Veach Gap 7 miles, 1300' Elevation Gain

Join a Hike to Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence! The 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence is a once-in-a-generation milestone, and one exciting way to mark it is to join a historic hike that connects you to the Revolutionary War. Veach Gap is tied to a Revolutionary War-era road built by General George Washington’s forces. The Veach Gap Trail follows part of Morgan’s Road, an old roadbed constructed during the Revolutionary War. Washington ordered Colonel Daniel Morgan to build it as a potential retreat route in case the Continental Army was defeated at the Yorktown campaign. While the war ended in a decisive American victory and the retreat was never needed, the road remained in use for years as a local trade and travel route Veach Gap is a moderate out-and-back hike known for its scenic beauty and diverse terrain and is less than 8 miles with an elevation gain of 1200'. This trail winds through the scenic George Washington National Forest, situated close to Fort Valley and Elizabeth Furnace, and on the Massanutten Mountain. The terrain becomes increasingly rocky, providing a moderate challenge along the way. Hikers will encounter two stream crossings and observe a unique geological formation. The planned hiking pace is 1.5 to 2.0 miles per hour. Hike Leader: Sue Collins Hike Start Time: 9:00 a.m. Contact Information: Message in Meetup. To register for this hike, please go to PATC Meetup, and get directions to the trailhead.