A Change of Scenery
Jeff Yocum
“A Change of Scenery” is a new column, focusing on day trips from Thurmont that are within 150 miles (give or take). These trips will not include “Disney-level” destinations, but rather, lesser-known points of interest. The purpose of the article is to suggest venues for folks seeking a short, easily accessible change of scenery. In the process, hopefully something will be learned. Some will be historic, some cultural, and others just plain quirky. I confess an ulterior motive for writing this article: I have a wanderlust addiction.
Basalt Columns
Devil’s Tower, featured in the 1977 blockbuster, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, is America’s best example of basalt columns. Cooling molten basalt shrinks and fractures into long, five- and six-sided columns.
A two-hour drive south from Thurmont will take you to a smaller, lesser known columnar basalt that you can climb and explore up close. Located between Skyline Drive mile marker 10 and 11 is a parking lot at the intersection with the Appalachian Trail (AT). Crossing the road from the parking lot and heading south on the AT, a short hike will take you toward the Compton Peak basalt columns in Shenandoah National Park. There is a left turn about a mile into the hike that takes you to the basalt columns. It’s relatively easy to follow.
Trail Conditions
Although the hike is just a little more than a mile in, it has a vertical change of 855 feet up. The Park Service classifies the trail as “moderate.”
The trail is well-defined and relatively smooth, EXCEPT after you make the left turn toward the basalt columns. The section after the turn is down and considerably rougher. Hiking poles would be useful for this short, quarter-mile stretch.
Need to Know Before You Go
Access to the trail is by way of the Skyline Drive, which is part of Shenandoah National Park. As such, there is a $30.00 entry fee per vehicle. A National Park pass will get you in. As a side note, park passes are a bargain if you plan on visiting other national parks. For more information, visit the park’s website at: www.nps.gov/shen.
The hike to Compton Peak is a moderately good workout, depending on your physical condition. It would be wise to bring water and a snack. Of course, check the forecasted weather conditions and dress appropriately.
Other Activities
Other trails from the same parking lot include the Fort Windham Rocks Trail and Lands Run Trail. Both are classified as “easiest.”
The Visitor’s Center is close by, near mile marker 5. Check before going as it is closed during the winter season.
Skyline Drive has many mountain-top vistas, trails of all classes of difficulty, and camping. Reservations are strongly recommended for the campgrounds.
Front Royal offers many venues for eating. From fast food places to Mom ‘n Pop diners to higher-end eateries, there is a full spectrum of choices.
Devil’s Tower in Wyoming, featured in the movie, Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
Nancy Yocum stands next to a columnar basalt at Compton Peak in Shenandoah National Park.
