Hike: SNP – Elkwallow Circuit via Piney Branch and Piney Ridge, VA

$26 plus park fee or pass. Long hike: 11 mi., 2350 ft. ascent/descent. Moderate hike: 9 mi., 1650 ft. ascent/descent.

The hike will feature Elkwallow Wayside, with its numerous picnic tables and facilities for visitors. Long hikers will begin at Elkwallow, taking the Appalachian Trail to the Piney Branch Trail, and then loop via the Hull School, Fork Mountain, Piney Ridge, and Appalachian Trails back to the wayside. Moderate hikers will do a similar loop, but they will begin by taking the AT from the Rattlesnake Point overlook, and, after reaching the Piney Branch Trail, loop via the Piney Ridge Trail and the AT to the wayside. At the end of the hike the store at the wayside has various drinks and snacks available, including the Park’s signature blackberry ice cream.