Humpback Rocks Hiking Trails

Humpback Rocks Trail

Begins at the south end of the Humpback Gap parking area, provides access to Humpback Rocks (1 mile), Humpback Mountain (2 miles), and the Humpback Rocks picnic area (3.9 miles). About a half-mile up the blue-blazed trail, hikers can reach Humpback Rocks from a spur trail on the left. The strenuous 700-foot climb rewards hikers with spectacular views of the Rockfish and Shenandoah Valleys. Hikers continuing straight at the fork for one mile can reach the summit of Humpback Mountain to view ridges to the north. Beyond the summit, the trail winds a half-mile along the top of a cliff to a trail leading to the Humpback Rocks picnic area. Generally, the Humpback Rocks trail is marked with blue blazes on trees, rocks, and other natural features. At times, however, the trail is also part of the Appalachian Trail and may be marked in white. A single blaze indicates the trail continues straight while a double blaze indicates an upcoming turn. Allow one hour to Humpback Rocks, two hours to Humpback Mountain, and four hours to hike to the picnic area.

Appalachian Trail

This is the nation’s premier hiking path, stretching 2,000 miles from Maine to Georgia. North of Roanoke, it parallels the Blue Ridge Parkway. The trail is marked with white blazes. The Appalachian Trail can also be accessed from the Humpback Gap parking area. Southbound hikers can reach it by continuing south on the Humpback Rocks trail. Northbound hikers can reach it taking the one mile blue-blazed path at the northern end of the parking lot, or the one mile white-blazed path just off of the Howardsville Turnpike.

Mountain Farm Trail

Begins at the Humpback Rocks Visitor Center (MP 5.9). This is an easy .25 mile hike through an outdoor museum that is reminiscent of an 1890s mountain farm. During the summer months, costumed interpreters demonstrate southern Appalachian mountain life at the turn of the 20th century. The gravel path leads past the cabin to other outbuildings associated with many mountain farms.The slightly inclined gravel path can accommodate wheelchairs.

Catoctin Trail

Begins at the Humpback Rocks picnic area (MP 8.5). This .3 mile leg stretcher leads to an overlook of the Shenandoah Valley and the western horizon.