- Highlights: views
- Distance: 9.5 miles out and back
- Elevation Change 1,810 feet
- Trail Surface: Dirt with several rocky sections
- Difficulty Level: Strenuous
- Trailhead Parking: Skyline Drive mile post 12.3, unmarked parking area just north of Jenkin’s Gap overlook, on the west side of Skyline Drive
- Trail Markings: white blazes
- Website: AllTrails
- Beer Pairings: Veditz and Company Brewery—Off the Grid Hermit IPA & ILY IPA
Trail Map:
The Hike:
We were originally planning to do this hike in mid-October for peak foliage views. However, we had too many schedules to coordinate so we hiked on a beautiful day in early November after all the leaves were down. Pete’s sister Nan, our niece Hannah, and nephew Jack joined us on this hike.
Follow the yellow-blazed Jenkins Gap Trail from the parking area. The trail soon reaches a junction with the white-blazed AT. Turn left and follow the AT southbound. The trail begins a steady climb through an old pasture which is gradually being overtaken by the forest.
The trail passes through an old apple orchard and crosses Skyline Drive at 1.7 miles. The trail becomes rocky it approaches the summit of North Marshall. There are no views at the summit but continue past the summit at 3.3 miles and several unmarked spur trails on the right lead to nice views.
Continue on the AT as it cross Skyline Drive and reach the summit of South Marshall at 4.5 miles. AllTrails turns around here, but keep going for a few hundred yards and look for two unmarked spur trails on the right which lead to some of the nicest views on this hike.
Adventurous hikers can turn this into a nearly 14-mile loop by continuing south on the AT to Gravel Springs to the Bluff Trail. To return to Jenkins Gap, retrace your steps northbound on the AT.
Hike Photos:
Click on an image below for an enlarged view.
Beer Pairing:
Veditz and Co. Brewery is located about 45 minutes from the trailhead in Sperryville VA. Veditz is a new brewery in an old building, located beside the Thornton River. They have 10 taps of craft beer and food trucks visit most weekends. The brewery is named after George Veditz, an activist and educator in the Deaf community and advocate for American Sign Language (ASL).
Pete enjoyed a pint of Off the Grid Hermit (6.5% ABV), an unusual IPA brewed with malted corn, red wheat, and Virginia Pilsner from Murphy and Rude Malting in Charlottesville. Kathy tried ILY (6.5% ABV) a hazy IPA dry hopped with BRU-1 and Sabro hops. Drop by Verditz for some good beer and a chance to learn some ASL.
Hike and drink responsibly. Never drink and drive. Stay safe, be responsible, and leave no trace.