Trail Run Project Logo

An out-and-back run to the North Marshall Mountain Lookout with views for miles.


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

0.6

Miles

1.0

KM

78%

Runnable

3,292' 1,003 m

High

3,140' 957 m

Low

152' 46 m

Up

151' 46 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

11%

Max Grade (6°)

Dogs Unknown

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

Overview

An easy run along a smooth and gradual section of the AT: Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PA/MD/VA/WV). Head out on this out-and-back, just off Skyline Drive, from the Mount Marshall Parking Area. Bring a camera because this run ends with some views to be remembered.

Description

Find the trailhead at an unmarked parking lot around mile marker 16.

Start on the white-blazed AT: Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PA/MD/VA/WV) at the east side of Skyline Drive at the far end of the parking lot.

The trail starts out flat and then ascends steadily with a few switchbacks. Within a half-mile from the start, the trail bends sharply to the right. Look to the left for a nice view from an open ledge with a sheer drop off. Toward the of the view, you can spot Pignut Mountain and beyond toward the more distant peaks such as the Pinnacle, Mary's Rock, Stony Man, Millers Head, and Pass Mountain.

Farther right along this view a stretch of Skyline Drive is visible along South Marshall, with Hogback behind it. Extending to the right is Browntown Valley, Shenandoah Valley, and then Dickey Ridge, with Skyline Drive and two overlooks in sight.

For an optional addition to this run, head to the summit of North Marshall. Unfortunately, the views from the summit are not as expansive, but the trail is easy. One hundred yards beyond the first viewpoint is a second, just off to the left. Again, this view is not as all-encompassing as the first, but from late August to early October, the view is framed on the right by the bright red berries of mountain ash.

From here, head back the way you came to the Mount Marshall Parking Area.

Thanks to Larry W. Brown, for sharing this description. If you're interested in learning more details about great hikes, weather, camping / lodging, wildlife, and scenic drives, please visit snp.guide/.

Contacts

Shared By:

Larry W Brown with improvements by Justin Camozzo

Trail Ratings

  3.6 from 5 votes

#4668

Overall
  3.6 from 5 votes
5 Star
20%
4 Star
20%
3 Star
60%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#145

in Virginia

#4,668

Overall
9 Views Last Month
1,489 Since Apr 28, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate

0%
25%
75%
0%
0%
0%

Photos

Ridge lines in the distance from North Marshall Mountain Lookout. with permission from rootboy
Apr 28, 2016 near Washington, VA
A rocky overlook on the North Marshall Trail.
Mar 11, 2020 near Washington, VA
Looking southwest from North Mount Marshall towards South Marshal
Jul 30, 2022 near Washington, 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.