Flagpole Knob

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3.9/5 (19 reviews)
Harrisonburg, Virginia (Rockingham County)
Last Updated: 11/19/2022

Trail Information

Highlights

Camping Category Icon Camping
Forest Category Icon Forest
Overland Category Icon Overland
Rock Category Icon Rock
Water Category Icon Water
Traveling along the southern ridge of Slate Spring Mountain and literally on the border of Virginia and West Virginia, Flagpole Knob is an excellent road for a mellow family trip to one of Virginia's most historic knobs. It offers unparalleled views into the famous Shenandoah Valley, which has its own folklore and American history. In the 1920s, fire wardens set up fire tire lookouts across the ridgelines and knobs of the surrounding mountains, and Flagpole Knob was one of those. A large open area is on top to pitch a tent or several nooks to hide away. This trail is well worth the trip for the views along the way and the reward at the top looking east across the great state of Virginia.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

This trail guide starts from where Skidmore Fork/Dunkle Hollow terminates. However, it can be driven in any direction allowing you to drive it from the last Waypoint to the Knob, then right down. The road is comprised of hard-packed dirt and gravel and is maintained from time to time. A few steep pitches and narrow sections will not be conducive to passing, so keep your eyes out for oncoming traffic. Note about the road number: Flagpole Knob technically travels past Skidmore Fork/Dunkle Hollow, but we have included that section of the road in the Stone Camp trail guide due to the drastic change in the trail's difficulty.

Trail Reviews

3.9/5 (19)
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500
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 06/03/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Came down from Flagpole Knob after a night of camping near the summit. Trail was easier thank Skidmore Lake/Dunkle Hollow, aside from the heights and single lane along the mountainside for a fair portion of the trail, there wasn't really any risk of pinstriping or any sections where damage was any concern. Did encounter someone coming up and we had to do a careful dance to squeeze by each other with the mountain dropping off to one side (snagged a screenshot from our dashcam to give some perspective). There's definitely several off-trail places that people drive on, I do wonder to what extent it's intentional/allowed at this point, but we stayed on trail regardless. I will say I'm not sure what optional areas are referenced that would elevate this to moderate, maybe if you just went wheeling in some of the spin-offs? Overall easy trail, but again will be checking it out again soon.
Trail Review: Flagpole Knob - Michael
Open
Rated 3/5
Visited: 02/26/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

The trail is very easy and I would like to echo what John said about the 'illegal off-trail paths'. It is sad to see how some people will abuse the land despite its beauty. The memorials felt out of place at the top, but I am not sure of the history there. Overall it's a great view at the top, but not sure I will go back anytime soon given the other options in the area.
Trail Review: Flagpole Knob - Charles A. Hessifer
Trail Review: Flagpole Knob - Charles A. Hessifer
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100
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 02/19/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Great trail
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Official Crew
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117100
Open
Rated 3/5
Visited: 11/01/2022

5-stars for the view from the knob, but two stars for the trail. The trail was fairly boring. If you want to see the knob and take a more exciting way in, try going in via Dunkle Hollow or Union Springs to Stone Camp!
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Official Crew
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42700
Open
Rated 3/5
Visited: 11/01/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

I am a bit conflicted in writing this review. I think Flagpole is a must-do trail if you have never done it. The view from the top is absolutely incredible. However, the trail is very easy so expect to see a lot of people. The amount of illegal off-trail paths nearing the summit was disheartening to see as well. I also found it a bit weird that people left memorials of their family and friends who have passed in such a spot with the potential for disrespect/vandalism.
Trail Review: Flagpole Knob - John

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