Albright Loop including Paul Wolf Shelter *starting at VISITOR CENTER!!!!

PARKING——@ the visitors center just BEFORE the Humpback Parking area…
We will park here and walk thru the farmstead to the beginning of the trail.

Mileage ~ 7
Elevation gain ~ 1400’

****ATTENTION——Park at the Humpback Rocks VISITOR CENTER…

The blue-blazed trail begins to the right of the picnic table and directly in front of the first parking spot, do not take the well signed Albright Loop Trail to the left of the picnic table or you will miss the Glass Hollow Overlook. There is no sign for this trail, it is the Old Howardsville Turnpike and will take you to the A.T. intersection in 0.3 miles. At the intersection take a sharp left onto the white blazed A.T. heading north. Continue 0.8 miles to reach the spur trail to the Glass Hollow Overlook. Take a right on the blue-blazed spur trail reaching the overlook in 0.2 miles for some great views of Rockfish Valley.

Return to the A.T. and take a right heading north. In 0.3 miles you will pass the first intersection of the Albright Loop trail, go another 0.1 miles to reach the second intersection of the Albright Loop Trail. Bear right staying on the A.T. going north.

The next 1.4 miles down to the shelter is a fairly gentle series of switchbacks, dropping 700 ft. At the 0.5 mile mark there is an overlook with views of Scott Mountain and Bear Den Mountain in Shenandoah National Park to the north.

The ODATC maintained shelter is one of the nicest on the A.T. in VA. After lunch, we’ll head back south on the A.T. and at the first intersection we will take a right onto the blue-blazed Albright Loop Trail.

Go about 0.7 miles and after the second switchback look uphill to the South for plane wreckage that is visible from the trail. Mr. Henri Weems provided information that it is a Beechcraft that crashed in 1964 and was found a year later by ginseng hunters, no flight plan had been filed. Please respect this site and adhere to the Leave No Trace principle "Leave what you find.”

Continue on the Albright Loop trail, passing the intersection of the east portion of the Albright Loop trail, arriving at the Humpback Rocks Parking area in 1.3 miles and then a short walk to our cars at the visitor center.

Gear: Hiking boots/poles, plenty of water, a backpack, snacks/lunch, sun hat, water shoes/coverings recommended in case water crossings are high, insect repellent, 1st aid kit.
Weather: If inclement weather necessitates canceling the hike, the decision will be made no later than 8:30am the morning of the hike AND will be posted In the comments.

DOGS: No furry buddies on this one.

Disclaimer: GetHiking Charlottesville organizers are not professional guides. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if hiking alone. You are responsible for your own safety and well-being. With your RSVP you agree to participate at your own risk and are soley responsible for any damage or injury to yourself or guest. When joining GetHiking you affirm you knowingly agree not to bring any type claim against outbid/or related to this event arising out of/or related to this event against the organizers of this group.

Post hike hangz-TBD