Trail Notes: Starting from the restrooms in the picnic area, follow a footpath out to RT675. Turn left (uphill). Pass the dump station and Massanutten southbound trailhead on the right.

Turn left onto the gravel road. Pass the orange blazed Massanutten Trail on the right (your return route). Walk through the large gravel parking lot and find the trailhead for yellow blazed Stephen’s Trail. Stephen’s Trail parallels the ridge, climbing up and down gentle hills and in and out of small coves.

Just before you begin a steep climb through a series of switchbacks you will obtain a view of the western ridge to the left. At 4.21 miles from the trailhead reach the intersection of orange blazed Massanutten Trail. Turn right here.

At 0.81 miles from the Last trail intersection arrive at white blazed Kennedy Peak Trail. Climb steeply for 0.23 miles up a rocky trail to the ruins of an old fire tower. Climb to the top for a great view of the surrounding valley and the Blue Ridge to the East. The gap in the mountains directly in front of you is the Jeremy’s Run drainage in the SNP.

Return to the Massanutten Trail and turn left. There are more partial views of Fort Valley and the western ridge along the higher part of this segment. In 2.23 miles reach RT675 at Edith Gap and a final view of the valley. Turn right and walk downhill a few yards where you will re-enter the woods on the continuation of Massanutten Trail.