This Mountain climbing Route Has Gorgeous Fall Foliage Views — and It Results in the Most Photographed Web site on the Appalachian Path

Fall is within the air, which implies that nature is about to placed on its last show earlier than winter units in. And nowhere within the U.S. boasts a extra picturesque fall than the East Coast, which is thought for its vibrant fall foliage. 

Fall locations like Vermont and New Hampshire are effectively celebrated, however the Virginia Blue Ridge, nestled within the Blue Ridge Mountains, has its justifiable share of fall bragging rights. Most guests accept a drive down the tree-lined Blue Ridge Parkway, aptly dubbed “America’s Favourite Drive,” however if you happen to actually wish to be immersed in fall colours, lace up your mountain climbing boots and head into the mountains. 

Virginia’s Triple Crown is a mountain climbing route that leads hikers to a few of the state’s most beautiful pure websites. It’s notably stunning in fall when the leaves begin to flip shades of yellow, orange, and purple. The triple crown might be accomplished all of sudden, all through a multi-day backpacking journey, or you may hike the three segments individually. 

The Full Virginia Triple Crown Loop

The full triple crown hike is a 34.8-mile loop that takes most hikers three days to finish, with two nights of tenting. It’s finest accomplished counterclockwise and begins and ends at VA Route 311, also referred to as the McAfee Knob Trailhead. (Parking on the trailhead is closed till late 2024, however for entry info, see the “Parking” part under.)

The primary large website for hikers is the McAfee Knob, which juts out over the valley (very like Delight Rock in The Lion King) and is probably the most photographed spot on the Appalachian Path. On a transparent day, it offers a few of the finest views of the Shenandoah Valley.

The following large cease is the Tinker Cliffs, which seems to be over the Catawba Valley. The third and last main sight on the Virginia Triple Crown is the Dragon’s Tooth, a jutting tooth-like rock formation that’s inconceivable to overlook. The perfect half? You possibly can climb partially up the 35-foot spire.

If you wish to full the total Virginia Triple Crown, pack sufficient meals and water for at the very least three full days of mountain climbing. There are water sources, however relying on the season, they could be dry. Some shelters can be found alongside the route, however come ready to camp within the wilderness. Tenting is just allowed at designated campsites or shelters, so it’s essential to plan the day’s vacation spot prematurely. 

Mountain climbing One Section of the Loop

If backpacking for 3 days and two nights is a bit a lot, you will get your fall foliage repair by mountain climbing simply one of many three segments.

McAfee Knob is likely one of the most recognizable factors on the Appalachian Path. Reaching the enduring rock ledge requires a 7.5-mile hike. You possibly can anticipate the path to be busy with each Appalachian Path backpackers and day hikers. 

The Tinker Cliffs are probably the most missed of the three websites, which suggests this section of the loop is usually a bit quieter than the opposite two hikes. To hike to the Tinker Cliffs observe the Andy Layne Path off Catawba Street. The out-and-back route is 7.7 miles in complete with important elevation acquire. The cliffs themselves are beautiful to see — they’re fabricated from limestone and supply views of the Catawba Mountain and McAfee Knob.

The Dragon’s Tooth is probably the most troublesome of the three segments. It’s 4.8 miles in complete, 2.4 miles to the tooth and a couple of.4 miles again, however it features a steep ascent to “The Tooth” by way of rock steps and a few bouldering. Iron bars are drilled into the rock partitions to help with the climb. 

Parking

A brand new pedestrian bridge is being constructed over Route 311 (Catawba Valley Drive), which is able to have an effect on parking for full-loop and McAfee Knob hikers by way of late 2024. Till then, it is strongly recommended that hikers make the most of the shuttle, which runs on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. (A drop-off for Dragon’s Tooth hikers is within the works.) There may be restricted parking alongside Previous Catawba Street (Route 864) and on the Catawba Sustainability Middle.