Crossing Skyline Drive at the top of Hogback Mountain (2018 Kerry’s Death March).

Keith Knipling

July 4 Trifecta Day 2: Katie’s Death March

A figure-eight loop on the trails in Shenandoah National Park, featuring an opening climb up Little Devil Stairs, a mid-run stop at Elkwallow, some excellent views from Hogback, and a long, bombing downhill finish. Also the shortest of the three Trifecta runs, but one that will still present a fair challenge for your running legs!

Date
  • Fri Jul 5, 2024
Start location
Start time
  • 7:00 am
Distance
  • 15.5 miles
Total ascent/descent
  • 3,300 feet
Run organizer

This 15.5 mile run starts at the trailhead for Little Devils Stairs Trail and quickly climbs up a gorge with numerous waterfalls and views of the gorge. Enjoy mid-run aid (and blackberry ice cream!) at Elkwallow Wayside (bring cash). The run ends with a sweet descent on Keyser Run Fire Road past an old cemetery, and back to the Little Devils Stairs trailhead. As with the other Trifecta runs, be sure to bring your chair and some refreshments for what is traditionally the fun “Circle of Trust” gathering at the trailhead parking area.

More details on the run, including map and GPX file, are on Furbutt’s Favorites.

2019 Marker Photo
Marker in the Bolen Cemetery, passed near the end of the run.

Last updated January 19, 2024