Trail Run Project Logo

The 90-mile section of the Appalachian Trail from Blackhorse Gap on the Blue Ridge Parkway to the Tye River.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

90.7

Miles

145.9

KM

81%

Runnable

4,198' 1,279 m

High

670' 204 m

Low

19,702' 6,005 m

Up

21,162' 6,450 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

45%

Max Grade (24°)

Dogs Off-leash

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The trail is open year-round, but access to the Blue Ridge Parkway may be closed during the winter due to snow or icey road conditions.

Section Of

Description

This section of the Appalachian Trail follows the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, climbing over Apple Orchard Mountain, descending to cross the James River and then climbing again to the Priest. It passes through three wilderness areas: Thunder Ridge, James River Face, and the Priest.

Thinking of the full 90 miles as a single outing is for the long-distance, thru-hikers and section hikers who are seeking to cover many long, continuous portions of the Appalachian Trail. For day users, concider this list of manageable day trips that lead to some spectacular places:

Flora & Fauna

Best wildflower viewing is in early to mid April.

Contacts

Shared By:

John Phillips

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 3 votes

#2

in Montvale

#7539

Overall
  4.7 from 3 votes
5 Star
67%
4 Star
33%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#2

in Montvale

#196

in Virginia

#7,539

Overall
13 Views Last Month
2,264 Since Sep 30, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
0%
50%
0%
50%
0%

Photos

Cold Mountain in December.
Jan 24, 2016 near Buena V…, VA
The views from Rocky Row are why you make the climb.
Jan 21, 2017 near Glasgow, VA
View north from summit of Cole Mountain on the Appalachian Trail, with summits as far away as Shenandoah National Park easily visible.
Feb 20, 2020 near Buena V…, VA
A view from the AT
Sep 18, 2017 near Buchanan, VA
Looking toward the James River Face Wilderness Area and the James River.
Dec 10, 2018 near Glasgow, VA
Fuller Rocks -  AT - Looking South East
Jan 21, 2020 near Glasgow, VA

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

none

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.