Augusta County High Point Trip Report
Elliott Knob (4,463 ft)
Date: April 2002
Author: Dale Millsap
Out of curiosity, I chose a different route than Ryan Bowles, although I am sure his route has less elevation gain.
I do want to return by his route sometime as the views from the ridge line are probably spectacular.
Follow SR254 west out of Staunton for about 10 miles until it becomes SR42. Follow it an additional 3.45
miles to FR291, which is sometimes gated at the bottom, and sometimes open for wood cutting. Follow this
road almost a mile until it becomes a narrow jeep track (FT657).
Park here and follow FT657 for an additional mile. You will observe a series of nice 15-20 foot waterfalls
which are not on any maps. At approximately the mile mark, there are three yellow diamonds in a tree
indicating a direction change. Leave the jeep track and switchback hard left and up a foot trail for 0.6 mile
until you intersect another well-maintained gravel road (this one is most definitely gated at the bottom - I checked.)
Follow this road uphill an additional 1.3 miles, passing a small lake and several communications facilities.
(See Ryan's report dated June 2001 for details about the summit.)
Elliott Knob is crowned with a fire lookout, complete with glass windows. The lookout is fenced, but the
high ground is outside the gate. There may have been significant excavation on top, as there is a collection
of rocks along the northeast side of the summit clearing.
Total distance 2.9 miles, elevation gained 2000 feet. I didn't get to appreciate the nice views at the top as I
was socked in with fog, but I did enjoy the waterfalls.