0.0 | Gravel Springs Gap Parking Area at milepost 17.6 | |
0.4 | Gravel Springs Hut | |
1.8 | Cross stream of Big Devils Stairs canyon | |
1.9 | Right on Big Devils Stairs Trail | |
2.5 | Big Devils Stairs vista |
TRAIL 4 North District
Sugarloaf Loop
TRAIL USE
Day Hiking, Backpacking
LENGTH
4.7 miles, 3–4 hours
VERTICAL FEET
±870'
DIFFICULTY
–1 2 3 4 5 +
TRAIL TYPE
Loop
START & FINISH
N38° 45.627'
W78° 16.953'
FEATURES
Ridgeline
Stream
Autumn Colors
Wildlife
Great Views
Geological Interest
FACILITIES
None
This loop dips off the eastern side of Hogback Mountain into the upper Piney River Valley. You will relish far-reaching views on the Appalachian Trail (AT), then follow a moderate grade into the Piney River on the Sugarloaf Trail. A grassy flat beside the Piney River makes for a great resting spot. Head back to the high country, soaking in more great views from Hogback Mountain before completing the loop.
Best Time
Spring through fall are the most rewarding. Wildflowers bloom in the valley during spring. Summer offers a cool and shady respite. Enjoy views on clear fall days, and you might spot wildlife on the trail.
Finding the Trail
The hike starts at the parking area just south of the Hogback Mountain Overlook, milepost 21.1 on Skyline Drive. To reach the trailhead from the Thornton Gap Entrance Station, take Skyline Drive north for 10.4 miles to the parking area on the west side of Skyline Drive, just before Hogback Mountain Overlook. The loop hike starts on the eastern side of Skyline Drive where the AT crosses Skyline Drive.
Trail Description
From the parking area just south of Hogback Overlook, pick up the AT, northbound, as it crosses over to the eastern side of Skyline Drive.
Surveying mountain lands west from a trailside overlook on the Appalachian Trail
Descend among rocky woods. Notice how the winds have sculpted the trees to face easterly. Reach the slender Sugarloaf Trail at 0.3 mile.
Reach a trail junction at mile 1.7. Turn right onto the Pole Bridge Link Trail.
Step over the rocky branches you crossed earlier before reaching the upper Piney River in 0.1 mile. Large boulders and rocks line the watercourse. Cross the river to reach a grassy flat flanked by a large boulder. This locale makes a nice respite. A set of cascades downstream of this crossing are worth a look.
Leave this low point of the loop—you are now a little higher than 2,500 feet—and start climbing toward the crest of the Blue Ridge on a gentle grade. Big rocks line the trailbed. At mile 3.2, pass through an open area with a tremendous rock face rising up the hill to your right.