Rappahannock County High Point Trip Report
Date: November 3, 2001
Author: Roy Wallen
This highpoint is located along the Appalachian Trail (AT) in the Shenandoah National Park. Admission for
a 7-day pass was $10 per vehicle. From the intersection of Route 211 and the Skyline Parkway,
proceed south to the Jewell Hollow Overlook (3350 feet) just south of mile marker 35. Park here.
From the northern end of the parking lot, the AT crosses a field and ascends into hardwoods.
Proceed generally north along the AT. Shortly after entering the woods, a spur trail leads to the right and down to
the parkway, continue straight. At approximately 0.8 mile, you will pass a series of rocky outcroppings
along the left side of the trail. These appear shortly after a pronounced vertical boulder. It is difficult to tell
where the first high area is located along this section of the trail. Probing into the woods would be difficult
when the thorn bushes are in their fullness but was relatively easy in early November. I explored a couple of
likely candidates as I proceeded along the ridge.
After a short distance, the trail levels and even begins to descend a bit before ascending to a rock
outcropping just to the left. This is the last set of rocks before the trail makes a pronounced descent on its
way to Thornton Gap. This outcropping provides excellent views to the north and west and is, I believe,
the true highpoint.
Return is back south along the AT.