Eagle Rock Hike

Eagle Rock has some of the best vistas in the Great North Mountain range. The Tuscarora Trail was re-routed in 2014 to include the Eagle Rock Trail, and now this spectacular hike can be done as either a 7.2 mile out-and-back from US48/55, or as a family friendly 2.1 mile hike from Dry Gap VA609. The longer 7.2 mile version also includes a rolling ridge walk with views of Paddy Gap as well as the gap between Paddy Mountain and Short Mountain. The Eagle Rock Trail and overlook have never received the high traffic found on similar hikes such as Big Schloss just to the south.

The Eagle Rock Trail and a portion of the Tuscarora Trail that was re-routed in 2014 pass through the private property of the Capon Springs Hunt Club. Please respect private property, remain on the trail, and practice Leave No Trace hiking etiquette.

Mile 0.0 - From the parking area along 48/55 carefully cross to the north side of the road. Vehicles crest the ridge here at high speed, so use extreme caution crossing 48/55. In 200 yards arrive at a Y intersection with an old forestry road on the left. Stay right on the blue blazed Tuscarora Trail as it continues to climb the ridge. This section of the Tuscarora Trail from 48/55 to Dry Gap straddles the border of Virginia and West Virginia.
Mile 0.25 - Arrive at the ridge with a beautiful view to the south of Paddy Mountain and Little Sluice Mountain. The ridge becomes narrow at this point.
Mile 0.61 - Pass a campsite on the right that has views through the trees of the gap between Short Mountain and Paddy Mountain. There is no water source here, so if you decide to camp you will have to carry it in. From this point the communications tower service road will become more prominent on the left.
Mile 0.77 - Pass a communications relay tower on the left. The Tuscarora Trail continues on the right side of the ridge.
Mile 1.40 - Pass a second larger communications tower on the left. This tower is also a cellular station, so you should have excellent mobile coverage for those serviced by this provider. 30 yards past the tower is a power line clear cut that has a good view of the gap between Short Mountain and Paddy Mountain. The blue blazed trail now descends to a saddle on the ridge.
Mile 1.79 - Arrive at the intersection of the orange blazed connector trail to the Hawk Recreation Area. The orange blazed trail was previously part of the blue blazed Tuscarora Trail before the Tuscarora Trail was re-routed in 2014. Stay straight on the blue blazed Tuscarora Trail as it the leaves George Washington National Forest property on the west side of the ridge. The right side of the trail is private property owned by the Capon Springs Hunt Club. Please respect private property and remain on the trail. After passing another knoll the blue blazed trail descends to the parking area at Dry Gap and VA690/Capon Springs Grade Rd.
Mile 2.58 - Cross VA609/Capon Springs Grade Rd, then follow the blue blazed Eagle Rock/Tuscarora Trail as it climbs north towards the saddle between Great North Mountain and Spring Mountain. The trail becomes wider here.
Mile 3.08 - At the saddle and split in the trail stay right, remain on the blue blazed trail which proceeds more steeply uphill. Just before arriving at the ridge pass through a section of Mountain Laurel.
Mile 3.55 - Arrive at the ridge where the trail turns left. Stay on the trail for another 70 yards to the main Eagle Rock overlook.
Mile 3.6 - The main Eagle Rock overlook has a concrete bench and is a beautiful spot for lunch. The panoramic view here is one of the best in the Great North Mountain area, with expansive views towards the Massanutten Range and Shenandoah National Park to the east, as well as the Great Great North Mountain massif to the south. This is the turn around for the hike. Retrace your route back to the parking area. From here the Tuscarora Trail continues past a weather station in 0.3 miles, then descends Great North Mountain and continues north.
Mile 7.1 - Arrive back at US48/55.

