Trailhead
Elizabeth Furnace Recreation Area (common trailhead)
MI ≈0 · ≈749 ft
A 69-mile loop entirely within George Washington National Forest, most often hiked in 5 to 7 days from the Elizabeth Furnace trailhead. Dispersed camping is free and permit-free throughout.
“Traverse Massanutten Mountain on the Massanutten Trail.”
Plan your Massanutten Mountain trip here, then get your permit from the agency.
Walk-up permit
How to get Massanutten Trail
Massanutten Trail is issued by the agency rather than through a booking calendar. Their page has the current process and any dates.
Official permit pagePlanning another trip? See the permits we alert on.
Massanutten Trail permit season
- route distance, about, measured along the route
- 69.2mi
Massanutten Trail elevation profile
Elizabeth Furnace Recreation Area (common trailhead) to Signal Knob
Trailhead
Elizabeth Furnace Recreation Area (common trailhead)
Mile ≈0 of 64
0 Elizabeth Furnace Recreation Area (common trailhead)64 Signal Knob
- Mile
- ≈0
- Elevation
- ≈749 ft
Massanutten Trail landmarks
Map of the Massanutten Trail, Elizabeth Furnace Recreation Area (common trailhead) to Signal Knob
14 of 14 places in this section
This device cannot draw the interactive map.
Terrain USGS 3DEP · Water USGS NHD · Trail © OpenStreetMap contributors
How to get a Massanutten Trail permit
As of September 2026, Massanutten Trail in Massanutten Mountain, Virginia requires a permit issued via walk-up. Massanutten Trail rates 5/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. The Massanutten Trail route covers about 69.2 miles, measured along the route.
- Type
- Thru-Hike
- Location
- VA
How this permit is issued
Get this permit in person at the trailhead or ranger station, or by phone.
Official permit page →Step 1: Check the agency page for the process
This permit is not sold online. Confirm where and when it is issued (and any fee) at U.S. Forest Service before your trip.
Step 2: Arrive early
Walk-up permits are issued first-come, first-served. Where the agency sets a daily quota, popular trailheads can run out on weekends and holidays.
Step 3: Have backup plans
Popular trailheads fill fast. Know alternate routes or dates.
Learn more:
More on Massanutten Trail: Live availability activityMassanutten Trail permit itinerary
How much a Massanutten Trail permit costs
Massanutten Trail permit fee: free; no permit needed for the trail or for dispersed camping along it.
The Massanutten Trail hike
- Distance
- about 69.2 miles, measured along the route
How hard the Massanutten Trail hike is
- Physical DemandFitness and endurance required5/5
- Technical SkillClimbing, scrambling, or specialized skills1/5
- NavigationRoute finding and trail clarity1/5
- CommitmentDifficulty of bailing out mid-route4/5
Best for: Experienced hikers with excellent fitness and relevant technical skills.
Recommended experience: Should have completed 10+ mile day hikes with significant elevation gain.
When to hike Massanutten Trail
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (5,000 ft)
Today
☁️
71°
61°
Wed
☁️
82°
58°
Thu
☁️
88°
64°
Fri
🌧️
90°
63°
25%
Sat
☁️
68°
56°
39%
Sun
☁️
65°
53°
51%
Mon
☁️
67°
50°
23%
View full NWS forecast →Mountain weather changes rapidly. This forecast is a guide—always be prepared for worse conditions.
Massanutten Trail rules, gear and safety
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Massanutten Trail.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Massanutten Trail · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
Some links may be affiliate links. Purchases support PermitSnag at no extra cost to you.
Massanutten Trail FAQ
How do I get a Massanutten Trail permit?
Massanutten Trail is issued directly by the agency. It is issued in person or by phone, so there is no reservation to book and no cancellation to catch. Bring backup dates and check their page for the current process.
When is the best time to visit Massanutten Trail?
Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Massanutten Trail permit?
This permit has a demand score of 5/10, making it moderately competitive.
What if I can't get a Massanutten Trail permit?
The agency awards this permit directly. Bring backup dates and check the official page for the current process and any closures.
Massanutten Trail trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions
No active conditions reported
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Questions
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Trip Reports
Write ReportNo trip reports yet
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Write the First ReportAlternatives to a Massanutten Trail permit
Where to stay near Massanutten Trail
- Elizabeth Furnace campgroundGeorge Washington & Jefferson National Forest
- Elizabeth Furnace Group CampGeorge Washington & Jefferson National Forest
- Shenandoah River State Park River Right CampgroundShenandoah River State Park
- All Virginia campgrounds
Plan the full trip, not just the permit
Build your full itinerary start to finish
Add your dates and get a day-by-day plan: what needs a permit, what gear to bring, and one link to share with your whole group to coordinate every step.
Plan a trip here
No permit needed to start
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