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Rattlesnake Ridge
Virginia
> Shenandoah & NW…
> Elizabeth Furnace
Description
This is a secluded little crag facing northeast that offers a handful of moderate slab routes on the same tuscarora sandstone seen throughout Elizabeth Furnace. Perfect for a short adventure, there are no established trails, but the hike from the road to the crag is only a few hundred yards. Though not a destination spot, it is worth checking out after touring Luray Caverns or hiking on one of the many area trails (Lion's Tale, Massanutten, etc.).
Getting There
From the northern terminus of Crisman Hollow rd. at the intersection of state routes 675 and 730 drive 2.8 miles south and park at a single car pull-out on your left (east side of road) next to a rock outcrop. If you follow Crisman Hollow rd. through a sharp right at an exposed section of rock and arrive at the parking area for Gap Creek Trail, you just over shot the crag, it is just before (north of) the sharp right in Crisman Hollow rd.
From the pull-out, walk north and west along Passage Creek to a suitable crossing. As of this post a large tree offers an entertaining crossing adjacent to the pull-out, but several rocks are exposed and allow for more sedate crossings. Proceed north along Passage Creek for about 100 yards, then ascend the scree field for about 50 yards to arrive at the base of the crag.
[Hide Photo] The rock outcrops below the crag that surround the scree field leading up to the base of the crag
[Hide Photo] The tree that serves as the anchor for all climbs at the crag, with an anchor placed high to limit rope drag. Previous webbing was removed to avoid strangling the tree.
[Hide Photo] The natural bridge crossing Passage Creek, with my car in the pull-out in the background