Hike: Buzzard Rock / Elizabeth Furnace, Massanutten Mtns., Geo. Washington Nat’l Forest, VA

$26. Long hike: 9½ mi., 2400 ft. ascent, 2300 ft. descent. Short hike: 6½ mi., 1600 ft. ascent, 1500 ft. descent.

First, after a short climb on the Buzzard Rock Trail, we come to Buzzard Rock itself – and a memorable view. A bit later, the trail takes us along a knife-edge ridge, reminiscent of the Rockies or the Sierras. We continue to Shawl Gap, where moderate hikers exit on the Massanutten Trail to idyllic Elizabeth Furnace; long hikers keep going along the ridgeline and reach the Furnace via the Sherman Gap and Botts Trails.