West Virginia · Hiking · Near Front Royal

Bucktail

6.1 mi
round trip
1,356 ft
climb
1,845 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Apr–Oct
best months

Is Bucktail open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in George Washington and Jefferson National Forest. It doesn't name Bucktail, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · George Washington and Jefferson National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Bucktail is a hard hike of about 6 miles in the Lee Ranger District of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest in West Virginia. The trail is an out-and-back with a total climb of about 1,350 feet, and the steepest stretch comes at about 0.9 miles in, where the grade reaches 13%. The trail is on natural surface, and both bikes and horses are allowed. The route starts at about 1,550 feet and reaches a high point of about 1,845 feet. For comfortable weather, aim for late spring or early fall. Typical averages from a nearby weather station run to highs around 72°F in May and 76°F in September, with July the warmest month at about 84°F. The Capon Trail and the Bucktail Trail both lie within about half a mile. The Cacapon River, about 4 miles away, offers paddling, and Trout Pond Recreation Area, roughly 7 miles off, has camping.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    Mill Mountain Shelter

    Campground

    Campground · 3.7 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Mack's Bingo

    Restaurant

    On your way back · 4 mi · Open after 6
  • If it rainsNyttend, Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

    Strasburg Museum

    Museum

    On your way back · 15 mi

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors · Photos: Nyttend, Public domain (commons)

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