AT-Front Royal Junction

"Not much parking, but I got there early on a weekday and had it to myself (and only one other car there when I got back around lunchtime). Hiked into Shenandoah National Park to the top of Compton Peak. Great hike, but the only real special view was from the Compton Peak East overlook. It was spectacular though."

"Small parking lot for maybe 10 cars. About 5 miles to hike up to Skyline Drive from here. Not much in terms of amenities. Just a place to park for the AT."

"Front Royal, Virginia: This is an enjoyable 8.0 mile hike out and back from the U.S. Route 522 Appalachian Trail junction. It runs 4.0 miles south (bordering the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute) to the Shenandoah National Park northern boundary (SNB). This hike is mostly up hill with a 1948' elevation change. As you near the SNB you're greeted to a .5 mile 300' rock climb to reach the SNB at the top of the mountain. It's approximately 2.5 hours out and 1.5 hours back (downhill). Allow for a total of 4 hours. A beautiful and tranquil walk in the woods while fording several small streams. (see pics)"

"Having backpacked a couple hundred miles of the AT, I always stop to visit trail crossings, and if time allows, walk some of the trail. That was the case during this road trip to visit my mother far to the south in Florida. Lovely little crossing that the local volunteers take a lot of pride and hard work in keeping maintained. My daughter, who is a complete city kid asked: "why don't they have these nice wooden walkways covering the entire trail?"..."

"Small parking lot to access the A.T. to Tom Floyd Wayside Shelter. It is about 3.2 miles away with 1,480 feet of elevation gain round trip."