ANGELS REST TENNESSEE FREE

The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category 'Analytics'. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly.

While in the area, you should also check out hikes to Cascades Falls and Bald Knob. I did, however, spy a couple of section hikers on the way up as I was on the way down.Īll in all, an awesome hike. It’s mostly day hikers that get to take on such an ascent. Most thru-hikers encounter Angel’s Rest as part of a northbound hike, so it’s all downhill. I wouldn’t describe it as punishing, but it was a good workout. Wrap-Up Notesįrom my car, this hike took me nearly 2.5 hours to complete, including time spent ogling the views at the two spectacular overlooks.Īccording to Roanoke Outside, the climb to Angel’s Rest is “notorious among Appalachian Trail hikers for its punishing incline.”

No need to take a spill in the final steps of your hike. WOW.įrom here, re-trace your steps to return to your vehicle. You have arrived at the most gorgeous overlook, looking out across the Wilburn Valley, at the 2.5-mile mark. Keep climbing.Īt the 2.3-mile mark, a blue-blazed trail sets off to the right for a spring, but continue on the white-blazed Appalachian Trail. You’ll see a primitive camp site on the right at the 1.9-mile mark, then a partially obstructed overlook on the left at the 2.1-mile mark. Even more amazing views are just up the trail. Savor the views, then continue southbound on this hike. Then, a sign urging hikers to turn right for Angel’s Rest View Rock.įrom here, it’s a very short walk to a perfect boulder that angels – or hikers – can sit or stand on to watch over the New River and Pearisburg. It’s not a totally unrelenting climb to Angel’s Rest (and beyond).Īt the 1.8-mile mark, you’ll reach a small maze-like area of massive rocks. On this hike, you’ll also note that the steep stretches are offset with nearly flat stretches. From late-fall to early-spring, enjoy mountain views through leafless trees. You will have ascended 450 feet at this point, so take a seat and catch your breath.Īs you continue on, you’ll reach a mini rock scramble at the 1.5-mile mark. 6-mile mark, you’ll see a large rock that’s well-suited as a bench.

Lots of calories burned on this day hike.Įarly in the hike, you’ll be welcomed by cheery purple wildflowers. In all, however, the ascent was not as terrible as I expected, but it was still a good, heart-pumping climb. Steps built into the trail at some of the switchbacks are a welcome sight on this climb up Pearis Mountain. You’ll also find well over a dozen switchbacks.

ANGELS REST TENNESSEE FREE

Thankfully, these sections are mostly free of slippery leaves and small rocks, minimizing potential to take a tumble. In researching this hike, I was moderately intimidated by the elevation gain – more than 1,700 feet over 2.5 miles (one-way). You’ll see a sign to mark the trailhead on the south side of Cross Avenue, as well as six or seven steps to boost you up onto the Appalachian Trail. Just past the trailhead – about 100 steps – there’s room for a half-dozen cars to park parallel. The only downside is that it’s all uphill back to the Appalachian Trail from Main Street. If I was thru-hiking, this would be pure heaven. Near Main Street, there’s a Dairy Queen, a Hardee’s and a Food Lion, as well as a small hotel and Angel’s Rest Hiker’s Haven, a popular hostel with AT hikers. During thru-hiking season, you’ll see hikers here and there. The hike begins from a trailhead on Cross Avenue. It was my third hike during my stay in Pearisburg, and of the three AT hikes, this was my favorite. I got this hike in just before an afternoon of rain. This 5.0-mile hike is far from easy, but the double dose of far-reaching views makes this hike an absolute must-do when in mountainous Giles County. The southbound (you know, SOBO) hike to Angel’s Rest, and further to the Wilburn Valley overlook, is one of several AT hikes that start in or near Pearisburg.

I had my sights set on the Angel’s Rest hike. I was beyond excited to motor south along I-81, on my way to hike new sections of the Appalachian Trail in Virginia.

Angels rest tennessee