By: Sean

7.1 miles / 11.4 km

October 19, 2019

I find some of the comments here regarding parking confusing. If you are taking the longer version of the hike as I did and parking along Route 48/55, you want to be parking along the eastbound side of the road east of the gate. The parking photo shows a car parked near the gate, and not blocking the gate. That's where I parked. East of that point is a wide shoulder on which several cars were parked when I returned. That's apparently OK. In no way do you want any of your car on the pavement. This was a good hike. The cellular tower along the hike I figured out was for Sprint, so those customers will have a good signal. Not many people on the segment between the 48/55 and Dry Gap Route 609 parking areas. About 12 cars were in and around the Dry Gap parking area. The small lot was full and cars were parked down the road along the shoulder -- apparently that's OK. Eagle Rock was crowded -- about 15-20 people, mostly families. Descending from Eagle Rock to Dry Gap parking I passed another 15 or so going uphill. The earlier the better for Eagle Rock if you want to avoid the crowds.

Legacy Review

By: Wojo

October 14, 2019

One of my kids has been bugging me about hiking so I put out feelers and this one was the 2nd most "recommended". I am fat and out of shape and this did exhaust me and the rest of my family. One of the reviewers below comments that their car was towed. NOTE: If you park on the WB side of 55/48 just past the trail, it is clearly marked NO PARKING, so do not park there. I almost did until I saw the NO PARKING sign which could be easy to miss. This was Columbus Day holiday, so both parking areas had 6-10 cars at them each and we encountered several other hiking groups along the trail. For a first hike, I don't recommend this particular one, however, if you start at the Capon Springs Grade Road point, then Eagle Rock is a great first hike. There is not much to see from 55/48 to the next parking area. The first vista of Paddy's Mountain was nice but it's partially grown in so it's not the best picture spot. After that, there was nothing scenic or picturesque about the rest of the trail until reaching Eagle Rock. We saw no wildlife at all but heard there was a snake on the trail approaching Eagle Rock. There are a could of grades that are steep enough to take the spirit of the out-of-shape. That happened to us. Eagle Rock's panorama is a definite 5 star view. That made the hike a delight. This was a perfect day to hit the trails. Cloudless sky and 70 degrees. The foliage hasn't changed yet but it's close. The majority of this hike is under the forest canopy so even in the heat of summer, it won't be in direct sunlight. Our round trip encounter took us about 6 hours. We stopped a few times and spent a good half hour on the "rock."

By: Julie

October 05, 2019

Very nice hike although easier than a '3' (and I'm an out of shape, old fart). Think it would be even better in the winter. No problems parking on Rt. 55/48.

By: mtnjohn

August 23, 2019

I have done this hike many times. You will not be towed if you park legally ...duh. It's a pretty easy hike and very scenic. You may see a bear or a rattlesnake because you are in the National forest, though you probably wont see them, just be aware that this is their turf. We usually do the shorter version as a late afternoon /evening hike. it's nice and if you go in late april/early may you can see the azaleas blooming and they are just beautiful. enjoy and respect.

By: Dan

May 21, 2019

The 7-mile version of this trek is a lovely hike! The majority is a pleasant walk in the woods albeit, there is a generous amount of scree, so be sure to bring boots. The trail is in good condition and is impeccably blazed. And OMG, that view!!

By: George

April 07, 2019

No parking on Rt 55. Car was towed. Long hike through the brush to get there. Saw a timber rattler on the rocks at the overlook.......not good!!! On the way back we ran into some other hikers who appeared frightened. Apparently they saw a large black bear. So we all left together. We will never go back. Terrible hike, dangerous wildlife and no parking.

By: Arjun

March 30, 2019

We did the longer 7 miles version. It is fairly easy hike with great views from the top. it was little windy at the overlook which made it even better hike. Parking is limited but we didn't had any trouble parking at 11am. There was still spots left for few more cars but maybe that was just that day. Will do this one again for the views and solitude

By: Rocky

October 14, 2018

Great views, well worth the hike. Please be aware the Dry Gap area crosses Hwy 609, not 690 (as in directions), and 609 is a gravel road with little traffic.

By: Landowner

July 23, 2018

Eagle rock is on private property. Hike at your own risk and please be respectful. No trash or campfires!!! Watch out for Bears and rattlesnakes!!!

