South of Jennings Creek, the AT rides a high ridge called Cove Mountain. In total, there are ten small knobs en route, from the trailhead on VA 614 to the blue-blazed Little Cove Mountain Trail. Cove Mountain (2,720 feet) marks the highest point. A return hike on Little Cove Mountain Trail passes through the watershed of Cove Creek and Little Cove Creek. Where the Little Cove trail ends at VA 614, turn left and walk 0.7 mile up gravel VA 614 to the trailhead. This hike features a shale barren, a rare ecosystem hosting prickly pear and other fragile plants, located off the AT near VA 614. Glenwood-Pedlar Ranger District, (540) 291-2188. DeLorme: Virginia Atlas & Gazetteer: Page 53, D5.
The AT measures only 1.1 miles between Apple Orchard Falls National Recreation Trail and Cornelius Falls Trail. This short stint, however, makes possible a delight of a hike alongside two beautiful streams replete with waterfalls, pools, and thick stands of rhododendron and mountain laurel. There is considerable elevation loss and gain on this 7.6-mile loop—as much as 2,000 feet difference from the AT to FR 59, where you pick up the Cornelius Falls Trail for a return to the AT. Begin the trip at a parking area on the Sunset Field Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway (milepost 78.4). Glenwood-Pedlar Ranger District, (540) 291-2188. DeLorme: Virginia Atlas & Gazetteer: Page 53, D6.
The AT through this mountainous, 8,903-acre wilderness area was reconstructed in 2000. It now begins at the James River Foot Bridge, on the north bank of the James on US 501/VA 130 (the bridge is named in honor of Bill Foot, a Natural Bridge ATC volunteer who passed away in 2000). After crossing, the AT passes beneath high cliff walls in the river gorge, then climbs gradually up Matts Creek to the Matts Creek Shelter. (The old AT route has been renamed.) Several trails branch off the AT in the wilderness. Belfast Trail leads to Devil’s Marbleyard, an 8-acre boulder field with rocks the size of cars. From an alternate trailhead on the Blue Ridge Parkway (milepost 71), hike the AT 1.2 miles to Highcock Knob (3,073 feet). Views from the top are limited in summer. Glenwood-Pedlar Ranger District, (540) 291-2188. DeLorme: Virginia Atlas & Gazetteer: Page 53, D7.
See Hike 30: Mount Pleasant.
A 5.8-mile stretch of the AT runs from Salt Log Gap on FR 63 (extension of VA 634) to the Seeley-Woodworth AT shelter. A return on Lovingston Spring Trail makes an 11.7-mile loop. Wildflowers, mosses, and ferns grow thick around the many springs on these trails. There are signs of an old apple orchard near the AT uphill from Salt Log Gap. Wolf Rocks is a scenic overlook with views of The Priest (northeast) and Rocky Mountain (west). The return trip includes a 0.8-mile side trip (0.4 mile each way) up Rocky Mountain, a summit with views west over the Shenandoah Valley. Glenwood-Pedlar Ranger District, (540) 291-2188. DeLorme: Virginia Atlas & Gazetteer: Page 54, B2.
There are two access points on the AT for this overlook, famous for its wide views of the Cardinal, The Priest, Little Priest, and the Friar. If time is short, use the 0.4 mile of the AT that links Fish Hatchery Trail (a 1.2-mile extension of VA 690 east of Montebello) with the 0.1-mile Spy Rock Trail. This makes a total loop of 3.4 miles. (Ask permission to park at the state-run fish hatchery.) For a longer trip, hike the AT for 3.2 miles between VA 826 (Crabtree Farm Road) and Spy Rock. Access to the AT is 0.5 mile uphill from Crabtree Campground on VA 826. Glenwood-Pedlar Ranger District, (540) 291-2188. DeLorme: Virginia Atlas & Gazetteer: Page 54, B2.
See Hike 29: Three Ridges.
The AT departs the Humpback Rocks parking area on the Blue Ridge Parkway (milepost 6) and in 1 mile, passes a spur trail to Humpback Rocks. This 3,080-foot outcrop offers wide views of the Blue Ridge and Shenandoah Valley. Another mile on the AT brings the summit of Humpback Mountain (3,600 feet). A return to the parking lot makes a 4-mile hike. Blue Ridge Parkway, (828) 271-4779. DeLorme: Virginia Atlas & Gazetteer: Page 55, A4.