Appalachian Trail #9 (BRP Mile 9.6 to Rockfish Gap)

The Appalachian Trail from Blue Ridge Parkway Mile 9.6 to Rockfish Gap is a 12 easy-to-moderate stretch of classic Blue Ridge ridge walking that starts near the Humpback Rocks Picnic Area and gradually descends toward Rockfish Gap. The trail winds through oak–hickory forest with periodic viewpoints south and east toward the Rockfish Valley, crosses or briefly parallels the Parkway several times, and includes a mix of smooth forest footpath and occasional rocky patches. As it loses elevation, the A.T. bends off the crest and approaches the major road junction at Rockfish Gap, where the Blue Ridge Parkway, I-64, and US-250 meet.  This point serves as the transition between the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests and Shenandoah National Park, making it a scenic, accessible, and well-traveled finale to the Central Virginia Blue Ridge section.

This section of the Appalachian Trail covers the final eleven miles to Rockfish Gap in the National Forest where the Blue Ridge Parkway, I-64, and US 250 intersect near the town of Waynesboro. The Cedar Cliffs are a rock outcropping in this section that have excellent views to the west and look out over the Sherando Lake Valley. The Camel and I spent two days hiking this section and had plans to continue on for an entire week. Unfortunately, his knee blew out on Day 2, and we had to abandon our hike near the Blue Ridge Parkway at mile marker 9.6 where we hitched a ride back to our car.