9.9 Mile AT Hike - Petites Gap to James River (US 501)

The hike heads north from Petites Gap (2369 Ft.) and begins a climb of 704 feet to Highcock Knob (3073 ft.), the high point of the hike. From here the hike descends 773 feet to Mable Springs on a rough trail enitially, with views of Bluff Mountain and Rocky Row.

At 2.5 miles the trail passes a view of the East Fork of Elk Creek Valley and Thunder Ridge to the west. 

At 4.0 miles the hike hits the low point of a saddle. At 5.0 miles the trails reaches the crest of the ridge, where the hike begins an 1820 foot descent to Matts Creek. At 5.4 miles a view opens to the west of  Bluff Mountain, Big Rocky Row, and the James River Gorge.

At 6.4 miles the trail intersects Grassy Island Ridge and a traverse of the ridge begins. At 7.0 miles a level spot on the ridge has views of the James River Gorge, and the hike descends off of Garssy Island Ridge.

At 7.7 miles there is a rock crossing over Matts Creek.

At 9.7 miles the trail crosses the James River Foot Bridge. Once over the bridge the hike ends at US 501 at 9.9 miles.

This is a one-way hike that requires a car shuttle. It is also a clothing optional hike.

Plan on spending 6 hours on teh trail for this hike.