Day Hikes in Virginia

Roanoke College Hiking Club
Compiled by Mac Johnson

Hiking is a physically demanding activity which may result in injury due to falls, cuts, bites, burns, over exertion, weather conditions, etc. You should not undertake this activity unless you are in proper physical condition and have the necessary skills, equipment, etc. You assume all the risks, including those not foreseeable, involved in participation in this activity.

Hike ratings assume one is in reasonable hiking shape! Moderate easily becomes difficult to strenuous if one is not in shape, and conversely, a harder rating becomes much easier if one hikes a great deal.

These directions were accurate at the time they were recorded. However, trail conditions change, signs are vandalized, droughts cause water sources to dry up, etc. Be prepared for the unexpected.

Hikers should always carry water, food, flashlight, rain gear, appropriate clothing, first aid kit, map, compass, and matches. Also recommended are a cell phone, toilet paper, alcohol wipes, and a small piece of plastic or foam upon which to sit (especially if ground is cold or wet.) Other items, depending upon one's interests, include camera, binoculars, and guides (birds, trees, flowers, etc.)

*Many hikes are accessed by following rt. 311 north from Hanging Rock (the intersection of 311 and 419.) From Roanoke College drive north on Thompson Memorial Drive / rt. 311 (pass under I-81) to intersection with 419 [stop light] at Hanging Rock [about 5 min. drive.] Directions for trails utilizing rt. 311 will begin at Hanging Rock.

Many of the following hikes utilize the Appalachian Trail (AT) which is a continuous foot path stretching over 2,100 miles from Springer Mtn. in GA in the south to Mt. Katahdin in Maine to the north. The AT is marked by a white vertical paint blaze approx. 6" high by 2" wide.

City Hikes

Hanging Rock Battlefield Trail parallels Kessler Mill Rd. 3.4 mi. round trip easy
From intersection of Thompson Memorial Drive and E Main St in Salem: go east on Main St. approx 1.25 mi. to intersection with Kessler Mill Rd. Left on Kessler Mill. Proceed .4 mi. to southern terminus of Hanging Rock Battlefield Tr. parking lot on left side of road. Trail heads north 1.7 mi. to jct. with 311. As of 10/05 there is not a bridge across Mason Creek and the effective north terminus of the trail is the public parking area between the gas station and 311. The trail runs slightly uphill going south to north. The northern tr. terminus can be reached via Kessler Mill Rd or by following Thompson Memorial Drive north to Hanging Rock at the intersection of 311 and 419. Park in the lot between 311 and the gas station. This tr. is part of the Rke Valley Greenway trail system.

~ 5 miles or fewer ~

Roaring Run off 615 @1.5 mi. Easy
*From Hanging Rock go north on rt. 311 to New Castle, then north (right turn) on rt. 615 until the sign / rd. to the parking lot (on left - about 21 mi. drive from New Castle.) Trail starts in nice picnic area and follows run up to large cascade. The hike can be made into a partial loop by crossing the creek near the cascade on the return and following it back to the picnic area / parking lot. Very pretty hike. Excellent for children.

Hanging Rock Tower (Oct. '03) Past Paint Bank 1.8 mi. moderate climb
An approx. hour long and scenic drive brings one to trail head. Wooden tower on ridge top provides stunning 360 degree panoramic views. During Sept. you can view the annual raptor migration.
*From Hanging Rock go north on rt. 311, thru New Castle, to Paint Bank.
Turn LEFT on rt. 600 which becomes rt. 17 when you enter W. VA.
Approx. 11 miles from Paint Bank turn RIGHT on Gap Mills Rd. (rt. 15) There is a standard street sign at this intersection.
Drive up the road approx. 4 miles to crest of ridge and Allegheny Tr. parking lot. on LEFT. There is a sign just before the parking lot.
Follow the yellow blazed Allegheny Tr. heads up hill.
Approx. .7 mi. take the blue blazed trail to the Left which ascends to the ridge top and shortly reaches the wooden tower.

Sawtooth Ridge Overlooks from 311 parking lot on top of Catawba ridge @.5-2 mi. Moderate
*From Hanging Rock go north on rt. 311 until you reach the top of the mountain ridge. (about 8-10 min.) Turn left off 311 into the parking lot on the top of Catawba ridge. The Appalachian Trail [marked with a white, vertical blaze] crosses the road here. The trail [AT] to the overlooks starts roughly in the middle of the lot and opposite 311. Both overlooks sit atop rock outcroppings and provide nice views of Bradshaw Valley and Fort Lewis Mtn. The trail also crosses the road on its way to McAfee Knob. If you cross the road you're going the wrong direction for this hike!

Trail ascends and in about ½ mile comes to the first overlook, which is to the left of the trail. Continuing for roughly another ½ mile brings you to the 2nd overlook. The trail crests the ridge top after traversing the right side of a high knob. The overlook is to your left after you crest the ridge and just before the trail turns hard right and begins to descend. The short approach trail is marked with a blue blaze. You'll hike behind several large rocks, pass through the opening to your right and sit on the rock for the view. You may continue hiking along the AT for several more miles for nice ridge walking.

AT: US 220 to US 11 220 / I81 intersection 2.2 mi. Easy
trail head is approx. 15 min. from campus..
From the college drive north on Thompson Memorial Drive / Va. 311 to I-81, go north on I-81 for @ 10 mi., get off at Exit 150 B / 220 North, follow off-ramp to intersection with US 11, turn right and go to stop light and turn right onto US 220 north. Get in left lane, go under I-81 bridge, and take next left onto VA 816 [all told about .2 miles] Park in Park & Ride lot, located immediately to your left after turning onto 816.

From the parking lot, cross 816, go around the guardrail which is blocking an abandoned road, and follow the old road up hill. In about .2 mile this connector trail intersects the white blazed Appalachian Trail. Turn hard right onto AT. The trail winds across the valley passing over US 220, under I-81, and over US 11. Fair amt. of rd noise. There are many better hikes around.

Angel's Rest Rt. 460 - Pearisburg 2.3 mi. Difficult due to steepness
Follow 460 west (north) of Blacksburg, past Pearisburg, to small shopping plaza located on the right just before the bridge that crosses the New River (factory located on other side of the bridge on the left.) Request permission to park from supermarket manager. AT cross the river via the bridge. Find the white blazes and head south (do NOT cross bridge - wrong direction for this hike.) Soon tr. begins steep ascent. Near top pass around huge boulder, AT goes lf & side tr. goes rt. to overlook.

Devil's Marbleyard I-81 > US 11> Natrl Brdg > 130 > 759 > 781 2.8 mi. Mod.
From college go north on I-81. Get off at Natural Bridge exit (175). Turn left onto US 11 and go to intersection with Va. 130 in Natural Bridge Station. Turn right on 130. Go east on 130 approx. 4 mi. to intersection with Va. 759 Turn rt. on Va. 759 and go south 3.2 mi., then left (east) on Va. 781 for 1.5 mi. to parking lot on left and trail head. Tr. begins at bridge which crosses creek.

