Hightop Mountain Hike: A Fall Climb on Skyline Drive

Hightop Mountain is a continuous 1.5-mile climb along the Appalachian Trail in Greene County, starting at Skyline Drive mile 66.7 and ending at the highest summit in that section of Shenandoah National Park. In October, it is a compact, well-defined fall hike for visitors who want a real summit without committing to a full day on the trail.

Quick Facts

• Trail: Appalachian Trail ascent to the Hightop summit
• Length of climb: 1.5 miles, continuous
• Trailhead: Skyline Drive mile 66.7
• County: Greene, near Stanardsville
• Season note: Check park and road conditions before you go

The Hike

The defining feature of Hightop is its steadiness. The 1.5-mile route is a continuous climb, so there is no flat warm-up and no long approach. You park on Skyline Drive at mile 66.7, step onto the Appalachian Trail and keep going up until you reach the summit, the highest in that stretch of the park. Because it is a single sustained ascent, it rewards a measured pace and a layer you can shed after the first stretch of climbing.

We have not been given a current trail report, so we will not describe viewpoints, rock features or surface conditions beyond what is confirmed. Fall leaf color, fog and wind at elevation can all change quickly on the ridge, so bring an extra layer and check with the park before setting out.

Getting There: Skyline Drive in Fall

The trailhead is reached by driving the 105-mile ridgetop parkway through the park. Skyline Drive is open year-round, though portions may close in inclement weather, and hikers may always enter the park on foot. Plan your arrival with the mile marker in mind rather than counting on a quick detour.

For orientation, the Shenandoah National Park Byrd Visitor Center at mile 51 is open year-round, Sunday through Thursday 9 AM to 5 PM and Friday and Saturday 9 AM to 6 PM. It is a useful stop for current conditions and maps. Dickey Ridge Visitor Center at mile 4.6 is open May 1 to November 1 on the same hours. Most park facilities operate from March through late November, so confirm what is open on the day you plan to visit at nps.gov/shen.

Make It a Day

• Start at Big Meadows. The high-elevation meadow at mile 51 is home to the Byrd Visitor Center and is a natural first stop for maps and ranger advice before you head on to the trailhead. See Big Meadows and Byrd Visitor Center.
• Pack lunch. Waysides in the park offer food, groceries and fuel, but facility schedules are seasonal, so bring something in case the one you planned on is closed.
• Check before you climb. Ask at the visitor center about road and trail conditions so you can time the hike and the drive comfortably.

What to Bring

• Layers and a windproof shell, since conditions at elevation differ from the valley
• Sturdy footwear for a sustained climb
• Water and a snack
• A paper or offline map, so you have directions in hand on the ridge

Planning Your Visit

• Trail: Hightop Mountain, Stanardsville, Greene County, VA
• Trailhead: Skyline Drive mile 66.7
• Website: exploregreene.com (Hightop Mountain listing)
• Park information: Shenandoah National Park, (540) 999-3500, nps.gov/shen
• Hours: No posted trail hours; the park and Skyline Drive are open year-round, with portions of the drive subject to weather closures

Note: we have not seen recent updates for this trail, so verify road and trail conditions with the park before your visit.