This a moderately easy hike to the top of Hightop mountain.  Start this hike by crossing Skyline Drive to the trailhead.  Walk up the Appalachian Trail beginning with a grassy area that becomes a slope and pass two boulders.  At 0.5 miles we’ll cross another trail where the trail levels off before getting steeper and rockier.  At 1.1 miles the trail levels out again.  Further up are two outcroppings providing great views.  The first shows Masanutten Peak and to the right is Elkton.  A cluster of homes in the valley just below are the town of Shady Bottom. 

At the next outcropping is a great view of a rocky faced mountain, Rocky Mount.  Continuing up  we cross another trail on our leading left; continue on straight up to Hightop at mile 1.7.

Total Trip is about 3.6 miles

Bring waterproof hiking boots, water, lunch, sweat rag, and snacks.  Since this is the Appalachian Mountains, bring a jacket and poncho (or waterproof jacket) for the occasional summer shower.

Drive to Hightop Mountain Parking lot, MM 66.7, on the west side of Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park, about 1.2 miles south from the Swift Run Gap entrance (Hwy 33).