Distance

1.0 mi to summit

3.3 mi total

Elevation

2,960 ft start

3,206 ft max

Vertical

441 ft gain

Time

1 hr 15 min to summit

1 hr 56 min total

Justus is no longer served by the Appalachian Trail! Light to moderate bushwhacking through and around some dense overgrowth and deadfall following old route of Appalachian Trail over peaks of Justus Mountain and Phyllis Spur. (Old Appalachian Trail white blazes still visible on Justus Mountain.) Back down from Phyllis Spur peak to Brookshire Gap and down to new route of Appalachian Trail back to Cooper Gap. New route of Appalachian Trail around side of Justus Mountain was best trail of the day for ease and speed. Peakery beta app was most helpful in following the old route of the Appalachian Trail and finding the best way back to the new Appalachian Trail route from the old: Govt Topo shows old routes over both peaks; Natural Atlas shows old over Justus Mountain and new around Phyllis Spur; Terrain and Open Topo show new routes around both.

Obstacles

bushwhacking, blowdowns

Key gear

trekking poles

Other peaks climbed on this trip