Loop 1 of the Humpback Picnic Area on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Picnic Area

The Humpback Picnic Area is comprised of two large loops laid out in a Figure-8. At either loop, parking is done in a common lot and picnickers must then walk a short distance to the tables. With one exception, all tables are set up with space in between them and are geared for individuals and single families to have a picnic, not large groups of people. The tables are made of stone and anchored to the ground, so there is no way to move them around. There is only one small group area consisting of four tables, and it is located in the first loop. All tables are available on a first come, first serve basis. The picnic area is open sunrise to sunset year-round.

Group picnic area in Loop 1 of the Humpback Picnic Area on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Each loop has its own restroom facility located on the grounds within the interior of the loops. The terrain at both loops tends to be hilly, making access to the restrooms impracticable for disabled visitors (keep in mind that these picnic areas were built in the 1930s, long before handicap access was a consideration). To counter this, a handicap-accessible portable toilet is located next to the parking area, and while there are no tables designated specifically for disabled visitors, there are plenty located on level ground near the restroom.

Picnic table near the restroom at the Humpback Picnic Area on the Blue Ridge Parkway

The first loop contains around 50 to 60 picnic tables, each with its own grill. Tables are located both within the loop and in the forest along the outside of the loop. While all tables are shaded by tall trees, this section is much more open than the second loop. For those who prefer more light and open space at the expense of privacy, this is the loop for you.

Loop 1 of the Humpback Picnic Area on the Blue Ridge Parkway

The second loop contains roughly 30 tables and grills and is much more woodsy. Most tables are nestled into cubbyholes and are often out of eyesight from the next set of tables. Some tables can’t even be seen from the parking area and require a much longer walk into the forest. If you want seclusion, head to this loop at the back of the picnic area.

Unlike most picnic areas on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Humpback Picnic Area does not have trash cans or a dumpster, so you must bring all of your trash home with you.

Hiking Trails

There are two trails located at the Humpback Picnic Area, and both trailheads are located at the very back of the second loop. There are no parking spots specifically for hikers, so just park in the spaces closest to the trailhead. This may take away a potential picnic table from a hungry traveler, but so be it.

Humpback Rocks Area Trails (click to enlarge)

One of the trails is a short connector that leads to the Appalachian Trail. It is marked with an “AT” painted on a rock. Once on the AT you can hike to the Humpback Gap Overlook parking area, first passing by the Humpback Rocks, one of the best overlooks on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The hike is nearly 4 miles one-way, so unless you want to hike back, plan to have a ride at the other end. If the view from Humpback Rocks is all you are after, drive to the Humpback Gap Overlook and hike to the rocks from there (a strenuous 2-mile round trip). The only reason to start a hike from the Humpback Picnic Area is specifically to hike the Appalachian Trail.

Connect to the Appalachian Trail at the Humpback Picnic Area on the Blue Ridge Parkway

The second trailhead is at the parking area to the right of the AT trailhead. Look for it behind the picnic tables. Though unidentified, it is the Catoctin Trail. I did not hike this, but a visitor to the National Park Planner website wrote that it leads to a lovely stone-walled overlook with views of Torry Ridge and the Shenandoah Valley. The Blue Ridge Parkway Outdoor Guide (pick one up at any visitor center) reports it to be .3 mile long, one way, and moderate in difficulty.

Start of the Catoctin Trail at the Humpback Picnic Area on the Blue Ridge Parkway

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