Little North Mountain and Elliott Knob Hike - March 18, 2017

Submitted by Jeff Monroe

     Hiking co-leaders Jeff Monroe and Howard Davis were joined by John Brandt and two new hikers, Johanna Song and Gabriella Novoa, and Johanna's dog Bear for a hike starting at the Boy Scout's Camp Shenandoah at Swoope.  The group climbed Little North Mountain over King's Gap, and descended a beautiful but little known national forest trail to the trailhead for the Falls Hollow Trail. Bear was not happy with the descent from King's Gap, due to activity at the nearby Shenandale Gun Club! But he had calmed down by the time the group hiked past the falls west of Rt 42. Everyone then ascended to the summit of Elliott Knob where they faced the full brunt of the day's wind and cold. Fortunately, the fire tower was unlocked and the group could lunch there!  After a warm and leisurely lunch, the group descended the Elliott Knob access road to a shuttle car, dropped before the hike started.