LOCATED IN THE GEORGE WASHINGTON NATIONAL FOREST This moderately-strenuous hike rewards with some of the best views in Virginia national forests from the historical High Knob fire tower. After restoration in 2001-2003, the tower now lends expansive 360° views to visitors, with vistas of sunsets over West Virginia's highest mountain Spruce Knob and the Eastern Continental Divide. To the east, sunrises over the slopes of Shenandoah Mountain, Switzer Lake, and the Blue Ridge Mountains are visible. Plaques on each side of the tower catwalk show the names of peaks in the distance. The area also offers excellent bird watching. TRAIL ACTIVITIES: HIKING AND TRAIL RUNNING Time required: 1.5-2.5 hours Challenge level: Moderate Distance: 2.5 miles Elevation change: +/- 643 ft Terrain: Mostly singletrack footpath, with a short section on a wider dirt road Preferred direction: n/a (out and back hike) DIRECTIONS & PARKING Driving: 30 minutes from Harrisonburg (Google maps, note left turn is possible after crossing state line) Signs and Marking: From the trailhead at the parking area, follow the trail blazed yellow on trees. Parking: Large gravel parking area on the left/south side of Rt. 33 immediately after cresting the pass on the VA/WV state line. Space for 20+ cars. Trailhead/parking not signed from the road, but is very visible.