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58 BACKPACKER 03.2014 I N L A T E M A R C H A N D A P R I L , when the Appalachians’ highest peaks remain under snow, this lower-elevation circuit delivers a supremely satisfying consolation prize with its string of soul-stirring vistas. No fewer than six overlooks offer eagle-eye views over pristine Trout Run Valley, a lookalike for Shenandoah National Park to the east. Your two-night, 24.5- mile loop begins at Wolf Gap Campground and follows the orange-blazed Mill Mountain Trail on a 1.8-mile climb punctuated by panoramas of rounded, tree-covered, 3,000-foot Little Sluice and Massanutten Mountains. Follow the half-mile Big Schloss Spur to a rocky prow affording 270-degree views over a web of forested ridges, then rejoin Mill Mountain Trail and hike 2.7 miles north to Sandstone Spring. Camp here (no permit required) for a 5.5-mile first day. Next morning, continue 1.5 miles north, then 4.7 miles east on the Tuscarora, Halfmoon, Bucktail Connector, and Bucktail Trails, which contour across mountainsides festooned with delicate spring trillium. Cross Trout Run Road and follow yellow-blazed Long Mountain Trail for a quarter-mile, crossing the bridge over Trout Run at mile 11.8 (a good camp spot for a single-night version of the loop) before switchback- ing up Cherry Ridge and navigating a 200-yard rockslide. Meander south through a songbird-filled, narrow valley where surrounding hills protect you from all traces of civi- lization, and camp near a spring beneath Ben’s Ridge (4 miles from Trout Run Road). Day three, take Long Mountain Trail south for 4 more miles, turn left and hike 2.5 miles on rough, one-lane Forest Road 691, then follow Tibbet Knob Trail to two big-sky views before descending to the campground for a 9-mile day. YOUR TRIP YOUR TOWN Washington, DC TROUT RUN VALLEY, WV Bask in big views as you undulate through remote hollows. ALBUQU ER- QUE, NM The Ojito Wilderness offers dramatic hoodoos and badlands that warm up well before nearby peaks melt out. Pack water, start at Bernalillito Mesa, and go explore—starting with this 4.3- mile loop. bit .ly/0314Ojito; 2 hours drive INFO FS.USDA.GOV/GWJ DRIVE TIME FROM D.C. 3 HOURS LONG SHOT: MOUN- TAIN LAUREL FRAMES THE VIEW OF TROUT RUN VALLEY FROM 2,900-FOOT TIBBET KNOB. P H O T O B Y A P P A L A C H I A N V I E W S / S H U T T E R S T O C K ( L E F T ) ; M I C H A E L C L A R K YOUR TOWN, YOUR TRIP