Hiking
Those visiting the area with an interest in the breathtaking views and beautiful scenery, may find several hiking trails of interest. There are three trails within easy driving distance from Strasburg.|
Charcoal Interpretive Trail
This trail, 0.5 mile, dirt-surfaced trail offers a narrative for making charcoal, a process that was essential to the operation of the Elizabeth Furnace. This trail has steep sections that are rocky and uneven. The trailhead is located near the parking lot the the Elizabeth Furnace Day Use Area. Directions: From Strasburg, take State Road 55 east towards Front Royal for about 5 miles to Waterlick. At the crossroads just past the Panorama Memorial Gardens, turn right onto State Road 678. Follow this road south for about 5 miles to the recreation area. |
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Pig Iron Interpretive Trail
This trail, 0.25 miles, is a self-guided interpretive loop trail that begins at the Elizabeth Furnace picnic area. The dirt-surfaced loop trail circles the ruins of the Elizabeth Furnace, an 18th Century blast furnace used in the production of pig iron. Signs along the trail describe the operation of the furance and the community. This trail has steep sections that are rocky and uneven. The trailhead is located near the parking lot for the Elizabeth Day Use Area. Directions: From Strasburg, take State Road 55 east towards Front Royal for about 5 miles to Waterlick. At the crossroads just past the Panorama Memorial Gardens, turn right onto State Road 678. Follow this road south for about 5 miles to the recreation area. |
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The Signal Knob Loop
This trail, 10.2 miles, leads to the site of an important Union and Confederate output during the Civil War. The trail provides outstanding views of Fort Valley, the Shenandoah Valley and the Great North Mountain to the west. The loop is composed of four trails: Signal Knob Trail (yellow blaze), Massanutten Mountain West Trail (orange blaze), Bear Wallow Trail (blue blaze), and the Bear Wallow Spur Trail (white blaze). The trailhead is at the Bear Wallow/Signal Knob parking area. Directions: From Strasburg, take State Road 55 east towards Front Royal for about 5 miles to Waterlick. At the crossroads just past the Panorama Memorial Gardens, turn right onto State Road 678. The Signal Knob parking lot is approximately one mile north of the Elizabeth Furnace picnic area. |