By: Arlene

April 28, 2018

Nice day, although cloudy, and finished just before cold front rolled in. A lot more rocks on the trail than I expected. Dogs apparently are permitted, but had to continually watch our step because owners did not pick up after their pets. Horses also use the trail.

By: Vikky C

March 18, 2018

We love this hike (this was our second time here), lots of solitude and the payoff is worth it! Views can't be beat!! It quickly became my favorite on this trip because my boyfriend popped the question here on this day!!!!!! :)

By: Tim

November 04, 2017

I did the 7.2 mile version of this hike. I started early so there were no cars parked when I started but when I got back to the highway it was pretty full. It was a pretty easy hike overall and had some nice views even though you can't leave the trail.

By: Kim Q.

October 24, 2017

We parked in the lot closer to Eagle Rock and hiked the last 2.1 out and back since we had our 2 year old with us. What a fantastic hike! It's a steady uphill during this last bit of the hike, but nothing strenuous, and the views are definitely worth it! The primary outlook has by far the best, unobstructed views but the other overlooks around it have great views as well! The views from the primary overlook are greater than 180 degrees. We saw one other car in the small parking area but saw no one else on the hike. As other reviewers have mentioned there are stay on the trail signs, but I'm assuming it's because the land around it is owned by the nearby resort in Capon Springs (we drove by on our way to get here - looks like a really cool place to go). We live on Back Mountain Road so this hike is only a 30 minute drive for us, and would probably be about 45 minutes from the city of Winchester. We'll definitely go back!

By: Hobo Hiker

August 20, 2017

NO PARKING? At Rt48 and the trail head there is now a big NO PARKING sign. There is a parking lot farther down the road about 300 yards that doesn't have a no parking sign. I decided instead to go up Rt609 and park at Dry Gap. It appears somebody doesn't want hikers in that area either. At that trail head parking were 6 big signs "Capron Spring Hunting Club Members Only- $500 Reward for Arrest of Trespassers"(Also some old signs that appeared to have been ripped down) I'm am going to check with some contacts at the PATC and trail clubs to see if this is legal. I parked anyway at Dry Gap parking saying to myself, "These $500 trespassing signs are BS!" Once on the trail their were signs that said please stay on the Great Eastern Trail -respect private property- Now that I'm fine with and thank the private owner for respecting the hiking path. That said, the 2.1 shorter hike was easy and there is a great view. Their is a nice cement bench at Eagles Rock to sit on. Unfortunately the parking fiasco spoiled the hike. Also for some reason I didn't hear or see ANY wild life? Not even a bird chirping? Very strange. Worried about the $500 trespassing sign I quickly took some pics returned to my car to leave. I gave it 3 stars because of no parking. (FYI- I did see some trash in the parking so I cleaned it up like a good hiker, no trace left behind :)

By: aldikuma

June 26, 2017

Couldn't have picked a better day to hike: mid 70s and sunny with almost no clouds in the sky! This hike makes me want to continue on the Tuscarora for miles! Still healing from leg injury, I needed a gentler hike and this turned out to be perfect. The beginning is an interval hike, but nothing strenuous. At this time of year you'll have some views through the trees, but when the leaves are down I bet this is even prettier. Some of the trail is covered in tall grass, so expect ticks - I only found a few on me and my dog. I did see some poison ivy so watch for that as well. The last part up to the main vista is not intense but it's continuous uphill. The views at Eagle Rock are exceptional. I could've stayed there for hours. We encountered several other hikers, which was surprising for a Monday. Despite being only seven miles I felt like I got a nice workout. It was great to get back out on the trails. Do be careful when crossing 48/55. The parking along the road can only hold 3-4 cars so if you go on a weekend, start early.

By: Third time I hikes

June 17, 2017

We chose this hike as a micro adventure with Brotherhood Adventures. Actually started on Friday evening and setup camp at the campsite. Was a good hike, the last mile was tough for me but the view was amazing. We got there and the valley was foggy. As far as of trail, it was fairly easy and not real technical. About 30 minutes later the valley opened up.

