Distance

0.6 mi to summit

3.4 mi total

Elevation

1,940 ft start

2,340 ft max

Vertical

316 ft gain

Time

1 hr 0 min to summit

1 hr 32 min total

Peak 2340 ft looks most approachable by its ridge line to the southeast of the peak, at least on the topographical maps, but the bottom of that ridge along Nimblewill Gap Road looks like a tough bushwhack. Driving along the road I chose a few candidate starting points to minimize bushwhacking. Today’s goal was to hike each one to where the bushwhacking began then select one for a mean bushwhack on another day. To my surprise the first attempt turned out to be so easy that I made it to the peak. It is a trail up to the ridge line I wanted. From there the forest opens up to the point that the trail is difficult to follow over the non-prominent peak on the ridge, but it is open enough not to matter. After that it opens up so much that no trail is necessary. Bare trees allow many peeks at the Blue Ridge mountains. With no bushwhacking the only challenges were getting over and around the many downed trees and finding the trail in the thickening forest on the way back down. Gina turned back before reaching the ridge line. After the hike we drove up to Nimblewill Gap (Appalachian Trail Approach Trail crossing) and enjoyed Nimblewill Creek.

Route name

Peak 2340 ft 3.4 mi route

out-and-back
Obstacles

blowdowns

Key gear

trekking poles