Follow Belfast tr. (starting elevation 1,040') 1.4 mi. to Devils Marbleyard, "an 8-acre scenic outcrop of loose Antietam-quartz boulders." Tr. is steep as it approaches and passes Marbleyard. There's nothing else like it around

Stiles Falls Rt. 460 west - Shawsville 3 mi. easy
From the college go west on Main St. / US 460 / 11 for approx. 16 miles to Shawsville. Turn left. on rt. 637, go about 6 miles. Turn right at the Camp Alta Mons sign. Park next to the camp office and sign in.

From the camp office, walk up the road past the swimming pool, the retreat center, and the pond. After about ½ mile pass an old barn and then cross over a bridge. Continue along the dirt road and pass a brown cinder block house on the rt. in about 3/10 mi. Continue on until you come to a sign indicating "Falls." Follow the trail from here to the falls crossing the creek several times. The trail may be wet in places if has rained recently. The waterfall drops about 60 feet into a shaded pool surrounded by large boulders upon which one can sit. It's a very peaceful, inspiring setting, and a nice retreat from the daily bustle!

Mill Mountain Star Trail (Oct. '03) - approximately 20-25 minutes from campus
From the college drive north on Thompson Memorial Drive / Va. 311 to I-81
Go north on I-81 to I-581 exit
Take I-581 to Elm St, / Rt. 24 exit
Turn Left onto Elm St. /Rt 24
Go to 9th St. and turn Right
Go on 9th St. to Riverland Rd. (across bridge) and turn Left
Go short distance (@ .2 mi.) to road on right with Mill Mtn. Star Trail Sign
Turn right, go up hill to parking lot on left

Trail Description:
From the parking lot follow the signs uphill along the road. The road ends and the trail continues through the woods. Cross J.B. Fishburn Parkway, which leads to Mill Mt. and onto the Blue Ridge Parkway. Ascend steadily but not too steeply to the top of Mill Mountain and the viewing platform next to the Star. On a clear day the views across the Roanoke Valley are Outstanding!

Peaks of Otter - Sharp Top BRP mi post 86 3 mi. Strenuous
From the college, go north on I-81. Get off at exit 162 / Buchanan and go north on US 11 into Buchanan. Turn rt. on US 43. At intersection with the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP), turn left and go north to the Sharp Top parking lot on right side of BRP at mile post 86 [across the road from the camp store and just before the Peaks of Otter Lodge.] The climb of 1,400' in 1.5 miles is strenuous, but the view from the top is well worth the effort. The tr. is good, and most of the climbing is accomplished by switch backs.

Cove Mt. Loop via Dragons Tooth - Boy Scout - AT trails. Dragons Tooth parking lot off 311 @3.5 mi. Moderate to Difficult
Drive to the trailhead takes about 15 - 20 minutes.
*From Hanging Rock go north on rt. 311, pass over top of Catawba Mtn. (parking lot for McAfee Knob and Sawtooth Ridge trails), past VA 779 to the right, and VA 785 and 624 to the left. At .4 mile beyond intersection with 624 turn left at the sign into Dragon's Tooth parking lot. Nice hike with some strenuous sections along a rocky ridge. Good views of Catawba Valley and surrounding countryside from the ridge.

From end of parking lot follow blue blazed tr. approx. .3 mi., cross the creek on stones and come to a wooden trail sign. The trail to the rt. is the direct route to Dragons Tooth and continues up the ravine to Lost Spectacle Gap where it intersects the white blazed Appalachian Trail (going rt. (south) on the AT will take you to Dragon's Tooth -5 mi. round trip.] For this shorter hike turn LEFT at the wooden sign and follow the blue blazed Boy Scout trail E to the white blazed AT. Turn rt. (south) on the AT and follow it along the ridge to Lost Spectacle Gap and the intersection with the blue blazed tr. which leads back to the parking lot. Turn right on the blue blazed trail.

AT north from 311 parking lot on top of Catawba ridge to Fire Road @4 mi. loop Moderate
*From Hanging Rock go north on rt. 311 until you reach the top of the mountain. (about 8-10 min.) Turn left off 311 into the parking lot on the top of Catawba ridge. The Appalachian Trail heading NORTH [marked with a white, vertical blaze] crosses the road here. Cross the road to begin this hike.

Climb to the ridge top following the trail. In about a mi. pass the Boy Scout Shelter on your right - seasonable water available. Continuing on you come to the Catawba Mtn. Shelter in another mi. Fairly reliable water to left of trail before reaching shelter. 3/10 mi. beyond the Catawba Shelter the tr. crosses the fire road [this road intersects rt. 311 just north of where the AT crosses the rd (continuing on the AT takes you to McAfee Knob - see directions below.). Go left on the fire road and continue back to rt. 311 BE VERY CAREFUL CROSSING THE ROAD!

Cascades Off 460 4 mi. Easy
Take 460 west past Blacksburg (take bypass around B-burg) to Pembroke [a little over 17 mi. from Blacksburg.] Turn right onto Va. 623 [there is a Cascades Recreation sign at the intersection.] Drive 4 mi. to the parking area. A nominal fee is charged. There are restrooms and a picnic area adjacent to the parking area.

The wide trail parallels Little Stony Creek for two miles and ends at Cascade Falls, a very scenic, 60 foot waterfall which tumbles into a large pool. This is a beautiful hike that receives a great deal of traffic, especially on the weekends. It's a great place to picnic and hike. Best bet is to go mid week.

Hoop Hole Short Loop off 615 @4 mi. Moderate
*From Hanging Rock go north on rt. 311 to New Castle to intersection with rt. 615. Turn right on 615 and drive north until you reach the signed Hoop Hole prkng lot on left. (about 19 mi. drive from New Castle.)

Recommend hiking counter clockwise. The ascent up the narrow ravine parallels the crk and is steep in places. The tr. crosses the creek numerous times. The scenery is outstanding! Large rock outcropping line the ravine. The trail across the top of the loop, passes through mature forest, and gradually descends. The return portion of the loop parallels another beautiful mtn. stream.

Carvins Cove Overlook (from Tinker Ridge) AT So. from 220 5 mi. Moderate
trail head is approx. 15 min. from campus. Possibly my favorite hike.
From the college drive north on Thompson Memorial Drive / Va. 311 to I-81, go north on I-81 for @ 10 mi., get off at Exit 150 B / 220 North, follow off-ramp to intersection with US 11, turn right and go to stop light and turn right onto US 220 north. Get in left lane, go under I-81 bridge, and take next left onto VA 816 [all told about .2 miles] Park in Park & Ride lot, located immediately to your left after turning onto 816.