By: Michael Howell

Took a micro-adventure with Brotherhood Adventures (http://brotherhoodadventures.com/) for a one night camp out and hike. Really enjoyed our time. We hiked our stuff in late on Friday, camped, and then were able to take heavier stuff to the car on Saturday morning before doing the whole 7 mile trek. Found the campsite to be a great feature and easily supported our 6 tents. The terrain was a nice challenge for some of our novice hikers and a nice experience for some of our more experienced members. Eagle rock was beautiful and the fog lifted just in time for us to catch the panoramic view before heading back. Found directions on here to be well detailed and most reviews accurate. Was very glad to have pictures and a map to help orient us especially in finding the campsite Friday night. Only issue was some of our novice's were taken by the altitude changes but, again, was a nice challenge I think we all enjoyed.

By: Daniel F

May 20, 2017

All in all a pretty good hike. The trail is very well-marked and relatively easy for the first 2.5 miles. The steady uphill getting to the outlook in the middle of this hike is a bit more challenging, but still not very difficult. And the overlook in the middle is fantastic. Some of the best views of any hike in the area. Even though the majority of the hike isn't terribly interesting, the overlook makes it worth the trip. However, a small word of warning - watch out for ticks. I've rarely had so much trouble with ticks as my wife and I had on this hike. Must have pulled nearly 15 off of me. Might be that this is just a bad season, but regardless, I'd advise being cautious with how you dress for this hike.

By: Christopher Boyce

May 07, 2017

Hiked with my nephew starting from highway 48/55. The trail got quite rocky in places, but also was earthen for long stretches. The forest opened up in places, providing some nice views to the south of the Great North Mountain range. There were clusters of spring wildflowers, along with several species of fern. In places these ferns blanketed the ground. Eagle Rock was worth the effort, and not just for its sweeping views of the Shenandoah Valley and surrounding mountain ranges. The forest was dominated by Mountain Laurel, Pine, and low growing Blueberry. Where these plants stood along the cliffs, they had clearly been sculpted by the wind and elements. Looked more like a botanical garden than a patch of raw nature.

By: Robert Godlove

April 16, 2017

Always enjoy this hike, secluded, yet easily accessible, found some trash at parking area, we cleaned it up, was clear and warm, great hike for dogs as well, didn't see a soul

By: Ed Matthews

March 19, 2017

I've been sick for the last two weeks, so we needed to keep it short and keep it close to home in Winchester. We decided to explore the VA-WV border of our own county of Frederick (and Hampshire County WV). We have hiked a lot of the Great North Mountain complex, all of it south of route 55/US48 (Shenandoah County VA and Hardy County WV). This was our first foray on the Tuscarora north of 55. I was quite happy with this largely unknown trail with its views of Great North Mountain and Little North Mountain. Because it was snowing and there were low ceilings, we could not see over to the Massanuttens and the Blue Ridge, but I am sure that they are spectacular on a sunny day. There were a lot of snow drifts, some up to two feet deep, but fortunately, someone had already postholed them and we didn't have to. Wading through snow is a lot like walking in the soft sand at the beach: it takes some effort. Still that effort was handsomely rewarded in the views at the top. Kudos to PATC for their work on this trail. It could not be any better marked. Each tiny little turn is marked with double Carolina-blue blazes it is not possible to miss the trail, even though there are all kinds of trails crisscrossing in this area as a result of the trail relocation. I would say that looking at the elevation map here gives a false impression of the climb from VA690 to Eagle Rock. It's a steady climb but it's not nearly as steep as it looks on the map. An easy climb in fact. The views at Eagle Rock are spectacular and may be second to none in this area. And the bang for the buck is pretty awesome: it's an easy 3.2 miles to the top where the payoff views are incredible. Bottom line: easy walk, quick walk (90 minutes each way), not super popular, spectacular views. I feel like this will become a go-to hike for us when we are short on time and need to stay close to home. trip report/photos: https://mangiabeve.blogspot.com/2017/03/keeping-it-local.html