View of Humpback Gap from the Humpback Rocks, Blue Ridge Parkway
The Humpback Rocks Trail area is accessed from the Humpback Gap Overlook parking lot located near Mile Post 6 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Humpback Rocks Visitor Center and Mountain Farm Outdoor Museum are just up the road to the north. There are a number of trails in this area, and you can put together a variety of hikes, but the most popular is the 2-mile round-trip hike to the Humpback Rocks Overlook were you can see the namesake Humpback Gap. This trail can be so packed with people that when you get to the rocks you have to wait in line to climb to the top. If you continue on to hike farther, instead of heading back to the parking area like most everyone else, you will most likely find yourself in solitude.
Humpback Rocks Area Trails (click to enlarge)
The following are the most popular trail combinations.
This hike includes the hike to the Humpback Rocks Overlook and continues in a counterclockwise loop by connecting to the Appalachian Trail and the Old Howardsville Turnpike, a connector trail back to the parking lot. Round trip is 4.1 miles.
Humpback Rocks Overlook Trail
The most popular hike in the Humpback Rocks Recreation Area is the 2-mile round trip hike to the Humpback Rocks Overlook and back to the starting point. This is a very strenuous hike with extremely rocky terrain. For details, see the first section of the Humpback Rocks Loop Trail review.
Dobie Mountain Loop Trail
The Dobie Mountain Trail is permanently closed. You can still hike the Jack Albright Trail to the Appalachian Trail and then return to the Humpback Gap Overlook parking lot via the Old Howardsville Turnpike, an old dirt road.
The Grand Loop
The longest loop combination in the park, this 6.7-mile trail is made by taking the Jack Albright Trail to the Appalachian Trail to the Humpback Rocks Trail and back to the parking lot.
Humpback Rocks Trail to Humpback Picnic Area
This 4-mile one-way trail follows the Humpback Rocks Trail to the overlook, then picks up the Appalachian Trail and follows it to the Humpback Picnic Area. Be sure you have a ride at the end, otherwise you have an 8-mile round trip hike over the same terrain twice.
Back to the Top | Hiking Trails | Humpback Rocks Recreation Area
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Last updated on November 20, 2023
