The overall hike shouldn’t take much more than 3 hours. You can hike over to the reconstructed 1890's farm to see what life wasA grand hike into the top of the Shenandoah mountains where we went just before sunset where we were rewarded with the most amazing views of the mountains and valleys .This hike is a bit rugged and spots and would not be advised for anyone that has trouble walking at elevationMy husband and I have never hiked any trails in Shenandoah, and this was our first! In the beginning it was a smooth prepared trail with a very steep incline.
Hiking poles will be a big help if you have them. I also saw and/or heard several wood thrush.
Humpback Rock is a steep, but popular trail in the northern section of the Blue Ridge Parkway with great views. About 50-100 yards up the trail is the access to the actual Humpback Rocks. To the right it appears as if the trail is blocked by trees, so surely that can’t be the way to go, especially since the trail to the left is clear and inviting. You can certainly increase your speed on this portion of the hike.
The first view as you ascend the rocks is to the valley to the west, making for some stunning sunset views.
You can also rely on the Blue Blazes that mark the trail. It’s named for the “hump” it creates on the western face of Humpback Mountain. The proper route is to the right, and you will see the blue blaze.
I’m not just some old guy who can’t cut it any more, blowing the whole thing out of proportion. I saw older people coming down, and the look in their eyes was as if they had just found out they had two weeks to live.As mentioned earlier, there is one point of confusion to be aware of. The Humpback Rocks Trail area is accessed from the Humpback Gap Overlook parking lot located near Mile Post 6. The hike starts off on the trail to Humpback Rocks, turns north on the AT, then proceeds back to the parking lot via a short trail. It’s not a difficult trail to follow, with only two turns, but a map is always nice.
Please choose a different date.Sorry, there are no tours or activities available to book online for the date(s) you selected. I even saw a girl in what looked like ballet slippers and another in dress sandals. Well, there are no blue blazes to the left. You can simply explore the exhibits in the visitor center if you're strapped for time.
But the view is exceptional, and when you see it you’ll understand the hike’s popularity.The climb up the rocks is not for those afraid of heightsIt took me about an hour to get to the rocks, but young people in tennis shoes and ballet slippers were flying by me, so figure 45-60 minutes for the typical hiker, plus however long you want to spend looking at Humpback Gap. Trail head for the Humpback Rocks Loop Trail A map of the loop hike is posted (photo of it above), so if you don’t have a printed copy but do have a cell phone or other camera, snap a photo of it so you can refer to it once you start hiking.
Most get to the top and make it back safely, but my bet is that nearly all of the people who sprang ankles and break limbs, and there are thousands of accidents each year, most minor, are those who do this hike without the proper equipment.
The first half mile is no exception, but at least the trail is relatively smooth, nothing like the rocky terrain that awaits you on the second half.
If you are serious about hiking, get yourself some good boots and good poles…and use them on this trail.
If it’s a busy day, this is where most people will be heading.A map of the loop hike is posted (photo of it above), so if you don’t have a printed copy but do have a cell phone or other camera, snap a photo of it so you can refer to it once you start hiking.
You don’t need to be hiking this trail with a baby strapped to your back, as it’s very easy to trip and fall. Once at the intersection, follow the directions to the “Humpback Rocks Parking / AT North,” which will have you taking a left.
You will be on the AT for about 2.5 miles.There are rocky areas, particularly towards the endAt about the 3.9 mile mark, you will come to the intersection with the final portion of the hike, the trail back to the parking lot (which actually continues straight while the AT breaks off to the right). The view is great, the difficult terrain actually adds to the fun, and if you haven’t been on the Appalachian Trail, you can now say that you have. Of course, the hiking experience is difficult if you have never done it but we made it to the top and the view was worth the effort.The hike is short, but pretty steep and rocky. You can take the steep hike to the Humpback Rocks for an incredible view. Humpback Rock offers a well maintained trail. The hike to Humpback Rocks is extremely strenuous, not to mention technically difficult and potentially dangerous.