South and North Mount Marshall Out-and-Back

Dogs Leashed

Features Views

Enjoy a moderate day run of 4.2 miles to the grand views from the South and North Mount Marshall viewpoints along the Appalachian Trail.

Starting from Gravel Springs Gap Parking Area, one can visit both Mount Marshall peaks in 4.2 mile out-and-back run. The entire run follows the Appalachian Trail. The AT goes through the parking area.

Start by going across Skyline Drive and head north on the AT. Two view points come up on the left at 0.9 miles -- this is near the South Mount Marshall summit. The first has the grander view looking out across Hogback Mountain on the left, and across Warren County, with West Virginia in the distance on a clear day. The second viewpoint has a more restricted angle of view of the same general area but has more shade, possibly making it better for a snack break on a hot day.

Continue up over South Marshall, and back down, reaching Skyline Drive at about the 1.6 mile point in the run. Cross over to continue on the AT uphill to North Mount Marshall, steeper but shorter than the initial walk to South Marshall, reaching the view point at 2.1 miles. This view is the grandest on this run, in my opinion, with a 180-degree view ranging from Front Royal to the north on the right and back down the Blue Ridge to the south on the left, with a glimpse of Old Rag in the distance.

After enjoying the North Marshall viewpoint, return the way you came for a total of 4.2 miles. Hat tip to Virginia Trail Guide for suggesting this day run. See more of their details at virginiatrailguide.com/2014…

Portions of the trail were moderately overgrown in late July, so long pants are recommended if the temperature permits. Watch where you walk (hiking anywhere not just in SNP), we almost overtook a copperhead slithering right down the middle of the AT on the way back, very hard to see against a shaded, muddy backdrop. Eventually, it veered off into the overgrowth, also pointing out a good reason to stay on the trail!