Hike to High Knob Fire Tower

If you are looking for a challenging hike to get your blood pumping, this is the hike for you! It's an out and back hike just shy of 6 miles with roughly a 2,000 foot elevation gain. It has a wicked incline and no switchbacks. Be careful on this hike if it has just rained or snowed, there are lots of steep inclines with slippery rocks and leaves. I would recommend this hike for summer or fall. 

When you first turn into the Brandywine Recreation Area off of US-33, keep driving. You will first pass a lake on your right, then a campground restroom on the left before entering the campground area. When I did this hike in mid-October, I did not have to pay for parking. However, I would double check with someone who works at the campground just to make sure (check here for more information, especially if you're interested in camping here!) Keep driving into the campground area until you reach the end. You will see a large field with swings and picnic tables on your right - this is where the High Knob Fire Trailhead is located (next to the swings). 

Parking is limited if the gate to the field is not open, so don't be shy and ask campers where the best place is to park. I parked in one of the plots next to the field. The yellow blazed trail (super well marked) jumps into a steep incline guaranteed to get your heart pumping right away for the first 0.2 miles. The incline will level off for a bit (enjoy it while it lasts!), then gets steep again for 0.5 miles until you meet the Shenandoah Mountain Trail intersection in which you will continue to follow the High Knob Fire Trail. Follow this trail until you meet a fire road and turn right. Take this fire road for 0.1 miles, then turn left for the trail again. Once on this trail, you will make one more left onto the last fire road that will lead to the Fire Tower. Make sure to climb to the top of the Fire Tower and take in the Virginia and West Virginia views!

To return, take the same trail back. Make sure to stay on the High Knob Fire Trail (take a left) when your trail intersects with the Shenandoah Mountain Trail. Trust me, this hike is well worth it!