From the parking lot, cross 816, go around the guard rail which is blocking an abandoned road, and follow the old road up hill. In about .2 mile this connector trail intersects the white blazed Appalachian Trail. Continue straight [south] on the AT. The trail descends and crosses Tinker Creek in .25 miles [site of Annie Dillard's "Pilgrim at Tinker Creek," a great book!] then ascends the north side of Tinker Ridge via switchbacks to the ridge top - 900 feet in two miles. From the top of the ridge it is about a ½ mile to the overlook. Along the way you'll start to see views of Carvins Cove reservoir, the main water source for the city of Roanoke. Just before the lookout the trail climbs a short rise and breaks out of the trees onto an exposed rock outcrop affording outstanding views! Immediately to your left is Tinker Mt., to its right is the Roanoke Valley, below is Carvins Cove, and starting from your right and curving back to your left is Tinker Ridge with Tinker Cliffs and McAfee Knob being the most prominent heights. Continuing on another 1.5 miles will bring you to Hay Rock, another lookout point.

~ 5 to 10 miles ~

Chestnut Ridge Tr. Blue Ridge Parkway spur across from Rke Mtn Campground 5.3 RT Easy
Drive up to Mill Mtn. and continue on the BRP spur to the parking lot on the left. Fairly easy yet scenic tr. parallels the BLP spur and passes around the Rke Mtn Campground. Several connector trs. allow the length of the hike to be shortened. Location is near Mill Mtn. & Rke Mtn. so the hike can be combined with visiting either of these two attractions.

The next two hikes, Henry Lanum & Old Hotel, start at the same parking lot so driving directions are the same. The two trails can be combined for a super day hike of 11 miles.

From college go north on I-81. Exit on US 60 east to Buena Vista. Continue east on 60, cross the Blue Ridge Prkwy, proceed approx. 4.5 - 5 mi. then turn left onto Va. 634, go approx. 1.5 mi. and turn right on Wiggins Spring Rd /Va. 755 (unpaved); after approx. 3 mi. cross AT in Hog Camp Gap. Pass parking area on lf. and continue approx. .4 mi turning right at Mt. Pleasant Trail Head sign. Park in lot to lf. (overflow parking on rt.)

Henry Lanum Tr. (Mts Pompey / Pleasant) loop Rt. 60 E. of Buena Vista > rt. 634 > Wiggins Sp. rd 5.2 mi. moderate
Excellent views from rock outcroppings atop Mt. Pleasant. Fair amt. of ascent/descent - good trail. This is a loop hike so you can take either trail head. Directions are clockwise for Mt. Pompey to Pleasant. Trail passes over wooded summit of Pleasant and descends into col between Pompey and Pleasant. Shortly before beginning ascent of Pleasant, the loop trail turns to the right. You want to turn left, to go to Pleasant summit. On your return, follow the Pleasant trail back to parking lot to complete the loop. Outstanding views east, south, and west from rock outcropping on Pleasant.

Old Hotel Trail (Cold Mt. loop) Rt. 60 E. of Buena Vista > rt. 634 > Wiggins Sp. rd 5.7 mi. moderate
Cold Mtn. is a bald affording nice, open views. From parking area, cross road and follow connector trail for @ 15 yards to intersection with blue blazed Old Hotel Trail. Turn left on trail which parallels forest service road before angling to right. Ascend to top of ridge and nice, flat camping spot under large oaks. Tr. continues to Cow Camp Gap, shelter on rt., where it crosses creek and ascends to intersection with AT. Turn rt. and follow AT over Cold Mtn. and down to rd. Turn rt. and follow trail / road back to parking lot in .4 mi.

Flat Top Mtn BRP mi post 83.5 5.7 mi. Moderate
From the college go north on I-81. Get off at exit 162 / Buchanan and go north on US 11 into Buchanan. Turn rt. on US 43. At intersection with the Blue Ridge Parkway, turn left and go north to parking lot on right side at mile post 83.5 [few min. north of the Peaks of Otter Lodge.] The climb of 1,500' requires some work, but the view from the top is well worth the effort. The tr. is excellent, and most of the climbing is accomplished by gentle switch backs.

Bobblet's Gap > Hammond Hollow BRP mi post 93.1 5.8 mi. Moderate
From the college go north on I-81. Get off at exit 162 / Buchanan and go north on US 11 into Buchanan. Turn rt. on US 43. At intersection with the Blue Ridge Parkway turn right and go south on BRP to Bobblet's Gap prkng area on right side at mile post 93.1. [Tr. directions in AT Guide to Central Va., 1st ed. pg. 198] There are many better hikes than this.

Tr. descends via unpaved rd. to Va. 643 - then head south up & down on FS 634 before climbing to AT on Hammond Hollow tr. (sign off post at jct. Tr. heads up ridge crest) Steady climb up Hammond Hollow tr. to ridge top, then more moderate ascent to AT. Turn left and go North on AT for .7 mi. to Bobblets's Gap prkng lot. Nice hike, no great views.

Fullers Rocks via Rocky Row Tr. 6 mi. / 1,300¬¬' Mod.
From the college go north on I-81 N to Natural Bridge, exit and go east on route130 through Glasgow, turn rt. at jct. with 501. Tr. head is 2.3 mi. east of Glasgow [3.8 mi. west of where the AT crosses 501] at wayside lookout with historical marker (total distance from I-81 to tr. head @10 mi.) Tr. head is across the rd. a little way down hill from the parking area.

This blue blazed tr. starts at an elevation of approx. 1,100' and ascends to approx. 2,400'. Takes about an hour of steady hiking to reach the jct. with the AT and Fullers Rocks which are just to the north of the jct. on the east side of the tr. The rocks sit atop the ridge and afford an outstanding, unobstructed view north, east, and south. The James River flows below as it cuts through the Blue Ridge on its way to the Piedmont and eventually the sea. Big Rocky Row, a higher pt. along the same ridge, rises directly to the north about a mile further along the AT. Thus this hike could easily be made into an 8 miler.

Dragon's Tooth via Boy Scout tr. off 311 @6 mi. Moderate
*From Hanging Rock go north on rt. 311, pass over top of Catawba Mtn. (parking lot for McAfee Knob and Sawtooth Ridge trails), past VA 779 to the right, and VA 785 and 624 to the left. At .4 mile beyond intersection with 624 turn left at the sign into Dragon's Tooth parking lot. (about 15 min. drive.)

