Kepler Overlook

The map at the trail head.  

Before this hike, I can't remember the last time that I went on a hike and did not see a single soul on the hike or even a car parked at the trail head.  Surprisingly, at less than two hours from DC, this hike delivered complete solitude.  And it was such a neat place!  It had three or four rudimentary car camping areas near the base of the trailhead and several more backpacking areas along the trail.  The car camping areas were still very much "backcountry" in that you're not going to find a bathroom or picnic table in the vicinity, but you can drive your car right into the spot and there are fire pits at each spot.  

I used HikingUpward as my navigation for this hike and found the directions to be generally good, but I would elaborate by saying that there are two "permanently closed gates."  The last car camping area is a turn off to the left, but the gate/fire road that you should follow is the one before the left turn off (i.e. straight ahead).  You'll notice a trail sign and map at the beginning of this fire road that are not present on the fire road closer to the camping area.  Take the fire road with the map!

first backpacking campgsite that you'll pass

Shortly after turning left onto the blue blazed trail, we crossed a dry creek bed and came across this neat backcountry camping area.  The rest of the trail to the top was fairly uneventful, but I loved how quiet it was!  At one point, a bunch of ants were crawling across the path and if you stopped, you could hear them scurrying across the leaves.  Overall, this hike was a win - gorgeous views at two points, and a great place to be if you want peace and quiet.

Rickety "bridge" across a creek.  Casey trusted it - I walked across the dry creek bed instead.

First overlook (you must go off trail to see this one).  At fourth switchback on the trail, there is an unmarked side trail that you can follow to this overlook.  Follow the side trail behind the back of a rock outcropping and you'll reach this view.

At the final overlook.  You'll see another unmarked side trail on the right from the top of the ridge that will bring you here.

The final view