LOCATION: Skyline Drive (mm 12)
TRAIL DISTANCE: 7.0 MILES
TRAIL HEAD/ DIRECTIONS: Jenkins GAP Overlook Lot
TRAIL TYPE: in & BACK
TRAIL GRADE:  DIFFICULT (3)
TRAIL PARKING: 15 Spots or Less
KEY WORDS: Summit Views, unique
TRAIL INFO
What’s to like about the trail: easy to navigate, geological landmark and a less difficult trail experience.
Why go for a hike on this trail:  a fun scamper that includes columnar joint , an overlook and the Windham rocks all in 7 miles! that's a bang for your buck trail right there!
Best time to go for a hike on this trail:  spring, fall and winter.​

Summary:   
Trail head is found at the  Jenkins gap overlook lot, mile marker 12 of skyline drive. Access to the drive and parking lot is best served through the front royal entrance to the park.
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Your adventure begins at the Jenkins gap overlook parking lot, a non descript lot that also serves as a starter for another hike : mount marshall. Today's adventure is a combination of a few noted and worthy destinations all into one seven mile hike. At the Jenkins gap overlook, look for the Appalachian trail just behind the lot (white marker). Make a right, and begin a small climb towards Compton Gap. The hike has enough to get the wind puffing out your lungs early on with a small ascent. The trail is rocky so take your time on the footing and pace. The trail winds through dense forest and leads to a four way crossing with the Compton Gap landmarks. To the left is an overlook view of the north neck of the park and the Luray Valley. The overlook is 0.2 miles from the four way crossing and provides ample area to sit for a bit or catch up on your h20 intake. Return to the four way crossing and go straight for 0.3 miles down a rocky trail that increases in difficulty to a geological wonder called Columnar Joints  .  The columnar joints are wonderfully intact, these six sided "columns" are former basalt now greenstone from a time when the area was being formed by lava and land shifting. The trail will take you right underneath these columnar joints. Once you have had your fill of the overlook and columnar joint areas, return to the Appalachian trail and continue towards the Compton gap parking lot (0.9 miles). The trail is a leisurely saunter downhill to the parking lot, cross skyline drive and walk through the parking lot (fooling all the cars waiting for a spot to open) and continue on the fire road. Stay on the fire road for 0.8 miles to the Dickey Ridge trail, take a left on Dickey Ridge and go for 0.3 miles to visit the Fort Windham rocks.  These massive boulders that rise over 50 ft. have split in two and create quite the eye catching landmark in the forest. Have a moment to take in the landmark and then to return to your car retrace your steps via the Compton gap lot to Appalachian trail to Jenkins gap parking lot. The trail time is expected 2 to 3 hours.

HIKE ON!
GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS
  • 2 water bottle or camelback
  • hiking shoes
  • Heavy snack or Lunch
  • ​bug spray (warmer months)

LOCAL

  • HIKES
  • THINGS TO KNOW
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  • Entrance fee of $30 required for shenandoah national park​
  • The trail is popular and the parking lot can fill up
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