There is a 2.7-mile stretch of the AT between the Riprap Trail parking area (milepost 90) and Wildcat Ridge parking (milepost 92.1). To make a 10-mile loop hike, begin at the Riprap Trail parking area and descend Riprap Trail past Chimney Rock and Calvary Rock. Climb from the hollow on Wildcat Ridge Trail. Signs of a forest fire date from a 1998 blaze that originated in the area of Calvary Rock. This a great hike for witnessing nature’s regenerative powers. SNP South District, (540) 999-3500. DeLorme: Virginia Atlas & Gazetteer: Page 67, C5.
The AT runs for 3.5 miles alongside Skyline Drive between Jones Run Trail and the Doyles River Trail. Using all three trails makes for a nice 8.2-mile hike, with small waterfalls and rock outcrops on Jones Run and the Doyles River. Begin the hike at Doyles River parking area (milepost 81.1). Descend Jones Run and ascend Jones Run Trail to Skyline Drive, then hike north on the AT. Brown Gap Road is a cutoff for a shorter 6.6-mile loop. SNP South District, (540) 999-3500. DeLorme: Virginia Atlas & Gazetteer: Page 67, C6.
A 1.6-mile stretch of the AT links either end of Big Run Loop Trail. The hike begins at Big Run Loop Overlook (milepost 82.2), drops into the Big Run stream valley, and returns to the AT in 4.2 miles. A forest fire torched parts of the Big Run watershed. Finish the 5.8-mile loop by hiking north on the AT to the Doyles River trailhead, then uphill 200 yards to Skyline Drive. SNP South District, (540) 999-3500. DeLorme: Virginia Atlas & Gazetteer: Page 67, B6.
This is an extremely popular hike that uses 3.3 miles of the AT. Popular, however, does not mean easy. At 11 miles, this loop takes the better part of the day. There are steep dropoffs and difficult climbs. Payoff comes with 40-foot cascades in Whiteoak Canyon, and the many falls and pools along Cedar Run. Use the Stony Man Nature Trail parking area (milepost 41.7) at Skyland as a starting point, and the Whiteoak—Cedar Run Link Trail to complete the loop. SNP Central District, (540) 999-3500. DeLorme Virginia Atlas & Gazetteer: Page 74, D1.
Stony Man (3,387 feet) is a popular site thanks to Skyland, a park resort. This route uses a northern approach from the Little Stony Man parking area (milepost 39.1). The 1.2-mile hike on the AT traces tall cliffs and intersects the 0.4-mile loop trail around Stony Man’s summit. Past Stony Man, leave the AT and descend on Stony Man Horse Trail and Furnace Spring Trail. Return via the Passamaquoddy Trail. SNP Central District, (540) 999-3500. DeLorme: Virginia Atlas & Gazetteer: Page 74, D2.
An easy 2-mile hike on the AT leads to a 360-degree view off Mary’s Rock. From the Panorama Restaurant at Thornton Gap, the AT climbs 1.9 miles on switchbacks to the overlook spur trail. Samples of rock called granodiorite from this area were carbon dated to more than 1 billion years, making it officially the oldest rock known in the park. Retrace the AT to the Panorama for a 4-mile hike. Parking is permitted at the restaurant. SNP Central District, (540) 999-3500. DeLorme: Virginia Atlas & Gazetteer: Page 74, C2.
Three miles of AT run between Little Hogback Overlook (milepost 19.7) and Rattlesnake Point Overlook (milepost 21.9). En route, the AT crosses Hogback Mountain (3,474 feet). Begin this hike at Little Hogback Overlook and use the Piney Branch Trail and Pole Bridge Link Trail to reach Little Devil Stairs, a 2-mile route down Keyser Run under sheer cliff walls and past picturesque waterfalls. Little Devil Stairs is a popular route, but dangerous. Use caution in icy or wet weather. Hike back up Little Devil Stairs and return to the Little Hogback Overlook on Keyser Fire Road for a 10.5-mile loop. SNP Northern District, (540) 999-3500. DeLorme: Virginia Atlas & Gazetteer: Page 74, B2.
See Hike 15: Mount Marshall Loop.