From the end of the parking lot follow blue blazed tr. approx. .3 mi., crossing the creek over rocks, to the wooden sign. The direct route to Dragons Tooth goes to the rt. (blue blaze) and continues up the ravine to Lost Spectacle Gap where it intersects the AT (going rt. (south) on the AT will take you to Dragon's Tooth -5 mi. round trip).
To take the longer (adds about a mile and some terrific views,) scenic rt., turn LEFT at the wooden sign and follow the blue blazed Boy Scout trail E to the AT. Turn rt. (south) on the AT and follow it along the ridge to Lost Spectacle Gap and the intersection with the blue blazed (ravine) tr. Continue S on the AT to the ridge top. There is some steep climbing over rock on this section. At the ridge top, the AT turns right. Turn left and follow the trail to Dragon's Tooth. On the return to Lost Spectacle Gap turn left and follow the blue blazed ravine trail back to the parking lot. The view from the tooth includes Catawba valley and mtn. including McAfee Knob & Tinker Cliffs. On a clear day one can see the Peaks of Otter faintly to the NE.

Kelley's Knob via AT off 42 6.6 mi. Mod.
From the college take I-81 south to Blacksburg exit. Take US 460 west past Blacksburg to intersection with rt. 42. Turn right. Pass thru town of Newport and in about 7 miles reach spot where AT crosses rt. 42. Park on shoulder of 42 (@7 mi. NE of Newport / 21 mi. SW of New Castle). Head south (west) (left side of rt. 42 if coming from Newport - and side of rd. where house is located). First section of tr. crosses several stiles as it crosses pasture. At @ .8 mi. the tr. enters woods. Tr. ascends most of the way, steeply for the last .9 mi. After descending steeply into a gorge, the tr. reaches the first prong of Laurel Crk. at 2.2 mi. After heavy rains the water may be too high to cross at the regular spot. The crk. can be crossed without getting wet a short way up stream. In 1/10 mi. tr. comes to the main prong of Laurel Crk. A dry way across may be found just down stream from the regular crossing. Trail climbs up out of the rhododendrons and soon reaches the Laurel Crk. shelter, the usual 8 person, open front structure. The tr. is quite steep for the next .9 mi. as it ascends Kelley's Knob. A blue blazed tr. leads to the left (south) to a large rock outcrop and a nice view.

McAfee Knob from 311 parking lot on top of Catawba ridge @7 mi. Moderate
*From Hanging Rock go north on rt. 311 until you reach the top of the mountain. (about 8-10 min.) Turn left off 311 into the parking lot on the top of Catawba ridge. The Appalachian Trail crosses the road here. Cross the road - be very careful as there is a lot of traffic and visibility is limited - and take the AT north.

In about a mi. pass the Boy Scout Shelter on your right - no water available. Continuing on you come to the Catawba Mtn. Shelter in another mi. 3/10 mi. beyond the Catawba Shelter the tr. crosses the fire road [this road intersects rt. 311 just north of where the AT crosses the rd. You can hike it up or back to make this hike a partial loop.] Continue on another 1.3 mi. along the AT to the overhanging rock ledge which constitutes McAfee Knob. The panoramic views of the Catawba and Roanoke Valleys are outstanding! Be sure to walk along the rock ledge which extends for about 1/10 a mile or so to catch all of the view. This is one of the most photographed spots along the AT.

Catawba Mtn. parking lot on 311 to Dragon's Tooth parking lot on 311 7 mi. Moderate
This hike requires 2 vehicles. Very nice hike with trail running along Catawba ridge and across Catawba Valley. *From Hanging Rock go north on rt. 311, pass over top of Catawba Mtn. (parking lot for McAfee Knob and Sawtooth Ridge trails), past VA 779 to the right, and VA 785 and 624 to the left. At .4 mile beyond intersection with 624 turn left at the sign into Dragon's Tooth parking lot. Leave the pick-up vehicle here. Return to the AT (McAfee Knob and Sawtooth Ridge) parking lot atop Catawba Ridge which you passed on the way to the Dragon's Tooth parking area.

Starting at McAfee parking lot, hike south (do NOT cross 311) on AT along Sawtooth Ridge to Beckner gap where trail descends ridge and crosses Catawba Valley. Leaving pasture, hike parallel to a crk and then ascend a low ridge, dropping down to rt. 624. Cross 624 and ascend. In @ 0.4 mi. reach jct. with blue blazed Scout Trail. Turn rt. on Scout Tr. and follow it back to Dragons Tooth prkng lot.

The hike can be extended by @1.5 miles by not taking the Scout trail but continuing on the AT to Scorched Earth Gap and the jct. with the blue blazed trail connecting the AT to the Dragons Tooth prkng lot. Turn rt. on the connector trail. This tr. intersects the south end of the Scout Trail near the bottom of the ravine. Turn left at the jct. to return to the prkng lot.

Apple Orchard Falls / AT / Cornelius Crk loop I-81>Arcadia 7 mi. / 2000' climb Difficult
Great loop hike - gorgeous view of two cascading mtn. streams and waterfall!
From the college go north on I-81 to Arcadia exit. East on rt. 614; cross over the James River on a bridge, turn left at sign to North Creek Campground / FSR 59; go 2.9 mi. to jct. with Apple Orchard Falls rd., go straight [59 turns hard left], follow rd to its terminus in prkng lot and tr. head for both Apple Orchard Falls & Cornelius Crk. Trs. Recommend hiking clockwise direction.

Hike Mileages: 2 mi. to falls, 1 mi. further to AT, 1.5 miles south on AT to jct. with Cornelius Crk. tr., 2.5 mi. back to parking lot. Cross Cornelius Crk. on bridge and ascend the Apple Orchard Falls Tr. (AOF.) Tr. passes across the base of the 150' falls and then winds up and back across the top of the falls. Continue ascending, cross forest rd. (which, to the right, in 1.5 mi., intersects the Cornelius Crk tr. Using this rd. one can complete a shorter loop of approx. 5 mi.) Continue on AOF tr. to jct. with white blazed AT about 1/4 mi. from the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP). (One can park in the Sunset Field parking lot on the BLP and hike down to the falls.)
Turn right (south) and follow AT for 1.5 mi. to jct. with the blue blazed Cornelius Crk. tr. Turn right and descend along CC tr. After dropping about a mi. the tr. intersects the FS rd. which connects to the AOF tr. Turn left on the rd. and after @ .3 mi. the trail veers to the right off the road. Tr. reaches Cornelius Crk. which it parallels back to the parking lot. This section of tr. is very beautiful. One has to cross the creek which may require fording when the water is up or scouting down steam for a dry crossing.

Tinker Cliffs via Andy Lane & Appalachian Trails 7.2 mi. Difficult 1,500' climb
*From Hanging Rock go north on rt. 311, pass over top of Catawba Mtn. (parking lot for McAfee Knob and Sawtooth Ridge trails.) At the bottom of the hill turn right and then immediately turn right again onto rt. 779. Follow 779 for 8.2 miles [near the end you'll take a hard left, cross a bridge, hard right - with rt. 600 coming in from the left - and in a short distance reach the parking lot on your right.

