are expansive views to the south of the Shenandoah Valley and west towards New Market Gap. Return back to the intersection with the Gap Creek Trail at Peach Orchard Gap.
  • Mile 2.1 - Turn right downhill on the blue blazed Gap Creek Trail retracing your route back to the parking area on Crisman Hollow Rd.
  • Mile 3.5 - Arrive back at the parking are on Crisman Hollow Rd.
Explore 99 trails near Mount Jackson, VA
  1. Parking

    38.708681, -78.560376
  2. Main Trailhead

    38.708681, -78.560376
No community routes found. To add your own hike as a Community Route for this Trail guide, leave a Trip Report with an attached GPX file.

Hazards

Ticks - Lyme Disease More Info (CDC)
Snakes
Poison Ivy/Oak

Seasons

All

Blaze Color

Blue

Trip Reports

Trail Guide By:
HikingUpward user profile picture
3.5 miles / 5.6 km

Weather Forecast

In Mount Jackson, VA

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