Hiking in Ramsey's Draft Wilderness, VA
From WildWiki
Most of the fall colors had long begun to fade as I made my way down the trail. It was a bit late in the season for a day hike but I needed the time away and the weather promised to cooperate. I had chosen Ramsey's Draft Wilderness on the advice of a friend who had raved about its solitude and adventurous wilderness setting. He had also added at the time, "there's quite a few stream crossings." I should have known.
The way across seemed sketchy but doable. A nice sized tree had fallen across the river to form a bridge to the other side. Ten feet below, the river, cold and angry, frothed and spat over a series of all-too-sharp-looking rocks. "No problem," I thought to myself, "this is what the wilderness experience is all about." I eased my way out over the chasm, trying my best to avoid looking down. "Well, at least the tree is solid," I said. Then I noticed the ice. It started about half way across and covered the bark of the tree in an almost transparent sheen all the way to the other bank. I was half way across now and had no intention of attempting a 180 spin on an ice covered log 10 feet above nature's equivalent of the "frappe" button on the Cuisinart. "This is not good," I mumbled to no one in particular (I had decided to do this day hike solo). My left boot skated out and dangled in mid-air as I tried to regain my balance. "This is really not good."
Ramsey's Draft Wilderness is located in the western part of Augusta county about 20 miles west of Staunton, Virginia. The wilderness is in George Washington National Forest and encompasses an area of approximately 6,500 acres. The area is most known for its virgin stands of timber, including some of the largest hemlock forests on the east coast. But trees aren't the only attraction to the area as it includes some exceptional mountain views, ridge hikes, swimming holes, and wildlife. All in all, Ramsey's Draft has something for everyone.
After finally slithering my way across the ice covered tree I vowed to never, ever, do something so stupid by myself again. So the next time I decided to visit the draft I took my friend Anne. And we also chose a nice, hot, Spring day. Yep. No way I'll be skating across a frozen popsicle doubling as a tree this time. And this way if I do something stupid (which is inevitable) I can at least have some company.
The route we chose was a circuit hike. By starting at the Mountain House parking area and heading north on Ramsey's Draft Trail, then veering west on Jerry's Run, hiking south on the Shenandoah Mountain Trail, and finally finishing east on Road Hollow Trail, you can complete a fantastic day hike with little elevation change. All that and it has the perfect day-hike distance: 7.5 miles. I had a feeling this was going to be much better than the last time.
The first section on the hike is the most challenging as you head north down Ramsey's Draft Trail. The river basin was severely damaged by flooding over the last few years and the trail has been improvised in many spots. Because of this, the way can be hard to find and you will have your fill of river crossings. It's pretty hard to get lost however as the trail follows the river the entire way. During high water though, prepare to get wet. The scenery is generally pleasant with large stands of trees and the gurgling river to keep you company. Speaking of company, this is the busiest section of the trail. But even on a beautiful spring Saturday, we ran into only 3 parties along the way. Try that one in White Oak Canyon. After approximately 2.3 miles you will come to a deep ford created by Jerry's Run. Just beyond that is a small sign marking the turn-off which heads west down a narrow valley with steep walls.
Jerry's Run is one of the best short trails in the state. The scenery along the way is beautiful, with towering hemlock, white pine, and oak trees nicely back-dropped against a green carpet of fern and moss. Add to this a meandering stream broken up by small waterfalls and you have an incredible hike. The high valley walls keep the trail shady, a nice consideration if you are looking for a cool summer location. Anne and I took our time and enjoyed the splendor. We didn't see a single other person. Towards the end of the run you end up in a large clearing with an old chimney and fireplace standing guard. We sat down and enjoyed our lunch and let the sun ease us into a short afternoon nap. Once past the clearing, you say good-bye to the stream and begin a short uphill walk to join the Shenandoah Mountain Trail. Here the landscape changes once again as the hemlocks are replaced with large oak and hickory.
At the top of the ridge, hang a left down the Shenandoah Mountain Trail. Anne and I shook our heads in amazement at how we were able to reap such scenic rewards with such little elevation gain. Usually you have to work hard for these kind of views. Off to the west the mountains rolled away in layers of purple and hazy blue. The trail itself is smooth and flat and hugs the side of the mountain as it progresses southward. Here is your best chance at viewing wildlife. We happened upon a pheasant, a wild turkey, and a family of white-tails all within a few miles of each other. Enjoy your time on the ridge as in a short 1.2 miles you turn back and east on to Road Hollow Trail.
Two miles later Anne and I found ourselves back where we started and better for it. No stupid epics this time, just some great views and peaceful memories. Hmmm. Maybe another solo trip is in order. I think not.
Notes: Travel in most wilderness areas like Ramsey's Draft brings with it some special safety considerations. While most trails are well travelled, they are not blazed so be sure to bring a compass, a map and appropriate back country gear. Know how to read a topographic map and leave yourself plenty of time. Additional References: Wilderness Virginia by Carroll and Miller.
