Humpback Rocks Trailhead

View from Humpbakc Rocks

NPS Photo/Peter Hamel

Quick Facts

Location:

Milepost 6

Significance:

The hike to Humpback Rocks has been a favorite for generations, affording spectacular views of the surrounding area and access to the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.

Amenities

8 listed

Benches/Seating, Cellular Signal, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board, Parking - Auto, Picnic Table, Trailhead, Trash/Litter Receptacles

You can access several trails from the Humpback Rocks Trailhead at Humpback Gap including the popular hike up to Humpback Rocks, Jack Albright Loop over Dobie Mountain, and the Appalachian Trail.

Humpback Rocks Trail: This mile-long strenuous climb ascends close to 800 vertical feet on its way to spectacular views of the surrounding area. The trail to Humpback Rocks begins the climb behind the bulletin board kiosk.

Optional Summit Hike: Continue on the Appalachian Trail (south) for another mile to the summit of Humpback Mountain.
Optional Loop: Combine the Humpback Rocks trail with the Appalachian Trail (north) back to Humpback Back for a longer, more strenuous 4-mile loop hike.

Jack Albright Loop Trail: This 3.5 mile loop trail combines parts of three trails (Albright to Appalachian Trail south and back to the parking lot on the Old Howardsville Turnpike connector trail) making the climb over and around Dobie Mountain with an option to visit Glass Hollow Overlook.

Outer Loop Hike: Combine the Albright Trail with the Appalachian Trail (south) to the Humpback Rocks trail for a strenuous 8 mile loop of the area.

Note: This extremely popular trailhead has limited parking and is usually packed on weekends. Additional parking can be found at the nearby Humpback Rocks Visitor Center and Mountain Farm 0.2 miles north.

Park at the visitor center and walk through the farm, out the back fence, up the hill across the Parkway and pick up the trails in the trailhead parking lot.

Drinking water and restrooms are available seasonally at the Humpback Rocks Visitor Center (May through Oct).

Check the conditions of the area before you visit.