I took advantage of the long Memorial Day weekend to get in a nice day of hiking. I headed out to tackle the Fridley Gap trail near Shenandoah, Virginia. The hike runs along the Massanutten South Trail and loops back via the Fridley Gap Trail. The hike included almost 3,000ft of elevation change and traversed Third and Fourth Mountains. You would think someone could have come up with some more imaginative names. Yes, First and Second Mountains are there as well.
I made the 2 hour trip without any problems, the sun a hazy orange ball rising in what promised to be a warm Virginia day. I missed my turn off in Shenandoah, but quickly recovered and found my way to the trail head. I was off on the trail quickly after parking, and feeling excited about the hike. My pack felt so much lighter after backpacking a couple of weeks earlier.
Massanutten South Trail starts along the fire road and heads into the woods , running along Boone's Run. The trail climbed steadily, but not too steeply. It kept to Boone's Run most of the way. The sound of the water flow was strong initially, then gradually faded as the stream became smaller towards the top. The trail was rocky in spots, enough so to need to concentrate on foot placement at times. Just above a cut off trail to Kaylor Knob, there was a huge blowdown across the trail. No access around the trunk, so I had to scale it to get over. I finally arrived at the intersection with the Fridley Gap Trail. I got my first spotting of Honeysuckle (?) here.
It would be prevalent for a good portion of the remainder of the hike. It was very fragrant, and the sweet smell carried in the air. I stopped for a bit at the intersection to rest and eat a snack. I rechecked my maps and location. The sun was up and I could tell the difference in temps, especially at that intersection of trail which was not in the tree cover. I double checked my water options, but I was not worried.I continued on, summiting Third Mountain a short time later. I had cell service so I called to say good morning to my wife and my neighbor Jay, who had hoped to be hiking with me that day. The trail was a fire road at this point with easy footing. The way started to descend Third Mountain and I could catch glimpses of some nice vista through the trees to the west. Without tree cover, there would be some pretty nice views, making this a hike to think about in colder seasons. What was easy to see, was Fourth Mountain towering up nearby.
I knew that was going to be the next task once I reached the bottom of the ravine I was heading down into and crossed Fridley Run. Third Mountain had not been too bad and I pretty stoked to hit Fourth Mountain. After crossing Fridley Run, the trail ran along this little stream for a time. I was back in the tree cover of the woods, and in cooler temps (relatively, it had gotten pretty warm at that point). I approached an opening and came on a small boulder field. Pretty neat the way this was just tucked away on the side of the Mountain. Just past this area, the ascent of Fourth Mountain began at a good clip. There was a few switchbacks on the climb which I was happy to see. Still, it was a strong climb and really got the heart pumping! I was able to look over and see Third Mountain and where I had been a little while earlier. The trail turns just below the summit and begins it's descent back down Fourth. There was nice camp site near the beginning of the descent with a well established fire ring. Along the way down I came across another hiker sitting in the middle of the trail, taking a break on his journey up. He was a nice man in his late 50's to early 60's. His completion of the trails there that day marked a miles tone...he had hiked every trail in the Massanutten Mountains. He had been working at it for quite some time. It was great talking with him, and we chatted for about 20 minutes or so before we decided to move on. He warned me about the climb I was facing back up Third Mountain later. I knew it was supposed to be the toughest ascent from the hike description I had printed out.
The trail descended more sharpley, and within about 20 minutes I was down in Fridley Gap and was reunited with Fridley Run. The water looked so inviting! At Fridley Gap I came to a beautiful swimming hole. The trail crossed the Run by having to cross a fallen tree. There was a nice camp site here as well. I had planned on this spot for lunch, and my timing was pretty good. It was about 11:30 when I got there. The swimming hole was picture perfect!
A wonderful waterfall flowed into it and the water was about 5 to 6 feet deep. Crystal clear. I took off the boots and donned my Crocs. The water was ice cold but I soaked my feet and legs for a while. It felt fabulous! I ate lunch and then filtered some water to be ready for the return trip. The hiker I ran into had suggested a spring somewhere over Third Mountain, but I did not want to start my last assault of Third Mountain with less than a full supply of water. I also made up and drank some Gatorade. I felt ready to move on. As soon as I hit the trail, the climb started. There was no breaking in period for this one! Not 3 minutes after leaving the Gap, I heard the shouts of a group of younger kids at the swimming hole. I'm glad my time there had not been disturbed by them. The climb was fairly steep, and there were no switchbacks, other than some minor wavering in the trail. Cruel. 
I was swearing at the builders of the trail. Definite mean streak. As I climbed, I could look over at Fourth Mountain again and see up where I had been. I was glad to have accomplished that. I was going for the water pretty frequently, and had to stop for quick breathers just as often. At one point I thought I was summiting the thing, but it was a cruel trick of the eyes. I finally reached the top after almost 45 minutes. The sun poured through the trees at the top, and it was roasting!! I looked around for the lung I had coughed up getting there. I think I drank almost half my water getting to the top! I took some time to get my wind back, but then moved out. there was little in the way of shade, and the temps were getting pretty hot. I was wishing I was back at the swimming hole again. The descent was not too bad. I was anticipating some weak knees heading down, but I was feeling pretty strong. The trail turned right at Martin's Bottom Trail onto a fire Road. The road was completely exposed to the sun and I baked as I made a steady climb back along Third Mountain towards the intersection I has passed through earlier in the day. I finally reached the intersection and was happy to get back into the tree cover heading back down along Boone's Run. Now I was feeling the fatigue in my legs. I met up with two horseback riders at the intersection heading up to Kaylor Knob. This was a real treat to be behind these smelly animals as they pooped their way along the trail and muddied up the water as they crossed the Run a few times. The bug population was noticeably larger. I was even more ecstatic when I inhaled a couple of the gnats flying about. I secretly rejoiced when one of the horses threw a shoe and the owner was dismayed that they would have to cut their ride short. I held up at a small waterfall in hopes of dosing my head.
As I rock hopped toward the falls, my legs got tangled in my trekking poles. I fell forward and caught myself. Unfortunately, one of the poles was bent almost in an "L" shape. I was able to bend it back almost straight, but it's days are numbered. I will use them until I can get a new pair.
Finally, I reached my car. I was very happy with my accomplishment. It had been a wonderful adventure with beautiful scenery. I exited on Cub Run Rd. to avoid the Memorial day festivities in Shenandoah. This road took me out by the Catherine Furnace. I stopped to check this wonderful historical site out. Wonderful history and it seemed to be the icing on the cake for my day. It reminded me of home, where we have a furnace called Beckley Furnace. Great outing!!
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