Follow the yellow blazed Andy Lane tr. (starts at back of parking lot) for 3.1 mi. to Scorched Earth Gap and jct. with the AT. Andy Layne tr. ascends two small, wooded ridges and then crosses pasture and several bridged streams. The tr. climbs steadily and is fairly steep at the end. Go right (South) on the AT. Trail climbs 1/2 mi. to Tinker Cliffs, a ridge of exposed rock affording outstanding views north & west. This is one of my favorite spots.

Brush Mt. from rt. 621 7.6 mi. Moderate
*From Hanging Rock go north on rt. 311, pass over top of Catawba Mtn. (parking lot for McAfee Knob and Sawtooth Ridge trails), past VA 779 to the right, and VA 785 and 624 to the left. Continue past Dragon's Tooth parking lot to rt. 621. Turn Lf. and go approx. 6.5 mi. to where AT crosses the rd. There is a sm. prking lot to the rt. Cross the rd. and hike north on the AT (white blaze) Tr. starts at 1,540' and climbs the ridge via switch backs to an old rd atop the mtn (3.2 mi.). Turn left (N) & follow the rd. After 4/10 mi. follow blue blazed tr. to left which leads to Audi Murphy Monument in @200'. Follow tr. for another 100' to rock outcrop and nice view. Monument marks site of '71 plane crash in which Murphy, the most decorated US soldier of W.W.II, died. The movie "To Hell & Back" documents Murphy's wartime heroics.

Fulhardt Knob Shelter Rt. 11 Troutdale city line 7.5 mi. Mod.
Tr head is @ 14 mi. from Rke College. Very nice trail, hike terminates at shelter with no view.
From the college drive north on Thompson Memorial Drive / Va. 311 to I-81, go north on I-81 for @ 10 mi., get off at Exit 150 B / 220 North, follow off-ramp to intersection with US 11, turn left. Drive a mile or so until you come to the prkng lot that is just inside the Troutdale city limits (just past the sign) on the right (east) side of rt. 11.

The first mile crosses over a pasture which, from the top, affords a very nice view. In 1.1 mi. the tr. crosses rt. 252. The tr. begins to climb and in .6 mi. enters the Nat'l Forest. The trail is nicely graded, and elevation is handled via a series of switchbacks. In 3 mi. from rt. 252 the tr. intersects a forest service rd. and turns to the left. Turn right and follow the blue blazed tr. 1/10 mi. to Fulhardt Knob shelter.

Hay Rock / Tinker Ridge off 220 8 mi. Moderate
This is a 3 mile extension of the Carvins Cove Overlook hike.
From the college drive north on Thompson Memorial Drive / Va. 311 to I-81, go north on I-81 for @ 10 mi., get off at Exit 150 B / 220 North, follow off-ramp to intersection with US 11, turn right and go to stop light and turn right onto US 220 north. Get in left lane, go under I-81 bridge, and take next left onto VA 816 [all told about .2 miles] Park in Park & Ride lot, located immediately to your left after turning onto 816.

From the parking lot, cross 816, go around the guard rail which is blocking an abandoned road, and follow the old road up hill. In about .2 mile this connector trail intersects the white blazed Appalachian Trail. Continue straight [south] on the AT. The trail descends and crosses Tinker Creek in .25 miles [site of Annie Dillard's "Pilgrim at Tinker Creek," a great book!] then ascends the north side of Tinker Ridge via switchbacks to the ridge top - 900 feet in two miles. From the top of the ridge it is about a ½ mile to the overlook. Along the way you'll start to see views of Carvins Cove reservoir, the main water source for the city of Roanoke. Just before the lookout the trail climbs a short rise and breaks out of the trees onto an exposed rock outcrop affording outstanding views! Immediately to your left is Tinker Mt., to its right is the Roanoke Valley, below is Carvins Cove, and starting from your right and curving back to your left is Tinker Ridge with Tinker Cliffs and McAfee Knob being the most prominent heights. Continuing on another 1.5 miles will bring you to Hay Rock, a large outcropping on the left side of the trial. Views of Carvins Cove from the other side of the rock which is steep and not easily climbed.

Apple Orchard Falls / AT / Cornelius Crk loop I-81>Arcadia @7.7 mi. Mod. Difficult
Great loop hike! I-81 to Arcadia Exit then rt. on 614; 614 > FSR 59; 59 to its terminus in prkng lot and tr. head for both Apple Orchard Falls & Cornelius Crk. Trs.

Trail Description*: Both the Apple Orchard Falls and the Cornelius Creek trails start at the parking lot. The suggested route is to hike up the Apple Orchard Falls trail and return via the Cornelius Crk trail. Cross bridge and follow trail to Apple Orchard Falls.

The Apple Orchard Fall tr. [blue blazed] gains 1,000' in 2.2 miles to the base of the falls. The tr. passes across the base of the falls and ascends to the top. Continuing on, the tr. climbs another 1,000' in 1.4 mi. to its jct. with the Appalachian Tr. A short way above the falls the tr. crosses an old forest rd. and continues uphill. [going rt. on the old road leads in 1 1/2 mi. to the jct. with the Cornelius Crk tr. and back to the parking lot. Using this rd. one can complete a shorter loop of approx. 5.5 mi.]

Turn right at the jct. with the AT [white blazed] and go south 1.2 mi. to the jct. with the upper end of the Cornelius Crk tr. [blue blazed.] [continuing on the trail from the falls past the AT takes one to the Sunset Field parking lot on the Blue Ridge Parkway. One can hike down to the falls from the parking lot.]

Turn right at jct. with the Cornelius Crk tr. and follow it 2.9 miles back to the parking lot. The tr. intersects the old forest rd. [same one that Apple Orchard Falls tr. crosses] and follows it a short way. Turn left onto the rd. and follow it down hill. In a short distance the tr. branches off to the right of the rd. and descends to the banks of Cornelius Crk. which it follows, crossing several times, back to the parking lot. Cornelius Crk., which is a beautiful mtn. stream, may have to be waded in high water.

The total ascent for the loop is approx. 2,000' for a total elevation change of @ 4K. This is definitely one of the most scenic hikes in the area.

Campbell Shelter via McAfee Knob loop hike from 311 @8.4 mi. Moderate
*From Hanging Rock go north on rt. 311 until you reach the top of the mountain. (about 8-10 min.) Turn left off 311 into the parking lot on the top of Catawba ridge. The Appalachian Trail crosses the road here.

