Near Waynesboro, Virginia, is the northern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway. To the north the parkway connects directly to Skyline Drive, which winds 105 miles through Shenandoah National Park. U.S. 250 and 1-64 take you to Charlottesville to the east and Staunton to the west.

0.2 - Afton overlook, elev. 1898
2.9 - Shenandoah Valley parking overlook, elev. 2354.
4.4 - Va. 609, right to Sherando; left to Martin's store

Mile 5 to 9.3 - Humpback Rocks

The early European settlers of the Appalachian Mountains forged living from the native materials so abundant around them. Hickory, chestnut, and oak trees provided nuts for food, logs for buildings, and tannin for curing hides, while the rocks were put to use as foundations and chimneys for the houses, and in stone fences to control wandering livestock. Many self-sufficient farms sprang up in the Humpback Mountain area. Today, vistors can tour a collection of Nineteenth Centry farm buildings. The Mountain Farm Trail provides access to the cabin and various outbuildings. The area also houses a vistior center with related exhibits, a picnic area, and trails.

Places to Stay

Campground - Although there is no Parkway campground at this location, the U.S. Forest Service operates a campground at Sherando Lake, located south of Humpback Rocks four miles off of the Parkway.

5.8 - Humpback Rocks visitor center. Pioneer exhibit, self-guiding trail
6.0 - Humpback Gap parking area, elev. 2360. Short trail detailing the geology and flora of the area. Longer trail up Humpback Mountain and access to Appalachian Trail.
8.5 - Humpback Rocks picnic area. 91 sites, 2 comfort stations
8.8 - Greenstone parking overlook, elev. 3007. Self-guiding trail to overlook.
9.2 - Laurel Springs Gap, elev.2878.
9.6 - Dripping Rocks parking widening.
10.4 - Rockpoint parking overlook, elev. 3113.

E-Mail Webmaster