Massanutten East Route

Elevation: 883 ft.

The lower slopes of this mountain support a mosaic of fields, hardwoods and conifers with numerous brush piles and re-growth supporting a variety of wildlife. Birds to look for in this area include ruby-throated hummingbird, a variety of woodpeckers, eastern wood-pewee, blue jay, American crow, common raven, eastern bluebird, red-eyed vireo, indigo bunting, and eastern towhee. The complex habitats also support numerous butterflies including common wood-nymph, red-spotted purple, spicebush and eastern tiger swallowtails. Dragonflies in the area include eastern pondhawk and common whitetail.

Notes:

• The Massanutten East Route (Forest Trail #408) may appear on some maps as part of the Tuscarora Veach Gap Trail (Forest Trail #405.1).
• It can be accessed via the Shawl Gap Trail (Forest Trail #406) on the east side of the mountain or via the Tuscarora Veach Gap Trail that begins in Elizabeth Furnace Recreation Area on the west side. The approach hikes are strenuous with large elevation gains, especially Shawl Gap Trail, and are not recommended for beginners. Consult a topographic map prior to heading out.
• Shawl Gap Trail is minimally maintained and may be impassable in summer due to high grass.
• As with all Virginia Bird & Wildlife Trail sites within the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, please visit the Alerts webpage to check this location’s status before heading out.