Humpback Rock + 3 vistas-8.0 miles-Moderately Strenuous

Starting Point - Humpback Rock Parking Area

Ending Point - Humpback Rock Parking Area

Hike Distance/Elevation/Rating - 8 miles/1240 feet/Moderately Strenuous

Disclaimer #1 - This hike is going to be rated as a moderately strenuous hike. Since this hike is rated as a moderately strenuous, there will be no vetting of hikers for this hike. You do need to be physically fit to complete this hike, and this hike should not be your first hike ever. Due to the popularity of this hike in the Charlottesville area, this hike is going to be capped at 14 hikers for this hike.

Hike Highlights - Humpback Rocks Trail, 360 degree views from Humpback Rock, Appalachian Trail, three more additional vistas that many people do not visit

Hike Details - It is time to go back to one of Charlottesville's most popular hiking destinations, Humpback Rock. We are going to add four more miles to the 4 mile circuit hike and make this an 8 mile hiking adventure to three more vistas that most people do not hike to. We are going to start by forming carpools at the Fontaine Research Park shortly before 8:30 AM. We are going to drive to the Humpback Rock parking area located at mile marker 6 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. We are going to start the hike by hiking the very steep Humpback Rock Trail up to the Humpback Rocks and the amazing 360 degree views. After taking some picture and enjoying the views from Humpback Rock, we are going to make the short climb up to the Appalachian Trail. Upon reaching the Appalachian Trail, we are going to turn right and hike the Appalachian Trail southbound to three additional vistas. The third and final vista will be our turnaround spot and lunch spot for this hike. After soaking in the views at our lunch spot, we are going to retrace our steps back to the junction. We are going to continue on the Appalachian Trail northbound. When we reach the next trail junction, we are going to continue straight and make the short climb back up to the parking area and our cars.

Please make sure to review the hike link below before signing up for this hike. Please make sure to review the *A.T. South Out and Back for Additional Views on the hike link.

https://www.hikingupward.com/gwnf/humpbackrocks/

As is tradition with my hikes, there will be an optional post hike at a local restaurant or brewery following the hike. Carpools can be arranged accordingly for those who wish to partake in the post hike.

What to Bring - Broken in hiking boots, trekking poles, $5 for your driver if not driving, layers of clothing for the cooler Fall weather, camera/phone, a good day pack, a first aid kit, lunch/snacks, 3 to 4 liters of water depending on the weather, tick repellent, sunscreen

Disclaimer #2 - GetHiking Charlottesville's Organizers are not professional guides. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were hiking alone. With your RSVP you agree with this disclaimer - Disclaimer (https://www.meetup.com/GetHiking-Charlottesville-Charlottesville-VA/pages/21088739/Disclaimer/)