Hogback Mountain Circuit Hike-7 Miles-Moderate

Starting Point - Piney Branch Trailhead (Across from Matthews Arm)

Ending Point - Piney Branch Trailhead (Across from Matthews Arm)'

Hike Distance/Rating - 7 Miles/Moderate

PLEASE NOTE - We are going to be getting into the peak fall colors. We are also going to be getting into the colder fall weather. It is going to be very important to pay attention to the weather forecast and be prepared to come to the hike dressed in layers with beanies and gloves. We are going up to the North District of Shenandoah National Park to soak in those fall colors.

GPS Trailhead Coordinates - [38.750584, -78.294147]( "Get Directions")

Hike Highlights - Piney Branch Trail, Pole Bridge Link Trail, Keyser Fire Road, Skyline Drive, Appalachian Trail, Peak Fall Colors, Multiple Vista Points

Hike Details - This is a circuit hike in the North District of Shenandoah National Park that will take us to the summit of Hogback Mountain. We will also have the peak fall colors during this hike. We will start the hike going down the Piney Branch Trail to the intersection with the Pole Bridge Link Trail. We will continue on the Pole Bridge Link Trail to the Keyser Fire Road. We will turn left on the Keyser Run Fire Road and hike up to and cross Skyline Drive. We will turn onto the connector trail to the Appalachian Trail. We will turn left and steadily climb up to our first vista point of the day. We will descend and then have our steepest climb of the to the summit of Hogback Mountain. We will stop at the main viewpoint and enjoy the incredible fall colors. We will continue on the Appalachian Trail to another crossing of Skyline Drive and another vista point. This will be our last vista point of the day as we will cross Skyline Drive 2 more times before finishing this circuit hike. There will be an optional post hike at either Elkwallow Wayside, at Rapahhanock Pizza Kitchen, or another location on the return to Charlottesville.

What to Bring - Broken in Hiking Boots, Trekking Poles, Lunch/Snacks, 3 to 5 Liters of Water/Electrolytes, First Aid Kit, Good Day Pack, Camera, Tick Repellent, Money for Your Driver, Layers of Clothing for cooler fall Weather, Beanies, Gloves