Cross the road - be very careful as there is a lot of traffic and visibility is limited. Hike north on AT. In about a mi. pass the Boy Scout Shelter on your right - no water available. Continuing on you come to the Catawba Mtn. Shelter in another mi. 3/10 mi. beyond the Catawba Shelter the tr. crosses the fire road [this road intersects rt. 311 just north of where the AT crosses the rd. You can hike it up or back to make this hike a partial loop.] Continue on another 1.3 mi. along the AT to the overhanging rock ledge which constitutes McAfee Knob. The panoramic views of the Catawba and Roanoke Valleys are outstanding! From the knob continue east on the AT. The tr. drops down from McAfee and then levels off. At @ .6 mi. you first come to a nice camping spot with a fire pit and a picnic table located in a grove of pine tress. There is also a tr. leading to a nearby water source. Another 1/10 mi. brings you to Campbell shelter which is located in a nice stand of trees. Follow the blue blaze trail from the shelter which leads to water and the fire road. Take the fire road back to the parking lot.

Jennings Crk. - Cove Mtn. loop I-81>Arcadia 8.2 mi. Mod. Difficult
From the college take I-81 north to exit 168 / Arcadia. Go east on Va. route 614 approx. 4.6 mi. (cross over the James River) to the parking lot on the left after crossing Jennings Creek on the Panther's Ford bridge. Driving distance approx. 34.5 mi. from Roanoke College.

From the parking lot hike up Va. rt. 614 for .7 mi. to the start of the Little Cove Mtn. Trail which begins at a footbridge which crosses Jennings Creek (right side of the road.) From this pt. it is 2.8 miles / 1,600' to the jct. with the AT atop Cove Mtn. In a short distance the trail splits. Take the left fork which continues to parallel Little Cove Crk. Shortly the trail crosses the creek. In high water you may have to ford the creek (it isn't very wide.) The trail crosses a dirt road part way up the ridge. At the jct. with the AT (White Blaze) turn right. Here the AT follows the Cove Mtn. ridge top. In 1.4 mi. reach the Cove Mtn. Shelter which is a nice spot to stop for lunch or a snack. There is a privy next to the shelter but no water. A little further on come to a rock outcrop on the left which provides the only view. This is my preferred stopping spot. The AT continues along the ridge top for another 1.7 mi. where it makes a sharp right turn (be on the lookout since it is easy to miss the turn and continue along the ridge top.) The trail descends steadily down the side of Cove Mt. for the next 1.4 mi. where it intersects Va. rt. 614 just west of the Panther's Ford bridge. Turn rt. and cross the bridge. The parking lot with your vehicle is just across the bridge to the left.

Hoop Hole Long Loop off 615 @9 mi. Strenuous
*From Hanging Rock go north on rt. 311 to New Castle to intersection with rt. 615. Turn right on 615 and drive north until you reach the signed Hoop Hole prkng lot on left. (about 19 mi. drive from New Castle.)

Suggest hiking counter clockwise. The ascent up the narrow ravine parallels the crk and is steep in places. The tr. crosses the crk numerous times. The scenery is outstanding! Large rock outcropping line the ravine. Above ravine trail intersects trail for shorter, 4 mi. loop. Continue on for upper loop. The return portion of the loop parallels another beautiful mtn. stream. This hike is for more experienced hikers.

Belfast tr. - Sulphur Sp tr. loop I-81>US 11 > Natrl Brdg>130>759>781 9.1 mi. Mod.
From college go north on I-81. Get off at Natural Bridge exit (175). Turn left onto US 11 and go to intersection with Va. 130 in Natural Bridge Station. Turn right on 130. Go east on 130 approx. 4 mi. to intersection with Va. 759 Turn rt. on Va. 759 and go south 3.2 mi., then left (east) on Va. 781 for 1.5 mi. to parking lot on left and trail head. Tr. begins at bridge which crosses creek.

Follow Belfast tr. (starting elevation 1,040') 1.4 mi. to Devils Marbleyard, "an 8-acre scenic outcrop of loose Antietam-quartz boulders." Tr. is steep as it approaches and passes Marbleyard. You'll want to stop and climb around on the bolder field. Nothing else like it around. Continue 1.4 mi. to jct. with Gunter Ridge Tr. Go right short distance to jct. with Appalachian Trail [AT] at 2.4 mi. / 2,517' which is marked with a white vertical blaze. Turn right and follow AT 1.8 mi. to jct. with Sulphur Springs Tr. (sign may be missing - this is also jct. with Piney Ridge Tr.) Turn right on Sulphur Springs Tr. which is an old, overgrown forest road (About 5 min. down the tr. is a GREAT LOOKOUT! A rock outcrop affords a spectacular view into the Valley dissected by the East Fork of Elk Crk. Thunder Ridge forms the So. side of the valley.) Descend 2.9 mi. to USFS road 35 (@ a mi. before reaching USFS 35 the tr. crosses Elk Crk. and then parallels it to the rd.) Turn right and follow gravel road 1.6 mi. (there are several swimming holes along this stretch.) back to starting point at parking lot. The hike should take 4-5 hours. The drive from campus to the trail head takes about an hour.

~ 10 or more miles ~

Tinker Cliffs via Andy Lane & Appalachian Trails partial loop 10.6 mi. Strenuous
*From Hanging Rock go north on 311. Go over Catawba Mtn., at bottom of the hill turn right and then immediately turn right again onto rt. 779. 779 (Catawba Post Office will be on your right) Follow 779 for 8.2 miles [near the end you'll take a hard left, cross a bridge, hard right - with rt. 600 coming in from the left - and in a short distance reach the parking lot on your right.

Follow the yellow blazed Andy Lane tr. (starts at back of lot) for 3.1 mi. to Scorched Earth Gap and jct. with the AT. Andy Layne tr. ascends two small, wooded ridges and then crosses pasture and several bridged streams. The tr. climbs steadily and is fairly steep at the end. Go left (North) on the AT. Pass Lambert Meadow Shelter in @ 1 mi. Soon trail crosses creek and parallels it on the right. Come to jct. with Blue Blazed trail where AT makes hard left and descends to cross gap. Continue straight ahead on blue blaze trail which curves back to the sw and in a few miles ascends to a small field with a barn on your right and several picnic tables. Continue along the road path to jct with AT. Turn right (North) and begin a 1.3 mile ascent to Tinker Cliffs, a ridge of exposed rock affording outstanding views north & west. From the cliffs, continue north on the AT, descending to Scorched Earth Gap and jct. with Andy Lane Tr. Turn left and follow yellow blazed Andy Lane back to the parking lot.

