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Northern Massanutten Proposed National Recreation Area

Approximate Size: 

Location:  Page, Shenandoah, and Warren Counties; Lee Ranger District

Topos:  Luray, Rileyville, Bentonville, Strasburg, Hamburg

The northern area of the Massanutten Mountain Range is an excellent candidate for a National Recreation Area.  The proposed area includes Signal Knob, Massanutten North, and Duncan Knob areas, from the northern tip of the range down along the ridge of Northern Massanutten Mountain to Rt. 211. 

The Signal Knob area includes two Special Biological Areas designated in the forest plan - Signal Knob Shale Barren and Mudhole Bog.  The Virginia Division of Natural Heritage recommends a significant extension of the boundary around the Bog to protect the groundwater recharge area for the seep.  In addition, the municipal reservoir for Strasburg is located at the western boundary.

The area is a recreational paradise.  There is a good density of trails here, easily accessible to northern Virginia populations.  The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club heartily supports this recommendation for a Northern Massanutten NRA.

Some of the popular mountain biking/hiking trails include the Signal Knob Trail, Massanutten Mountain Trail, Tuscarora Bear Wallow Trail, Duncan Hollow Trail, and numerous side trails climbing from the bottom of both the eastern and western flanks of Northern Massanutten Mountain.  The South Fork of the Shenandoah River is a popular canoeing river with several sites to put in and take out.  In addition, there is a handicap-accessible boardwalk trail on the southern end of the area that leads to a spectacular cliff overlook.

A National Recreation Area designation will highlight and protect the outstanding recreational value of this part of the GW, while continuing to allow vehicular access.  Boundary specifics for the NRA are still in the works.

All private landowner rights and access will be maintained.
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© Virginia Wilderness Committee, 2013

Contact us:
Virginia Wilderness Committee
info@vawilderness.org
P.O. Box 1235
​
Lexington, VA 24450
(540) 464-1661