Strickler Knob: The Mysterious Bushwhack

       After parking at Scothorn Gap (no payment or park fees required), you’ll immediately wade or rock hop across Passage Creek.  The hike starts off on a fire road.  The way starts to get fairly steep at 0.4 miles, but levels off again at .65 miles. At 0.8 miles, the hike gets steep again, but levels at .95 miles. This is the hardest part of the hike, so once that is done, the elevation changes are small. It may seem really intense at the beginning, but don't give up!  At 1.07 miles, you will see a nice campsite for anyone that wants to stay overnight. At this point, you will see an arrow pointing to the right, where you will pick up the trail again. If you feel like exploring a short side trail once you reenter the woods after the meadow that the campsite is on, there is actually a small  pond to the left, so keep your eyes open!  At 1.3 miles, you will come to a junction sign. Head straight on to the orange-blazed Massanutten trail.

       At 1.94 miles you will come to the junction with the Strickler Knob trail to the right, marked with pink paint on rocks (make sure you keep your eyes peeled, because you could easily miss it and continue on the Massanutten Trail by accident). The trail leading to the overlook point is fairly rocky, so watch your footing and be careful not to turn your ankles. Around 2.5 miles, you will see gorgeous views of the Shenandoah River and the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east. To the west, you will see more of the Shenandoah valley and the Appalachian Mountains. At 2.67 miles, you will reach a rock scramble for about one tenth of a mile until you reach the summit. This is a great spot to have 360 degree views of the area around you. Tied to a tree, you will also see a logbook that someone placed for people to journal about their hike.I also recently found out while researching more about the trail that someone hid a geocache out there, so I'll have to look for it next time I'm there!

       When my friends and I went, we actually saw a black bear from a safe distance, so be aware that bears are around! Also, in regards to animals,  I wouldn't recommend bringing dogs on this trail; my friend brought her chocolate lab with us, and while she was able to complete the hike, the scramble at the end was a bit risky and she wound up hurting one of her toenails.