Lick Mountain and Broad Run Mountain via Ferrier Trail

This is a longer ridge-and-hollow outing of about 17 km (10.6 mi) with roughly 700 m (2,300 ft) of climbing, linking two prominent Shenandoah-area ridgelines—Lick Mountain and Broad Run Mountain—via the Ferrier Trail. Expect sustained uphill work, a few steeper pitches, and a mix of shaded forest walking with periodic ridge openings and winter views.

Because your “Hike head: near …” and the hike type are incomplete, I can’t reliably convert the start point to a nearest address/landmark yet. If you paste the trailhead coordinates (lon/lat) or the parking/trailhead name, I’ll pin it to the closest recognized landmark/address and tailor the driving/transit directions precisely.

What the route feels like (pace, effort, and terrain)

• Overall effort: Medium, but it will feel upper-medium if the tread is wet/leaf-covered or if you’re carrying extra water. The climbing is spread out rather than one single wall, so it’s a steady “keep moving” day.
• Footing: Typical Blue Ridge/Shenandoah foothills tread—packed dirt, leaf litter, embedded rocks, and occasional loose stone. After rain, low spots can hold mud and the leaf layer can hide ankle-rolling rocks.
• Grade: You’ll likely see long moderate ascents with a couple of shorter, steeper ramps as you gain the ridges and transition between drainages and spurs.
• Time planning: Many hikers will take 5–7 hours moving time for 17 km (10.6 mi) with 700 m (2,300 ft) gain, plus breaks. Short winter days can make timing tight.

Route breakdown with approximate distances (km/mi) and climbing (m/ft)

Exact splits vary depending on the trailhead used and how the loop/connector segments are arranged, but for planning a 17 km / 700 m day, this is a realistic structure:

1) Trailhead to first sustained climb (0–3 km / 0–1.9 mi)
A warm-up section that’s often gentler: forested walking, stream-side or hollow travel depending on the approach.
- Gain: ~100–200 m (330–650 ft) gradually.

2) Ferrier Trail climb to the ridge (3–7 km / 1.9–4.3 mi)
This is where the day “starts.” Expect a steady climb with intermittent rocky steps and a few switchbacks or contouring traverses.
- Gain: ~350–450 m (1,150–1,475 ft) over this block.

3) Ridge travel: Lick Mountain toward Broad Run Mountain (7–13 km / 4.3–8.1 mi)
Once you’re up high, the grade usually eases into rolling ridge walking with short punchy ups/downs. This is often the most scenic-feeling portion: quieter woods, occasional openings, and long stretches away from roads.
- Gain: ~150–250 m (490–820 ft) in smaller increments.

4) Descent and return (13–17 km / 8.1–10.6 mi)
The final leg is typically a sustained downhill back into the hollow/approach corridor. Downhills here can be deceptively tiring—leaf litter over rock can be slick, and knees take a beating.
- Loss: most of your elevation back to the trailhead; plan careful footing.

Landmarks, scenery, and what to watch for

• Ridge character: Lick Mountain and Broad Run Mountain ridges tend to be oak–hickory dominated with mountain laurel and occasional pine, depending on aspect and elevation. In cooler months, leaf-off views can open up dramatically.
• Hollows and drainages: Lower sections often feel more humid and shaded, with ferns, mossy rocks, and small stream crossings (seasonal). After storms, expect blowdowns and small washouts.
• Viewpoints: Even when there aren’t formal overlooks, ridgelines often have thin-canopy windows—look for rock outcrops or sparse stands where the forest opens briefly.

Wildlife and seasonal conditions

• Black bears: Present in the broader Shenandoah region. Encounters are usually brief; keep food secured and avoid surprising animals in dense laurel.
  
• White-tailed deer, turkey, and small mammals: Common; dawn and dusk are most active.
  
• Snakes and ticks: In warm months, watch for timber rattlesnakes/copperheads in rocky sunlit areas and ticks in brushy edges. Use repellent, do tick checks, and stay alert stepping over logs.
• Hunting season: If any portion is on or near state forest/WMA/private lands, wear blaze orange in fall. (Once you share the exact start point/land manager, I can tell you what’s typical for that specific area.)
• Water: Streams can be seasonal. For a 17 km / 700 m day, many hikers carry 2–3 liters depending on temperature and whether reliable refill points exist. If you plan to filter, confirm water sources on HiiKER before you go.

Navigation and trail-finding

This route can involve multiple junctions and ridge connectors where it’s easy to follow the “most worn” path the wrong way, especially under leaf cover. - Download the route on HiiKER