Tuscarora-Bear Wallow Trail

Tuscarora-Bear Wallow Trail (Forest Trail #405.2) is a blue-blazed, rugged out-and-back hike in George Washington National Forest near Strasburg and Fort Valley, Virginia, on the Northern Massanutten Mountain area.

Expect a steep, loose tread over parts of the climb and a rocky descent after the high point; route reports also mention creek crossings in/near Little Passage Creek.

The typical hike length is about 4.4 miles (7.1 km) one-way, with total elevation gain that can vary widely depending on the chosen terminus/loop connection.

A common approach is to start from the Signal Knob Trailhead area (or from Fort Valley Road/VA-678), and then work your way up toward the ridge/connecting high points.

While it can be done as a point-to-point trip between trailhead areas, hikers often link it into the broader Massanutten Trail system for a longer circuit, such as a Bear Wallow–Signal Knob style loop.

The trail is maintained/managed by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC), and the route sits in a standard/ground trail surface category.

Trail etiquette is shared with multiple uses; hikers are generally expected to yield to horses, and bicyclists yield to both horses and hikers.

More information: Conditions, Visitor information, Tuscarora - Bear Wallow Trail | Shenandoah County | Virginia