Tuscarora Trail Permit: Route
Tuscarora Trail is in Tuscarora Trail, and the agency does not require a permit for it. The route covers 252 miles.
This guide covers the Tuscarora Trail Thru-Hike permit.
2-3 weeks
Duration
252 miles
Distance
moderate
Difficulty
About Tuscarora Trail
252 miles from Mathews Arm in Shenandoah National Park to Blue Mountain near Duncannon, Pennsylvania, an alternate, quieter route to the Appalachian Trail it parallels. Built from the historic Big Blue Trail in Virginia and the Pennsylvania sections of the original Tuscarora Trail; no permit is required outside Shenandoah's southern approach.
The Tuscarora Trail
- Distance
- 252 miles
- Route type
- point-to-point
- Trip length
- 2-3 weeks
- Difficulty
- moderate
Entry points: Mathews Arm Campground area, Shenandoah National Park (south terminus), Blue Mountain (north terminus, near Duncannon, PA)
Points along the route
- Mathews Arm Campground area, Shenandoah National Park (south terminus)Mile 0, 2,720 ft
- Hogback Mountain (historic Big Blue Trail southern terminus, AT junction)3,474 ft
- Shawl GapMile 20.9, 1,708 ft
- Signal Knob2,107 ft
- Elizabeth Furnace Recreation Area749 ft
- Veach Gap1,140 ft
- Woodstock Tower659 ft
- Wolf Gap Recreation Area (VA/WV state line)2,235 ft
- Sheffer GapMile 47.9, 2,013 ft
- Dry GapMile 70.8, 2,115 ft
- GainesboroMile 91.9, 655 ft
- Great Cacapon, WV area550 ft
- Redrock CrossingMile 137.9, 408 ft
- Yeakle MillMile 157, 464 ft
- Big Mountain ShelterMile 178.2, 2,068 ft
- Reese Hollow Shelter1,181 ft
And 6 more named points along the route.
Tuscarora Trail permit detailsandAll Tuscarora Trail permits
Get Tuscarora Trail Alerts
Be first to know when cancellations happen.
100+ wilderness permits, extensive backcountry experience
This guide is based on personal experience obtaining wilderness permits and is regularly updated to reflect current policies and strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for Tuscarora Trail?
+
Yes, a permit is required. Walk-up permits are available at the trailhead or visitor center, but arrive early as they may be limited.
When is the best time to visit Tuscarora Trail?
+
Spring and fall, matching typical Mid-Atlantic Appalachian hiking seasons.
How long is the Tuscarora Trail route?
+
The route is 252 miles, as a point-to-point. Plan on 2-3 weeks.
How difficult is the Tuscarora Trail route?
+
This is a moderate route, requires good fitness and some outdoor experience.
Where does the Tuscarora Trail route start?
+
The permit covers 2 entry points: Mathews Arm Campground area, Shenandoah National Park (south terminus), Blue Mountain (north terminus, near Duncannon, PA).
Don't Miss Your Tuscarora Trail Permit
Cancellations happen every day. PermitSnag monitors Tuscarora Trail availability 24/7 and alerts you the moment a spot opens up.
Get Permit Alerts