Reddish Knob facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Reddish Knob |
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Looking south along Shenandoah Mountain
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 4,397 ft (1,340 m) |
| Prominence | 2,017 ft (615 m) |
| Geography | |
 Reddish Knob
Location in Virginia
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| Location | Augusta VA, Pendleton WV |
| Parent range | Allegheny Mountains |
| Climbing | |
| Access | drive-up via  FR 85 |
Reddish Knob is a tall mountain peak that's part of the Shenandoah Mountain range. It's one of the highest spots in Virginia, reaching about 4,397 feet (1,340 meters) high. You can even drive a paved road right to the top from Harrisonburg, Virginia!
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Where is Reddish Knob?
Reddish Knob sits right on the border between two states. It's located between Augusta County, Virginia, and Pendleton County, West Virginia. This mountain is also part of the huge George Washington National Forest.
Water Flow from the Mountain
Water flowing from Reddish Knob eventually makes its way to the Potomac River. This river then empties into the Chesapeake Bay.
- On the northwest side, water drains into Stony Run. This stream flows into the South Branch of the Potomac River.
- To the south, water goes into the North Fork of the Little River. This then joins the North River. Finally, it reaches the South Fork of the Shenandoah River and then the Potomac River.
- Water on the east side of Reddish Knob flows into the Briery Branch of the North River.
Nearby Scenic Areas
From the top of Reddish Knob, a pretty gravel road continues south. It follows the ridge that separates Virginia and West Virginia. A few miles down this road, you'll find the Shenandoah Mountain Picnic Area. Even further south is the Ramsey's Draft Wilderness. This area has special old-growth hemlock trees.
To the north, a rougher road leads to open, grassy areas on the ridge. These spots are great for camping in nature. There are also some developed recreation sites nearby. Hone Quarry has a picnic area, a campground with lots of space, and a small lake.
Fun Things to Do at Reddish Knob
This mountain peak is a very popular place for people to visit for a day. Students from nearby colleges like James Madison University, Eastern Mennonite University, and Bridgewater College often come here. They enjoy the "parking lot in the sky" because it's a relaxing spot. You can see amazing 360-degree views all year round!
Running Events
Reddish Knob is also a challenge for runners.
- The Grindstone 100 Miler is a very long running race. Participants in this race climb all the way to the summit of Reddish Knob.
- Every year, the Blue Ridge Running Camp includes a run up Reddish Knob as part of their training.
- The Jeremiah Bishop Alpine Loop Gran Fondo is another event that includes the summit. Cyclists climb to Reddish Knob using a forest road. They then ride to the top and descend towards Harrisonburg on the paved road.
The Old Fire Tower
For many years, from the 1920s until 1975, a tall steel fire tower stood on top of Reddish Knob. These towers were used to spot forest fires from high up.
