Three Ridges Loop

This loop includes one of the most accessible and beautiful sections of the AT in Central Virginia, and on the return Mau-Har Trail, plenty of waterfalls and swimming holes.

Park your car where the AT crosses the Tye River and VA 56. From there, head north on the AT . You’ll climb until you reach the Mau-Har Trail Junction. Continue on the AT as it winds and climbs through the Three Ridges.  The trail here is riddled with tough uphills and false summits, but the overlooks are worth the pain.  You’ll see valleys surrounded by ridges. There are some campsites on top of the climbs, but you have to take what you can get-there sites are far between and sometimes full in the summer. 

Eventually, you’ll descend from the ridges and come to the Maupin Field shelter and the second Mau Har trail junction. Follow the Mau Har south to hook up with the AT a few miles short of your car. Enjoy the many waterfalls and pools along the Mau Har, but be advised that this shorter, blue-blazed trail is poorly maintained and strenuous (If you do this trip on a hot summer day, you’ll be able to take refuge from the climbs in the water). 

Protip-this trek is also enjoyable going south on the AT and parking in Reeds Gap. If you want a longer trip, I suggest parking south of The Priest and going up that climb-again, the ups are hard but the views are worth it. 

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