A Challenging 250 Mile Route Through
The Heart of the Ridge and Valley Appalachians
Section 17: County Line
Dry Gap to Waites Run Road, 11.2 miles.
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PATC Map F , Guide to the South Half of the Tuscarora Trail
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Max Elevation: 2810 ft. Min Elevation: 1510 ft.
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Highlights:
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Access: The Trail can be accessed from both the southern and northern termini of section 17:
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Capon Springs Grade (39.109,-78.478).
Waites Run Road (39.016, -78.605).
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Additional road access:
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US Route 48 (39.085, -78.511).
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Additional trail access in the George Washington National Forest includes: Hawk Camp Access Trail, Gerhard Shelter Trail.
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Advisory: Exercise caution in the George Washington National Forest during hunting season. Limited Water along Ridge. Section Updates
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Camping: Hawk Campground (39.117,-78.499), Gerhard Shelter (39.0657, -78.533). Primitive camping is permitted off trail in the George Washington National Forest.
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Section 18: Sugar Knob
Waites Run Road to Fetzer Gap, 15.7 miles
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PATC Map F, Guide to the South Half of the Tuscarora Trail
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Max Elevation: 3130 ft. Min Elevation: 1510 ft.
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Highlights: Trout Run overlook, White Rocks overlook. Great Eastern Trail joins/leaves the TT from/on Mill Mountain Trail.
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Access: The Trail can be accessed from both the southern and northern termini of section 18:
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Waites Run Road (39.016, -78.605).
Zepp Road, limited shoulder parking (38.971, -78.506).
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Additional Road Access:
Van Buren Road, Rt 713 (38.970, -78.565), 0.3 mi SB on Cedar Creek Trail to Tuscarora Trail junction.
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Additional trail access in the George Washington National Forest: Halfmoon Trail, Mill Mountain Trail, Little Stony Creek Trail, Little Sluice Mountain Trail, Racer Camp Trail, Old Mailpath Trail, Sulphur Springs Gap Trail, Cedar Creek Trail.
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Advisory: Exercise caution in the George Washington National Forest during hunting season. Section Updates
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Camping: PATC Sugar Knob Cabin (by reservation only). Primitive camping is permitted off trail in the George Washington National Forest.
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Links: PATC cabin rentals, George Washington National Forest
Section 19: Fetzer Gap
Fetzer Gap to Maurertown, VA, 6.1 miles.
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TRAIL CLOSURE ALERT!!
A trail closure in Section 20 has necessitated a detour in Section 19, please consult the updates page for current route.
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PATC Map G, Guide to the South Half of the Tuscarora Trail
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Max Elevation: 1880 ft. Min Elevation: 755 ft.
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Highlights: Fetzer Gap Overlook
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Access: The Trail can be accessed from both the southern and northern termini of section 18:
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Zepp Road, limited shoulder parking (38.971, -78.506).
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Shenandoah County Park (38.933,-78.456).
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Advisory: Limited water. Section Updates