Little Crease Shelter Spring, Fort Valley, Virginia, 22652

## Overview Little Crease Shelter Spring is a natural ground seep located along the trail system in the George Washington National Forest, nestled in the scenic Fort Valley area of Shenandoah County, Virginia. The spring emerges from the earth near the Little Crease Shelter, one of several backcountry shelters maintained along the Massanutten Trail network. Surrounded by the forested ridges of the Massanutten Mountain range, this spring has historically served as a water source for hikers and backpackers traversing the area. The Fort Valley itself is a remarkable geological feature — a long, narrow valley enclosed between the western and eastern ridges of Massanutten Mountain, carved over millennia by Passage Creek and its tributaries through ancient Appalachian sandstone and shale. The spring seeps directly from the ground and is marked with a sign near the shelter. As with any backcountry water source, the water has not been officially tested or treated, though it has historically been used by trail hikers as a drinking water source. ## Directions 1. From Fort Valley Road (Route 678), turn right onto **Veach Gap Road**. 2. Follow Veach Gap Road uphill until you reach the **parking lot** at the trailhead. 3. From the parking lot, follow the **yellow-blazed trail** for approximately **one mile** to Little Crease Shelter. 4. At the shelter, you will reach the intersection with the **blue/orange-blazed trail**. Continue straight on the blue/orange trail and **cross the creek**. 5. The sign for the spring will become visible once you reach the shelter area, approximately **¼ mile** from the trail intersection. **GPS Coordinates:** 38.876113, -78.381579 ## What to Expect Reaching Little Crease Shelter Spring requires a moderate hike of roughly 1 to 1.25 miles from the Veach Gap Road trailhead parking lot. The yellow-blazed trail climbs through mixed hardwood forest typical of the Massanutten range before arriving at the shelter. The trail is generally well-marked, though the terrain can be uneven and rooty in places. At the shelter area, you'll find the intersection with the blue/orange-blazed trail. After crossing the creek, the spring and its signage come into view. The spring itself is a ground seep rather than a flowing pipe or spout, so water collection may require patience and a container that can be placed close to the source. The surrounding forest offers a peaceful, secluded setting — Little Crease Shelter is a popular overnight stop for backpackers on the Massanutten Trail, so you may encounter fellow hikers, especially during spring and fall hiking seasons. The area can be muddy after rain, and the creek crossing may be more challenging during periods of high water. In winter, the trail and spring area may be icy or snow-covered. There are no facilities at the trailhead beyond the parking area, so plan accordingly.