Shenandoah Mtn and Lynn Spring Hike
Experience the beauty of the Ramsey's Draft Wilderness Area on one of the more remote trails in the region. Starting on the ridge at Fort Edward Johnson join the Shenandoah Mountain Trail as it winds its way along the ridge through flora including Lady Slippers, Mountain Laurel, and some of the last surviving Eastern Hemlocks in the George Washington National Forest. Other hikes in the area include Jerry's Run, the Shenandoah Mountain circuit, Ramsey's Draft, and Hardscrabble Knob.
There are several excellent campsites on this out and back hike, and our favorite is at the intersection of the Shenandoah Mountain and Ramsey's Draft trails. This is also the hike turn around point and location of Lynn Spring.
The spring is generally a reliable water source, but can reduce to a
trickle if its been exceptionally dry for an extended period.
The short Confederate Breastworks interpretive loop trail is also located at Fort Edward Johnson. The fort was under the command of Brigadier General Edward Johnson during the Civil War, and was garrisoned by 3,000 Confederate soldiers of the 12th Georgia Regiment in 1862. The breastworks were located on the opposite side of US 250 and remnants are still visible.
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Mile 0.0 - On the right side of the parking area next to the bathrooms and kiosk take the stairs upward on the Shenandoah Mountain Trail and soon pass a sign at the intersection of the Confederate Breastworks Trail. Stay right on the Shenandoah Mountain Trail as it works around the east side of the ridge. The trail is intermittently marked with yellow diamonds while outside the federal wilderness area.
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Mile 0.25 - Pass another intersection with the Confederate Breastworks Trail on the left. Stay straight on the Shenandoah Mountain Trail.
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Mile 1.35 - Arrive at the intersection with the Road Hollow Trail on the right. Stay straight continuing to follow the ridge on the Shenandoah Mountain Trail. There are intermittent views to the west through the trees. Pass a sign indicating you are entering the Ramsey's Draft Wilderness Area.
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Mile 2.45 - Pass the intersection of the Jerry's Run Trail on the right remaining on the Shenandoah Mountain Trail. At this point the Shenandoah Mountain Trail descends slightly on the eastern side of the mountain before climbing and regaining the ridgeline. For the next 4.2 miles pass over several small knolls through intermittent stands of Eastern Hemlock. The Eastern Hemlock has been decimated over the past 15 years in Virginia by the Woolly Adelgid a sap sucking bug that kills the Hemlocks roots.
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Mile 6.6 - Arrive at the intersection of the unmaintained Sinclair Hollow Trail. There is a nice campsite in the hollow before the intersection. Continue on the Shenandoah Mountain Trail climbing to the east around another knoll.
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Mile 7.4 - Arrive a the main campsite and intersection of the Ramsey's Draft Trail. The campsite is large enough for multiple tents. Lynn Spring is located on the opposite side of the Shenandoah Mountain Trail from the campsite 40 yards downhill. This is the turn around point for this hike. To return retrace your route.
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Mile 14.2 - Arrive back at US 250 and parking area at Fort Edward Jones Overlook.
