Moonlight Run

This is the route for the annual VHTRC Moonlight Run, a counterclockwise loop that starts and finishes at the Signal Knob Parking Lot.

Distance
  • 13.9 miles
Running time
  • 3–5 hours
Total ascent/descent
  • 2,130 feet
    155 feet/mile
Start/finish
GPX file
Print or download
What to wear

Directions

Begin with an ascent up to Signal Knob on the orange-blazed Massanuten Trail. Be sure to take in the view from Signal Knob off to the right at the top (mile 4.3). Continue with a nice, runnable descent into Powell’s Fort/Mudhole Gap.

Take a left onto the purple-blazed Mudhole Gap Trail, which will immediately cross Little Passage Creek as it heads down through the gap. Cross Little Passage Creek three more times in the next mile.

The Mudhole Gap Trail turns left up a short hill and then widens into an old access road. Enjoy the runnable descent for 3.1 miles, passing by the pink-blazed Sidewinder Trail before coming to a white-blazed connector trail. Take that trail to your left and follow for 0.1 miles to meet the orange/blue blazed Bear Wallow/Tuscarora Trail. Turn right on the Bear Wallow/Tuscarora Trail. In 0.9 miles, come to an intersection. Take a left and return to the Signal Knob parking lot.

Last updated June 16, 2020

What you do is up to you, but you shouldn't rely on these directions alone; they are often not specific enough to navigate by, and may be incorrect or out of date. Review a map beforehand and carry it with you. Tell a friend where you are going and when you plan to return. Do not count on having cell phone service while on the run. The VHTRC is not responsible for your welfare on any of these runs. If you go on one of these runs and get lost, run out of water, get injured, mauled by a bear, or die, or if anything else goes wrong, it's your fault; not ours. You assume all risks here and the VHTRC assumes none at all. Legal issues aside, some of these runs are more remote than others and the VHTRC is not suggesting that you do any of these runs, unless you are prepared to accept full responsibility for yourself.