Rock Castle Gorge loop Tr. off BRP mi. 167 10.8 mi. Strenuous
From the college go east on Main St. [turn left at the intersection of College Ave. and Main St.] to the jct. with rt. 419 [Electric Rd.] Turn right on 419 and drive south - about 15 min. depending on traffic - to the intersection with rt. 221 [Cave Spring Corner.] Turn right on 221 and go south 35 miles to the town of Floyd [this is a scenic country drive and will take a while.] In Floyd, turn left at the light onto rt. 8. Follow rt. 8 six miles to the intersection with the Blue Ridge Parkway. Go south on BRP for a little over a mile to the entrance to the Rocky Knob Campground [on rt.] at mile 167.1 (each mile on the parkway is marked.) Park vehicle. Vehicle travel time one way takes about 11/2 hours.
The trail is across the BRP. Pass through the fence stile and intersect Green Blazed trail. You can go either left or right since the trail is a loop. The suggested direction is to go left. This trail is described in "Walking the Blue Ridge" by Leonard M. Adkins.
Hiking clockwise, the tr. generally descends [there is some uphill but more downhill] over 2 ridges, and then plunges steeply into rock Castle Gorge. The bottom of the gorge is reached in 3 mi. where the tr. intersects the terminus of the fire rd. and follow it up stream In 1/4 mi. reach the backcountry camp area. The trail steadily ascends the gorge paralleling beautiful Rock Castle Crk. A house built in 1916 and still privately owned, tho not habitated, is passed about 11/2 miles from the intersection with the fire rd. At one time a # of families lived in what was known as the Castle Rock community. The name derives from six sided clear crystals found in the area which reminded the finders of castles. The tr. crosses and re-crosses the creek several times, and then climbs well above it on the left bank. The creek forms some nice cataracts, and there is a beautiful stream that falls down a rock wall to the left of the tr., and then crosses the tr. and flows into the crk below. At 5.6 mi. the tr. leaves the old rd., crosses the crk for the last time, and begins the long ascent to Rocky Knob.
At about 7 mi. from the beginning the tr. reaches the ridgecrest and breaks out of the woods onto a grassy field. A panoramic view east is the reward for the arduous uphill hiking for the past 4 mi. The trail continues north, sometime across a field and sometimes back in the woods. At 9.8 miles Rocky Knob is reached. It is the highest pt. on the tr. and some 1,800' above the bottom of Rock Castle Gorge. The final part of the tr. descends thru a field back to the campground. Just hiking the ridge up and back would make an excellent 6 mi. hike with minimal climbing. Much of this section is across fields with great views.

Henry Lanum 5.2 mi. (Mt. Pompey & Mt. Pleasant) & Old Hotel 5.7 mi. (Cold Mtn.) trails loop.
Rt. 60 E. of Buena Vista > rt. 634 > Wiggins Sp. rd 10.9 mi. Difficult

See directions for these hikes above.

779 via Andy Layne / AT to 311 11.5 mi. Moderate
This hike requires 2 vehicles. Leave the pick-up vehicle in the McAfee Knob parking lot located on the left side of 311 at the top of Catawba ridge.
*From Hanging Rock go north on rt. 311 until you reach the top of the mountain. (about 8-10 min.) Turn left off 311 into the parking lot on the top of Catawba ridge (trail head for McAfee Knob and Sawtooth Ridge hikes.) Leave pick-up vehicle here. Continue north on 311. At bottom of the hill turn right and then immediately turn right again onto rt. 779. 779 (Catawba Post Office will be on your right) Follow 779 for 8.2 miles [near the end you'll take a hard left, cross a bridge, hard right - with rt. 600 coming in from the left - and in a short distance reach the parking lot on your right.

Follow the yellow blazed Andy Lane tr., starts at back of lot, for 2.3 mi. to Scorched Earth Gap and jct. with the AT. Andy Layne tr. ascends two small, wooded ridges and then crosses pasture and several bridged streams. The tr. climbs steadily and is fairly steep at the end. At jct. with AT turn right (South) and climb 1/2 mi. to Tinker Cliffs, a ridge of exposed rock affording outstanding views north & west. Part way up an excellent view S. of Carvin's Cove and Tinker Ridge is afforded from atop a huge rock. The tr. follows the ridge top for 5.1 mi. to McAfee knob. Campbells Shelter, which sleeps 6, is reached about 7/10 mi. before McAfee. Just beyond is a campsite with a picnic table. A nearby sp. provides water. Follow the trail from McAfee 3.5 mi. to prkng lot.

Rich Hole Wilderness off rt. 60 11.6 mi. 41/2 hrs. Moderate
Another great hike identified by Leonard Adkins in his "50 Hikes of Northern Va." Two trail heads: "Exit I-64 at Longdale Furnace, going east on US 60 for @ 1.5 mi. to 1] a left turn onto FDR 108. Come to trailhead on the rt. in @ 1.5 mi. or continue on US 60 another 3.6 mi. small parking lot on left with sign identifying Rich Hole Wilderness."
Description from the second trailhead: The tr. ascends 1.1 mi. up the south side of Brushy Mt. to its ridge top & then descends on its north side until the tr. terminus at FR. 108. The one way trip is 5.8 mi. The head waters of North Branch are reached in about a mile beyond the ridge top. The tr. then follows the ever enlarging stream for the rest of the way. The tr. crosses the stream about 15 times providing many great views of it. The tr. is generally flat & not very rocky making for easy walking. Mature oaks and maples dominate the forest keeping undergrowth to a minimum. There is only 1 view along the tr. & it occurs about .6 mi. from the tr. head at a rock outcropping.

Bearwallow Gap - Jennings Creek - Little Cove Mtn. Loop I-81>11>43 11.7 mi. Mod. Difficult - approx. elevation change: 2,150 up, 2,150 down, 4,300 total
From the college go north on I-81. Get off at exit 162 / Buchanan. Go north on US. route 11 into Buchanan. Turn rt. on US 43. Follow 43 to intersection with Blue Ridge Parkway. Just before the turn onto parkway AT crosses 43. Just before reaching the AT there is a small parking area on the left side of 43, park here. Head north on AT (same side of 43 as parking lot.)

From the parking lot hike north on the AT. (Do NOT cross 43) In 1.8 mi. reach jct. with blue blazed Little Cove Mtn. tr. This is the start of the loop. Directions continue in clockwise direction. Continue on AT reaching Cove Mtn. Shelter in 1.4 mi. which is a nice spot to stop for lunch or a snack. There is a privy next to the shelter but no water. The AT continues along the ridge top for another 1.7 mi. where it makes a sharp right turn (be on the lookout since it is easy to miss the turn and continue along the ridge top.) The trail descends steadily down the side of Cove Mt. for the next 1.5 mi. where it intersects Va. rt. 614 just west of the Panther's Ford bridge. Turn rt., cross the bridge, and continue up Va. rt. 614 for .7 mi. to the start of the Little Cove Mtn. Trail which begins at a footbridge which crosses Jennings Creek. From this pt. it is 2.8 miles / 1,650' to the jct. with the AT atop Cove Mtn. In a short distance the trail splits. Take the left fork which continues to parallel Little Cove Crk. Shortly the trail crosses the creek. In high water you may have to ford the creek (it isn't very wide.) The trail crosses a dirt road part way up the ridge. At the jct. with the AT (White Blaze) turn left and reach your car in 1.8 mi..

