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Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Timber Hollow Overlook to Skyland Upper Loop (South) - Appalachian Trail - Shenandoah National Park


We continued our mid-October 2020 trip to Shenandoah National Park with another short hike on the Appalachian Trail. This time, we hiked north from Timber Hollow Overlook on Skyline Drive to the Skyland Stables on Upper Skyland Loop. 

This short 1.2-mile segment of the trail has a net elevation gain of 355 feet. However, instead of one long climb, this portion of the trail has two fairly level sections, two ascents, and one short descent. The first climb is 270 feet in the first 0.44 miles of the trail. This yields an average grade of nearly 12% and the trail tops out at a scenic viewpoint. From there, the trail is fairly level for the next 0.16 miles before descending 70 feet in the succeeding 0.10 miles for a grade of -13%. Continuing level for the next 0.18 miles, the trail climbs 150 feet in the final 0.32 miles for an average grade of nearly 9%. As usual for the AT in Shenandoah, the trail is well marked and well maintained.

Topographic map with GPS route

Elevation profile

Timber Hollow Access Trail junction

Just a stroll in the woods

Beginning the climb

Continuing the climb

Still climbing

More climbing

Going up some more

False view

Climbing atop the bluff

Boulder field

Approaching the scenic vista

Roundhead Mountain 2170' 6.8 miles
Massanutten 2573' 16.4 miles

Nakedtop 3734' 1.8 miles

Skirting a boulder field

How did this rock wind-up on the trail?

A nice place for a break

Below the summit of Pollock Knob

Beautiful fall colors

Rocky trail surface

A large rock outcrop

Back to a dirt tread

Rock wall

"No camping beyond this point"

More climbing

Crossing a horse trail

Still climbing, but not as steep

Back of the stables

Still a bit to go

More buildings at the stables

Paved trail to the parking area

The trail continues on

Approaching the stable driveway

Looking back at the stables

A Shenandoah National Park entry fee of $30 per vehicle, $25 per motorcycle, or $15 per person is valid for seven consecutive days. Other fee payment options include the America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands passes including the Annual Pass ($80), Senior Pass ($80 for a lifetime), Access Pass (free with a documented disability), and Military Annual Pass (free for active-duty personnel). Also available is a Shenandoah Annual Pass for $55. 

The Shenandoah National Park website is https://www.nps.gov/shen/index.htm.

The Appalachian National Scenic Trail website is https://www.nps.gov/appa/index.htm.
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy website is https://www.appalachiantrail.org/.

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