Hightop Mountain Out-and-Back

Dogs Leashed

Features Views

The parking area requires only a few minutes of drive time south from the Swift Run entrance to Skyline Drive, making this one easy to reach. The parking lot fills up on busier days, since there are only about six spaces, including one accessible space (although the trail itself is not ADA-accessible).

Recommend taking this hike when the leaves are not on the trees to get the best views.

No facilities of any kind at the parking area, but it's a short drive north to facilities at the South River picnic area.

To begin the hike, cross the road to the trailhead at the post directly opposite the parking area. Please watch for traffic and hang on to dogs and children, as all traffic heading to the southern district of the park passes by, which can be significant during busy hours.

Follow the white-blazed AT up a steady slope, with switchbacks, making it easier to achieve the vertical gain without a great struggle. The climb is unspectacular but does offer significant views through the trees when there is no foliage.

At the summit of Hightop Mountain, the trail levels off. You'll come to two viewpoints on the right. Don't be discouraged by the first one, which has the lesser, more obstructed view, but continue to the second, which offers a great view to the south and west. A very short side trail to the right accesses the second viewpoint.

Retrace your steps back to the parking area for a total mileage of 3.2 miles. The hike can be extended by approximately 1.5 miles round trip by picking up the AT at the Swift Run entrance instead of the Hightop Mountain parking area.