Tuscarora Trail

River Woods Retreat is a 15-minute walk, or a 3-minute drive, from a Tuscarora Trail trailhead in George Washington National Forest. It's the one hike you can start from the front door.

The hike

A 3.3-mile out-and-back with about 950 feet of climbing. Switchbacks take you up to the Massanutten Trail junction at 1.6 miles, with views across the South Fork of the Shenandoah River on the way. You also cross Morgan's Road, a Revolutionary War-era military road ordered by George Washington. Allow 1.5 to 2.5 hours; it's moderate and steep near the top.

The bigger trail

The Tuscarora Trail runs about 250 miles through Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania. It was built in the 1960s as an alternate route for the Appalachian Trail and leaves the AT inside Shenandoah National Park. The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club maintains it, with blue blazes. From the junction, the orange-blazed Massanutten Trail goes on for longer hikes.

Tips

The trailhead lot fits only 5 or 6 cars, so walking from the cabin is easiest. Start at the metal gate at the back of the lot. There's no fee. Before a longer hike, check the trail club's updates at hikethetuscarora.org; one section west of Massanutten Mountain is closed while it's rerouted.

Back at the cabin

Soak in the 460-gallon hot tub after your hike. The cabin sleeps 6 in 3 bedrooms. See Things to Do for more nearby.