Great North Mountain Trail #1009: Crooked Run to Church Rock

Dogs Off-leash

Features Views

The northern terminus of the trail is hidden behind the antennas on top of Crooked Run Road. After a few miles, you'll come to a hiking symbol with an arrow pointing back east (right), this is the bailout option if you want to hike down the Orkney Springs Trail #420. If you take this trail you'll end up on Alum Springs (717) Road just north of Basye.

If you plan to remain on the ridge trail back to Hunkerson Gap Trail #421, then you'll want to take a quick right, then immediate left and climb up to another pipeline clearing. Once in the clearing, head back east to the top of the ridge and look for a trail on your right that continues following the top of the ridge line.

After crossing the Orkney Springs Trail #420, you'll remain largely on top of the ridge that affords majestic views off both sides of the ridge; there are several rocky sections up here. The trail is blazed orange but some of the blazes are very faded.

Continue along the ridge until you intersect the Hunkerson Gap Trail #421, but remember that there is NOT a trail sign at Hunkerson Gap Trail #421, look for a broad flat part of the ridge complete with a four-way intersection and stacked rock cairn.

Continue south along the ridge before a steep descent off the northeast slope of Church Rock toward Runions Creek Road (610).