Backpacker Magazine Article on the North Fork Mountain
Trail
2006 RUN
Plan to arrive Friday
afternoon/evening August 8 at
Seneca Shadows campground. The campground is on US 33 near Seneca Rocks, 35
miles east of Elkins and 64 miles west of Harrisonburg. Group sites E & F have been reserved.
For more information check
Seneca Shadows Campground on the Monongahela.
We will make vehicle shuttle arrangements Friday evening.
The Run
We will leave Seneca Shadows at 7:30am Saturday. The run starts at 8:00am at
the top of North Fork Mountain on US 33, elevation 3550'. Running north
the trail follows near or on the ridgeline offering magnificent vistas of
Germany Valley, Seneca Rocks and the North Fork. At mile 10.5 attain the
highest elevation of 3795'. Mile 12 will be the only aid station.
There will be transportation back to the campground here for those doing the 12 miler. Those
running 12 miles can decide Friday evening whether to do the first or second
half. The course
has a few insignificant hills, ....honestly, until mile 22 where a 2000' descent
leads to the Rt. 28 near Smoke Hole Caverns. It is a 20 minute drive back to
the campground.
North Fork Mountain is very dry. There
is tree cover for the most part, but it can be warm.
There are no stream crossings, we are after all running along a ridge. Be
sure to prepare for your hydration needs by carrying a minimum of two 22 oz
bottles, if not more.
Kids Run
We are going to have a 1 mile kids run for Saturday
afternoon. Not sure of this years course yet, but it will start at the campground.
Aid and Help
It is important to carry water and what ever fuel you need to get to Mile 12
where supplies can be replenished. There will be water, sports drink,
fruit, pretzels, cookies, pbj, etc at Mile 12 and 24. Drop bags can be arranged
for 12 and 24. Some driving help on Saturday morning from non running friends
will be necessary.
Post Run Fun
We will have a feast back at the campground. Barbequed chicken,
hamburgers and veggie burgers will be on the menu. Bring a covered dish
or desert and your favorite
beverage. Sunday is open for other activities.
Non-Camping Lodging Alternative
If you are not into sleeping on the hard, cruel
earth you can opt for the motel down the
road. There are two motels close by,
Yokum's Motel is 1.5 miles west of the
campground near the Rocks, and
Hendrick's 4-U Motel & Restaurant,
304 567-2111 is 2 miles east on Rt. 33.
Registration
There is no registration form needed for
this fun run, just email the information below. Bring a donation of $5 WVMTR
members and $10 others to help cover the group
campsites, aid station supplies, chicken and burgers. A manageable limit
is 70, so make your plans
now.
Send
email or call 304
924-5835 with the following information;
Your Name or Names
Distance - 12 or 24 miles, or just hanging out (it's good to
have helpers hanging out)
Camping Friday or Friday & Saturday
Your email address and phone number
Comments, suggestions, questions
If you register and later find you cannot make it please let me know.
Dan Lehmann
