Albright Loop Trail

There are a few very minor wet areas to cross depending on conditions. No special footwear needed.

Park at the lot for Humpback Rock Trail on the east side of the Blue Ridge Parkway, just south of Humpback Visitor Center. The lot is frequently quite busy but everyone is typically hiking the Humpback Rock Trail and not the Albright Loop Trail so don't let that deter you. The Albright Trail is a great quiet trail that after about 2 miles joins the AT for about 1.3 miles before diverging north along an old roadbed back to the parking area.

When the trees are bare there are many nice views. I repeated this hike in late April and found it to be an ideal time. The trees were mostly bare and limited haze in the sky allowed nice views. Also there were many wildflowers at that time. There is also a point of interest along this trail (keep an eye out!); it is the remains of an old airplane wreck (1963) on the west slope of Dobie mountain. It can be seen from the trail but most would not notice unless they are looking for it. It can be reached by a short uphill climb on an unmarked foot path.

There is a small spur on the east side of the loop to Glass Hollow Overlook. Kids can watch for a "dragon headed" tree near the turn off for the overlook.

This trail is a mature deciduous forest with an open understory. There is a lot of lichens and mosses to see anytime of year. Wildflowers in the spring.