When Mary and I went to Sal’s for lunch a few weeks back, we planned to cut through Chrissman Hollow in Massanutten as a shortcut (by the way, I've seen the name of this place written in a number of different ways - the road there is also known by a state number and is called the Forest Development Road, alternatively). Once we were up on the mountain, we found that the road was closed due to potentially inclement weather and had to turn back. Before we completely retraced our steps back to New Market so we could take US 11, we stopped by the Storybook Trail and took the short hike.
This is an accessible trail, paved with a slight incline. The .3 mile route is populated with interpretive signs that explain the geology of the ridge and Page Valley below. At regular intervals, there are little steps that lead off the trail into what looks like gathering areas where tour groups can stop and listen to guide talks.
Typical of the topography in this area, sandstone layers break through the ridge in places, and layered stones and rocks are visible along the way. But the real prize is at the end, as you crest the ridge.
They’ve built an observation platform up here that looks down to the Valley below – almost 1,500 feet down! Here are a couple of views…looking Northeast and due east. The final one is a view looking straight down from the viewing deck. I’d seen the trailhead a few times driving through this area, but we never stopped. I am glad I did this time and hope to be able to show this place to some relatives soon.
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