North Mt. Tr. off 311 & 779 11.8 mi. / @ 5 hrs. Difficult
This hike requires 2 vehicles. Leave the pick-up vehicle in the Dragon's Tooth Parking Lot.
*From Hanging Rock go north on rt. 311, pass over top of Catawba Mtn. (parking lot for McAfee Knob and Sawtooth Ridge trails), past VA 779 to the right, and VA 785 and 624 to the left. At .4 mile beyond intersection with 624 turn left at the sign into Dragon's Tooth parking lot. (about 15 min. drive.) Leave pick-up vehicle here. From Dragon's Tooth parking lot return the way you came (south) on 311 to the jct. with 779. Turn left and then immediately right on 779 (Catawba Post Office will be on your right) Follow 779 for 8.2 miles - near the end you'll take a hard left, cross a bridge, hard right - with rt. 600 coming in from the left - and in a short distance reach the parking lot on your right.

Cross the road and look for the orange blazed North Mtn. trail that runs parallel to the road back the way you came. (The 2.3 mi., yellow blazed Andy Lane trail starts in about the middle of the parking lot - on the parking lot side of the road - and connects the parking lot to the Appalachian Trail [white blaze] in Scorched Earth Gap. Don't follow Andy Lane trail for this hike.) Tr. ascends ravine, steeply at times, to the top of the ridge where it intersects the N. Mt. tr., a gain of approx. 1,100'. To the rt. (NE) the tr. runs approx. 4.2 mi. and terminates at Stone Coal Gap and FR 183. To the lf. the tr. runs 9 mi. to rt. 311. Turn left and head for 311.

The tr. runs along the ridge top and is quite flat with some mild "ascending and descending over knolls." (Approx. 3 mi. from the parking lot a sign indicates there is water (seasonal sprng) 250 yrds. downhill. A rough, orange blazed tr. descends the slope to the spring.) The main tr. parallels Tinker Ridge & Catawba Mt. and affords occasional views of Tinker Cliffs & McAfee Knob. To the N. can be seen New Castle with Sinking Crk. Mt. to the W. & Potts Mt. to the N. There are several interesting rock outcroppings along the ridge, and several possible camping sites. A good site is located about a mile from the south end. Several side trs. connect the ridge to FR 224 which parallel the ridge along its N. side. At the south end of the ridge, the tr. drops down in switch backs to 311 (the power line crosses from the south to the north side of 311 - the tr. starts near the second power pole.) Diagonally to your right, across 311, is the driveway to Dragons Tooth prkng lot.

779 via Andy Layne / AT to 220 12.3 mi. Moderate
This hike requires 2 vehicles. Start at the Andy Lane trail parking lot and finish at the Park & Ride parking lot located on the left side of 220 just north of its jct. with I-81.
From the college drive north on Thompson Memorial Drive / Va. 311 to I-81, go north on I-81 for @ 10 mi., get off at Exit 150 B / 220 North, follow off-ramp to intersection with US 11, turn right and go to stop light and turn right onto US 220 north. Get in left lane, go under I-81 bridge, and take next left onto VA 816 [all told about .2 miles] Park in Park & Ride lot, located immediately to your left after turning onto 816. Leave pick-up vehicle here.

From parking lot continue north on 220 a short distance to jct. with 779. Turn left on 779 and follow it to Andy Lane / North Mtn. Trails parking lot which is located on your left just before intersection with rt. 600. I'm not of the distance from 220. The parking lot is a mile or so west of the cement plant which you'll pass on your left.

Follow the yellow blazed Andy Lane tr. which starts at back of lot for 2.3 mi. to Scorched Earth Gap and jct. with the AT. Andy Layne tr. ascends two small, wooded ridges and then crosses pasture and several bridged streams. The tr. climbs steadily and is fairly steep at the end. At jct. with AT turn left (north.) In @mile pass Lamberts Meadow shelter on the right, drops down and crosses a steam, and shortly takes a hard left down hill. At the turn, a blue blazed trail continues straight ahead. Be sure to turn left and follow the white blazes. Immediately after the turn come to a nice camp site next to the stream. (lrg trees, cleared understory and relatively flat ground. The tr. follows the Catawba ridge crest and then descends at the end of the ridge. At the bottom of the descent, the trail crosses Tinker Creek and then begins climbing. Toward the top of the hill the AT turns to the right and another trail continues straight. Continue straight, do NOT go left on the AT. The connector trail soon crests on a small rise and descends to the parking lot where your vehicle is parked, a total distance of about .15 mi.

"Catawba Challenge" AT from US 220 to rt. 311 19.6 mi. Challenging!
This hike requires 2 vehicles. Start at the Park & Ride parking lot located on the left side of 220 just north of its jct. with I-81. End at McAfee Knob parking lot off 311.
*From Hanging Rock (jct. 419 & 311) go north on rt. 311 until you reach the top of the mountain. (about 8-10 min.) Turn left off 311 into the parking lot on the top of Catawba ridge. The Appalachian Trail crosses the road here. Leave your pick-up vehicle here.

Return south on 311 to Hanging Rock. Turn left at the light and in .3 mile reach I-81 exit. Go north on I-81 for @ 9 mi., get off at Exit 150 B / 220 North, follow off-ramp to intersection with US 11, turn right and go to stop light and turn right onto US 220 north. Get in left lane, go under I-81 bridge, and take next left onto VA 816 [all told about .2 miles] Park in Park & Ride lot, located immediately to your left after turning onto 816. Start hike here.

Walk around the guardrail and follow the old road up the hill. In a short way the tr. intersects the AT. Continue straight ahead [south.] This section of AT passes over some of the premier spots on the AT in Va. It has several steep ascents and descents. Tr. passes thru lovely forest as it ascends Tinker Ridge & then proceeds along the ridge to a rock outcropping providing a superb view of Carvins Cove. In another 1.5 mi. reach Hay Rock. Reach water near half way pt. at stream below Lamberts Meadow shelter - be sure to filter! Climb from creek past shelter to Scorched Earth Gap and in another ½ mi. of climbing reach Tinker Cliffs with wonderful views. Descend and wind along Catawba ridge passing Campbell shelter and then ascending McAfee Knob for more great views. Descend, cross fire road which also leads to parking lot, pass Catawba shelter and later Boy Scout shelter. Reach 311. Be very careful crossing the as there is a lot of traffic and visibility is limited. You are now back at the parking lot and your vehicle.

"Catawba Challenge Lite" AT from rt. 311 to US 220 19.6 mi. Not quite as challenging as above
Trail starts at a higher elevation at this end and the hike is marginally easier. Follow reverse of directions for Catawba Challenge above.