Located at milepost 43, the Limberlost circuit hike of 1.3 miles is enjoyable for people of all ages and ability levels. The five foot-wide crushed greenstone walkway makes this a popular trail for visitors in wheelchairs or strollers.
The higher elevation of this area provides for exciting birding. You might catch glimpses of blackburnian, black-throated blue, hooded and chestnut-sided warblers; Acadian flycatchers; or rose-breasted grosbeaks. The dense stands of spruce provide perfect cover for retiring species such as Cooper’s hawks and barred owls. Several moist boggy areas along the trail host numerous species of salamander.
This trail’s history begins in 1920 when local resident Addie Pollack (whose home, Massanuutten Lodge, can be toured by park visitors) bought 100 of the large hemlock trees in the area to thwart logging efforts. Addie’s husband named the area the Limberlost Forest after the novel A Girl of the Limberlost. Sadly, most of the hemlock trees have succumbed to an invasive insect called the hemlock wooly adelgid, but there are still some large spruce trees in the area.
Park in the Limberlost parking area on the east side of Skyline Drive. Hike in either direction from the trailhead, as this is a loop trail. Please note pets are not allowed on this trail.