Augusta County Highpoint Trip Report
Elliott Knob (4,463 ft)
Date: April 27, 2006
Author: Michael Schwartz
I used the Cold Springs Trail approach from the west. This has 2070 feet of
gain but is the shortest trail to the summit at 2.2 miles. From Staunton,
follow Ryan Bowles' directions to the North Mountain Trailhead at a crest.
Continue west on route 688 about two more miles, turn left (south) onto FR 77
and drive 3.6 miles to the signed trailhead at a truck road on the left.
High clearance vehicles can drive up the road about 1/4 mile to parking areas.
Otherwise, there is a pullout a few feet further on the right side of FR 77 that
holds one or two vehicles.
If the trees aren't too full, you can spot the summit from the trailhead.
It's the bump on the ridge line crowned with a double tuft of evergreens.
See an obvious saddle to the right of the summit,
which is where your trail is headed, and the Hogback further to the right.
Hike the road until its end. Contrary to the topo, the trail continues on from
the end of the drivable road. Occasional yellow blazes mark the trail.
The summit comes into view again about halfway up and the Cold Springs Trail joins
the North Mountain Trail at the saddle. Look for the old grassy road ascending
the summit knob.
Fine views. Time up was 1:40 and I got down in an hour flat.