Hidden Rocks Hike

Hone Quarry, just west of Harrisonburg Virginia, is one of the least utilized trail systems in the George Washington National Forest. Hidden Rocks is the shortest of the three main hikes in this area, along with Oak Knob and Hone Quarry Ridge. At only 2.5 miles in length the hike passes over Rocky Run with a small pool and waterfall, starts up Back Mountain to Hidden Rocks which is favorite of local climbers, and continues on the small loop trail past Hidden Cracks, and returns down the run.

Mile 0.0 - The yellow blazed Hidden Rocks Trail starts at the right side of the parking area. The trail will pass through three gullies then descends to Rocky Run where you enter a dense area of rhododendron.
Mile 0.65 - Cross Rocky Run and reach the intersection of the blue trail on the right, and the yellow blazed Hidden Run Trail stays left. Continue to follow the yellow blazed trail upstream and cross Rocky Run two more times then reach a split in the trail.
Mile 0.9 - Turn right steeply uphill and in 100 yards arrive at the bottom of the Hidden Rocks wall. Follow the trail to the left as it climbs around the wall. Near the high point look for a set of wooden stairs on the right. Climb the stairs to the top of Hidden Rocks where there is a campsite and views across the valley of Hone Quarry.

Mile 1.1 - Head back down the steps and stay right continuing on the loop section of the Hidden Rocks Trail. Shortly arrive at Hidden Cracks with another large granite wall. Halfway along the wall look for a gully that you can steeply climb and follow it on the left side. At the top there is a nice view back down the valley. Climb back down to the trail and stay right where the trail descends towards the stream.
Mile 1.4 - Cross the tributary of Rocky Run and follow the trail downstream.
Mile 1.6 - Arrive at the waterfall and pool with the trail loop intersection you passed earlier on the opposite site of the run. Continue downstream on the Hidden Rocks Trail retracing your steps the remaining 0.9 miles back to the parking area.
Mile 2.3 - Arrive back at the parking area on Hone Quarry Road.

Know Before You Go

Hidden Rocks Trail is a 2.3-mile loop hike in the Hone Quarry area near Harrisonburg, VA.
The trail features stream crossings at Rocky Run, a waterfall, rock formations (Hidden Rocks and Hidden Cracks), and a viewpoint.
The hike includes steep ascents and descents, with some optional scrambling at Hidden Cracks.

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Total Change

292'

Ascent

425'

Descent

428'

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Features

Vista / Lookout Point

Dogs

Waterfalls

Camping

Points of interest

Parking

38.448134, -79.12205
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Main Trailhead

38.448134, -79.12205
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Safety information

For your own safety: plan ahead, let someone know where you'll be, and hike at your own risk.

Hazards

Lyme and Other Tickborne Diseases (CDC)

Snakes (Rattlesnakes, Copperheads, others)

Poison Ivy or Poison Oak

Rockfalls, Ledges, or Scrambles

Markers

Blaze Color

Yellow

Availability

All seasons

Surface type

Dirt

Trip Reports (Reviews)
Routes

Trip Reports (Reviews)

Rated 4.0 out of 5 based on 6 ratings.

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By: Rose

2.3 miles / 3.7 km

April 17, 2019

Nice hike however Rocky Run had high water and was difficult to cross. Plan on aqueous footwear if possible. There are rocks to walk across on and keep out of the water in some places but many were loose and wobbled quite a bit. After the initial crossing of Rocky Run the trail makes a sharp left and travels directly upstream of Rocky Run which had completely overrun the trail for about 20 yds, Spotted lots of yellow violets and some bluets. Awesome views from the top of Hidden Rocks!

Legacy Review

By: Steffen

2.3 miles / 3.7 km

August 18, 2018

The hike was beautiful and fun exactly as described, but as far as solitude I would give it one star. While camping at the overlook we were visited by a boy scout troop, four hikers, and three other campers who came to camp at the same look out. We could also hear cars from the road on the overlook. We left shortly afterwards. Overall I would say it's a wonderful day hike that seems to have been discovered, but don't go to camp. A quick picnic is a better option.

Legacy Review

By: Steffen

2.3 miles / 3.7 km

August 18, 2018

The hike was beautiful and fun exactly as described, but as far as solitude I would give it one star. While camping at the overlook we were visited by a boy scout troop, four hikers, and three other campers who came to camp at the same look out. We could also hear cars from the road on the overlook. We left shortly afterwards. Overall I would say it's a wonderful day hike that seems to have been discovered, but don't go to camp. A quick picnic is a better option.

Legacy Review