Kennedy Peak

We had done hike to Kennedy Peak on 29th July . It is located in Luray, Virginia State.

Hike Location
Name: Kennedy Peak
Distance: 88 miles from Herndon(approx)
Total hiking distance: 5.2 miles.
Elevation Gain: 895 ft
Hike Team:  my wife and me.

Hiking Experience: Started around 5:46 am. Weather prediction was good for today. Reached the parking by 7:40 am.

There was already a car parked at the parking lot. It was sunny weather with cool breeze.Started hiking around 7:45 am on the Massanutten Trail(orange blazed). The trail is wide for two people to easily walk side by side. There were huge trees on both sides the trail. The trail has so many rocks on it making the climb little challenging. The steep increased gradually and as we ascended we saw the valley on one side of the hill. We could see farms, river streams, houses all looking tiny. Soon we were in the middle of the jungle. As the trail is sovered y the shades of huge trees we have not felt the heat and hike was smooth. The trail has ups and downs which motivated  to continue the hike without taking any breaks. Soon we reached a hair pin bend of the trail in the midst of the jungle and from there the steep of the trail increased. we continued our hike  enjoying the cool shade and amazing views of the valley on one side of the trail. We reached an intersection and we took right towards Kennedy Peak Trail (white blazed). It was very steep and full of stones. After walking for around 0.2 miles we reached the fire tower of the Kennedy peak. The tower is built with wood . There were wooden steps to reach the top of the tower. we reach around 9:15 am.

The view from the tower is spectacular. We could see the River if the Shenandoah park, Luray Valley and mountains. We had our breakfast at the tower. Enjoyed the views and then started around 9:45 am. Being steep while coming, now it was little easy to descent except for walking on the sharp rocks. We reached back the intersection and took left on to Massanutten trail and retraced our path back to parking lot.we have not taken any breaks and were surprised to feel that we have done the entire hike without taking any breaks. we met few fellow hikers on our way back making us aware of the fact that this places is very popular. We reached parking lot around 11:00 am. The view at the parking lot is also awesome. we sat on the grass for sometime engrossed in viewing the mountain valleys and farms. We then did few stretching exercises and left for home. Reached home around 12:50 pm. It was a very memorable experience as the trail was completely in the jungle and gave us the feel that we are in nature and have not taken any break during the hike. This is a great hike and the views are wonderful. All is Well.
Photos