route-highlight
route-highlight
route-highlight
route-highlight
route-highlight
route-highlight
+ 66

Appalachian Trail: Rockfish Gap to Swift Run Gap

Hiking Trail

Hard
44.75 mi
10,131 ft
The southern portion of Shenandoah National Park, full of day hiking and overnight opportunities.

Paralleling the southern portion of Skyline Drive, this stretch of the Appalachian Trail provides countless day hiking opportunities that are easily-accessible from the road. Overlooks, bald summits, and unique formations are abundant throughout the Shenandoah National Park area.

At Rockfish Gap, a few parking opportunities make for a great place to start a day hike, or to leave a vehicle for a shuttle. The Appalachian Trail traverses roughly 110 miles between Rockfish Gap and the Front Royal intersection, making this stretch excellent for a multi-day trek through Shenandoah National Park.

Five miles from the trailhead, you'll reach Bear Den Mountain, a popular short hike. Around mile marker 90 of Skyline Drive, you'll also reach an intersection with a spur trail leading to an excellent viewpoint at Chimney Rock.

Just north on the AT, cross over the summit of Blackrock, just above 3,000'. Its proximity to the road also makes this an excellent short hike with astounding views. If possible, visit the summit at dawn or dusk for a breathtaking view.

Winding around the national park's Loft Mountain Campground, the trail continues north passing Pinefield Hut, Simmons Gap, and Hightop Hut before reaching Swift Run Gap. Along this stretch, expect multiple road crossings including a few waysides with excellent photo opportunities.

Note that Skyline Drive is located within Shenandoah National Park and may close periodically due to inclement weather. For the latest warnings and for information on entrance fees and hours, visit this link:

Sources:


Written by Brendon Voelker
Created By
Strava Routes

Route and Elevation

Segments

NameDistanceElev. Diff.Avg. Grade
Skyline Dr Climb1.60 mi486 ft5.7%
Appalachian Trail Climb0.58 mi364 ft11.7%
Appalachian Trail Climb0.84 mi371 ft8.3%
Appalachian Trail Climb0.41 mi148 ft6.7%
Appalachian Trail Climb0.43 mi148 ft6.5%
Skyline Drive Climb0.36 mi207 ft10.9%
Climb to Blackrock1.14 mi745 ft12.3%
Appalachian Trail Climb0.46 mi190 ft7.8%