LOCATION: Shenandoah National Park, MM 66
TRAIL DISTANCE: 3.1 Miles TRAILHEAD/ DIRECTIONS: HIGHTOP PARKING LOT TRAIL TYPE: In & Out TRAIL GRADE: DIFFICULT (3) TRAIL PARKING: 7 Spaces KEY WORDS: Ages 7+ , Summit View TRAIL INFO
What's to like about the trail: Great for families, well marked trails and light hiking population Why go for a hike on this trail: beautiful pocket sized panorama view, large boulders and great short distance hike Best time to go for a hike on this trail: 4 seasons SUMMARY Located in the south district just 1.5 miles from the swift run gap entrance is HIGHTOP mountain. Here stands the highest point in the south district and a great day hike for families. The trail head is found on mm 66 at the named Hightop trail parking lot. the lot is very small. The hike starts on the opposite side of the drive from the lot. The trail is well marked and easy to follow. The trail has a fun topography of standard single-track mixed with foreboding large boulders all around you. It makes you wonder about geologic time and how these boulders arrived here. the elevation gain on the trail is just over 950ft and can work up a little lung burn but mixed with the view of boulders and large trees the time will pass. As the trail starts to even out, the trail will wind along the top until you come to a small fork in the path, where to the right 20 yards to your right is the summit! The summit view is spectacular and showcases the south region along with views of the north mountain range to the distant right. when ready, retrace your steps back down to the parking lot. HIKE ON! |
GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS
|