Backpack the Three Ridges Loop

Lyndhurst, Virginia

Save

View all 6 photos

All 6 photos

Save Review Directions Add Photo

Details

Distance

14.4 miles

Elevation Gain

3960 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Dottie Bond

Three Ridges is one of Virginia's most popular backpacking circuits, and for good reason: Amazing views of rolling hills right off of the Blue Ridge Parkway, an undulating trail that ensures you'll get a good workout, and populated with swimming holes for those hot summer days.

Situated in central Virginia a mere 30 miles southwest of Charlottesville, the Three Ridges Loop is one of the most popular backpacking circuits in Virginia. This trail provides hikers with vista after vista along the Appalachian Trail (AT) as well as a number of small waterfalls and pools (perfect swimming holes for the ambitious) on the Mau-Har Trail beside Campbell Creek. This backpack is not for the physically unfit as it features considerably more elevation gain and loss than your average mid-Atlantic backpacking circuit.

Halfway through the circuit, you'll find the main camping area near the Harpers Creek Shelter. For those seeking a bit more privacy than the typical AT shelter provides, head a bit further downstream before pitching your tent. Roughly two miles past this site, you'll find encounter Campbell Creek—site of the hike's best waterfalls and swimming holes in which to dip your tired feet.

To begin the loop, park at the intersection of Reed's Gap Road (VA 664) and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Camping

Swimming

Backpacking

Hiking

Forest

Scenic

Swimming Hole

Backpack the Three Ridges Loop Reviews

Have you done this adventure? Be the first to leave a review!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Backpack Three Ridges Loop

From the parking area at Reids Gap, start off on the white-blazed A.T heading south as the trail begins on the left side of a clearing. You will begin climbing Meadow Mountain shortly and in .8 miles arrive at the top of the ridge, where you will continue on downhill for another .8 miles until you reach the first intersection with the Mau-Har Trail. The Maupin Field Shelter is just down to yo...

Backpack Reeds Gap to Rockfish Gap

Note: We usually get a chance to take this trip in the summer, so please pay attention to the weather and pack accordingly. This description is for a July/August hike and the temperatures were in the 80s during the day and 60s at night. During this time of year rain showers are always a possibility and during our most recent trip it rained off and on every day, so this will also affect your pac...

Photograph Devils Knob Overlook

Located next to Wintergreen Resort, Devils Knob is super easy to get to and has an amazing 180 degree panoramic view. Looking Southwest over the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway, this 3,800 foot overlook had a great view of Three Ridge Mountain and the Priest. Located on Devils Knob Loop, the overlook is not marked, but it is a very obvious turn off and has plenty of parking. Th...

Camp at Sherando Lake

Sherando Lake is a beautifully maintained dog/family friendly campground situated between two lakes. Upper Sherando Lake is available for fishing only but the larger, 25 acre, Lower Sherando Lake offers swimming, fishing, kayaking, and relaxing on the beach. The campground is divided into three loops -- one with electric hookups, one with non electric (reservable) campsites, and one with walk ...

White Rock Falls Trail

Hike to White Rock Falls

Park in The Slacks Overlook parking lot on the Blue Ridge Parkway, around milepost 20. From there exit the parking lot back onto the road and head left. About 300 feet from the parking lot there is the trail entrance. It isn't too hard to find if you are looking for it, but there aren't any markings along the road indicating that it is there. Continue onto the trail and follow the yellow marker...