Long Run Road – Forest Rd. 72

Description

Elevation: 3150 ft.

Long Run Road is known for its springtime breeding warblers. This relatively rough road provides access to a few pull-off areas at various elevations, increasing the possible number of viewable breeding warblers. During the spring, search for black-throated green, worm-eating, hooded, and black-and-white warblers. As you ascend the mountain, look for American redstart, northern parula, and, at increasing elevations, Canada warblers which have been known to breed at the highest elevations. Other spring and summer residents include common raven, pileated woodpecker, scarlet tanager and rose-breasted grosbeak. As you travel up the mountain, watch the edges of the road carefully for ruffed grouse or wild turkey. A more regular roadside resident is the red-spotted purple, whose easy gliding flight easily differentiates this butterfly from the more manic suite of dark swallowtails. In addition to the wildlife, the trip up Long Road provides beautiful views of Massanutten Mountain.

The road is unpaved, winding, and remote. It is recommended only for 4-wheel drive vehicles with high clearance. ATVs are not allowed. Contact the U.S. Forest Service North River Ranger District at (540) 432-0187 to check on road conditions and closures prior to arrival.

Directions

Location: Long Run Rd, Harrisonburg, VA 22802

Long Run Rd spans 6.0 miles from its beginning off SR 612/Hopkins Gap Rd near Gospel Hill Mennonite Church to its intersection with Gauley Ridge Rd and Second Mountain Trail, and it continues several miles past this point.

From Harrisonburg, follow SR 763/Mt Clinton Pike and turn left (west) onto SR 613/763 which becomes Hopkins Gap Rd. 2.8 miles after the intersection with Whitmore Shop Rd, turn left (west) onto FR 72/Long Run Rd.