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A loop trail that takes you up to the views from Humpback Rocks and returns via the AT.


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Map Key

4.2

Miles

6.8

KM

77%

Runnable

3,298' 1,005 m

High

2,195' 669 m

Low

1,117' 341 m

Up

1,132' 345 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (6°)

49%

Max Grade (26°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Fall Colors · Views · Wildlife

Blue Ridge Parkway is subject to winter closures in this area.

Overview

This is a loop trail that takes you up the steep Humpback Rocks Trail first, then uses the connector trail to get to the AT. The AT will return you to the parking lot after taking you down the other side of the ridge, but in an easier fashion. If you prefer, you may go clockwise and save the steep section for the downhill.

Need to Know

Parking is at a premium, so get there early.

Runner Notes

On the way up the steep side (west), there are lots of loose rocks and wet areas.

Description

This 4.25 mile loops takes you up the steep Humpback Rocks trail to the amazing views of the valley to the west. After spending some time at the rocks you'll follow the signs to the connector trail that leads to the AT.

Once you reach the AT, you'll take a left and continue on the Northbound AT as it descends the other side of the ridge. You'll continue down the AT until you reach the sign that denotes the connector trail back to the parking lot where you began.

History & Background

The prominent rock outcrop was a landmark guiding wagon trains over the Howardsville Turnpike in the 1840s. A portion of the historic trace still exists. This was a major route across the narrow Blue Ridge until railroads came through the mountain gaps. The view from the rocks is spectacular any time of the year.

Humpback Rocks is an area rich in history, scenic beauty, and abundant running trails. Early European settlers forged a living from the native materials that flourished in the Appalachian Mountains. Hickory, chestnut, and oak trees provided nuts for food, logs for building, and tannin for curing hides, while rocks were put to use as foundations and chimneys for the houses, and in stone fences to control wandering livestock. Many self-sufficient farms sprang up in the Humpback Mountain area.

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Blue Ridge

Shared By:

Donovan Fitzgerald with improvements by J H

Trail Ratings

  4.2 from 13 votes

#2457

Overall
  4.2 from 13 votes
5 Star
38%
4 Star
46%
3 Star
15%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#70

in Virginia

#2,457

Overall
20 Views Last Month
2,186 Since May 28, 2019
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
0%
11%
44%
33%
11%

Photos

Lovely summer day on Humpback rocks.
Jul 7, 2021 near Nellysford, VA
After hiking to the top, this view is your reward.
Mar 21, 2024 near Nellysford, VA
Enjoy phenomenal views from Humpback Rocks.
Mar 23, 2017 near Nellysford, VA
Not the fall foliage we were searching for but a beautiful view no matter what!
Oct 19, 2017 near Nellysford, VA
Late summer sunrise at Humpback Rocks summit.
Sep 20, 2016 near Nellysford, VA
The amazing view from Humpback Rocks.
Jun 5, 2019 near Nellysford, VA

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All Clear 47 days ago
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