June 28th, Fri Hike, HighTop Mountain Shenandoah NP

As we were driving to our starting point, we stopped by an overlook to take some pictures.  A gentleman approached us--could this be a con for money?!?  The answer was no, but to borrow one of our phones to call AAA to unlock his truck which had the keys inside.  We provided assistance and moved on to our starting point feeling a little bit better helping a fellow camper

We started this hike by crossing Skyline Drive to the trailhead.  We walked up the Appalachian Trail beginning with a grassy area that becomes a slope and pass two boulders.  Further up the trail we came upon more and more very large boulders.  We crossed another trail where the trail leveled off before getting steeper and rockier.  Around 1.3 miles the trail leveled out again.  We came upon two outcroppings providing great views.  The first shows Masanutten Peak and to the right is Elkton and the overlook was full of sedum—not sure if was planted or if it was natural.  At the next outcropping was a great view of a rocky faced mountain, Rocky Mount.  We continued up, crossed another trail on our leading left and finally reached High top at mile 1.9 where a group of Mennonite women and girls were just finishing their lunch.

After a lunch and relaxation (and checking the weather for thunderstorms) we headed back down posing for pictures as we went arriving at our parking lot 4 hours after we started.

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.