Kepler Overlook is a 5.7 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Maurertown, Virginia that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
dogs on leash
birding
camping
hiking
nature trips
walking
forest
views
wildlife
blowdown
muddy
over grown
rocky
Moderately easy hike in the George Washington National Forest. Nice views of Shenandoah Valley and points West. The trail follows several old forest/fire roads. Then the trail connects to the Tuscarora Trail to the overlook. There is one creek crossing and parks of trail can be muddy, depending on time of year and any heavy rains. Take exit for Tom's Brooks off of 81. Go right once at exit to Mt. Olivet. Follow 603 and 600 to end. Start point is at 38.97137, -78.56316.
Hiked on a hot (83F) early spring day before the trees had sprouted leaves. I bet this would get 5 stars from me with improved shade or a slightly cooler temp. Views at the peak are wonderful, plus there's a number of camping spots complete with fire pit and log benches.
The hike to the top goes by quickly. With frequent breaks (every 7-10 minutes), we reached the top in about 75 minutes. Plan to hang out at the peak for a while.
Was a decent trail. Follow the orange trail markers and make a left where the blue markers are. Nice view at the top and a few places to backpack on the way.
Could not find the start of this trail either. No markers anywhere. Found three different National Forest map signs and the trail is not marked officially. I'm sure its in the area but I was traveling with a group of 7 so we just took a stroll through Cedar Springs Road. It was still a nice hike but not what we came for.
Could not find starting point of this trail. Got to point where three gates were all open and no signage of where this trail started. Maps provided on post were very large in scope, but not small enough to show this trail. Hiked a mile or so south on cedar creek trail 1725/FDR 88 turned around and returned to three road split point.
This trail was an overgrown mess. It took us a good 20 minutes to navigate maybe 50 feet of thorny bushes, maybe if I had been alone and not with a 6 year old it would have been ok. Maybe. But only if I was willing to go way off trail to bypass the hot mess thorn bushes that start about 2 miles in and just get worse and worse.
I.m. P.
Nice, moderate hike to overlook of Shenandoah Valley.
Trail begins at camp site where road is closed. Go straight and pass two road closures. After a few hundred years past the second, hang a left and follow the blue Tuscarora trail blazes. Trail starts the moderate incline here. Cross a creek and follow the trail, parts of which can be muddy at times. Once closer to he top you'll see a cairn on the right to get to the overlook.