Shortly after passing this intersection the trail becomes steeper, rockier and more exposed to sun. Great views of Long and Devil's Hole Mountains are to your right. As the trees grow taller you may have to peek through them to get a better view. Purple wild flags line this trail in May. Mountain Laurel and Rhododendron manifest their brillance in June and early July.
Switchback through several stands of old growth woods and open wildlife clearings. You know you are close to the top when you come to a large flat rock blocking the trail.
As you continue on you will notice the trail becomes soggy. At this point look for side trails to the left where you will find a grassy area complete with campsites and a small pond. You had passed better water on your way up, a spring that crosses the trail.
The Laurel Run Trail ends on SR 691 at a parking area. You've completed the majority of your climbing for the day. This is also the north terminus of the orange-blazed North Mountain trail.
Proceed south along North Mt. Trail as you climb gradually to the top of a knob. To the left is a white-blazed spur trail that will take you out to a nice ... but small ... overlook surrounded by pitch pines. There are great views here but the view to the left is partially blocked by the forest.
If you wish to see more expansive views and/or you have a large group continue along the main trail. Descend into a slight saddle. In June you smell a sweet fragrance coming from the bushes around you. I don't yet know what it is. Spice bush? I suspected Old Man's Beard (AKA Fringe Tree) but couldn't find any.
After walking through these bushes the ridge will suddenly narrow and plenty of rocks to your left will provide the crew with plenty of seating for the best view on the trail.
After taking in Devil's Hole Mountain, Tibet's Knob, Long Mountain, Big Schloss (which is barely visible over Devil's Hole Mt), and possibly even Massanutten Mountain on a clear day continue south, down through another saddle and up to and through an open grassy area with more great views.
You'll re-enter the woods as the mountain expands and climb gradually to the intersection of purple-blazed Stack Rocks Trail. Stay on the North Mountain Trail a little bit longer to the intersection with yellow-blazed Falls Ridge Trail on your Left. Decsend on Falls Ridge Trail, steeply at times, to FR 252 (AKA blue-blazed Laurel Run Connector Trail).
