Three Ridges Hiking

Lowesville, VA – Just west of Charlottesville, the Appalachian Mountains rise and the Blue Ridge Parkway snakes northwards. Just off the parkway, Three Ridges rises prominently and hosts some excellent hiking and camping. The hiking loop utilizes both the Appalachian Trail and the Mau-Har Trail to form a moderate to strenuous 2-day hike. At a length of 13 miles (round-trip), this hike has a maximum elevation difference of 2130′ and features some amazing vistas.

Beginning at Reeds Gap on the parkway, head towards the edge of the meadow and follow the worn path south. For this short distance, the Appalachian Trail (AT) is exposed. As soon as the trail breaks into the forest, it begins the climb up and over the wooded Meadow Mountain. The section of trail here is steep in spots, but descends quickly after cresting. After a few elongated switchbacks, you’ll arrive at the Maupin Field Shelter area.

There are several good campsites here, along with a pit toilet, food hanging pole and several other rustic comforts. Take a right off the AT at the first junction and pass by the shelter to head down the Mau-Har trail. It begins in a damp valley, crossing the creek several times as well as negotiating tight clearances. Be prepared to step down over some large boulders and steep grades.

At about the midway point, the Mau-Har trail begins to climb out of the valley and up into a much drier area as it approaches its junction with the AT. At the end of the trail, turn left and follow the AT north towards the Harpers Creek Shelter.

After crossing Harpers Creek, you will come across a large camping area, with several great campsites. Follow the creek upwards to get to the shelter. The AT continues at a junction just south of the shelter, heading eastward and beginning the slow climb up the south side of Three Ridges. There are several excellent vistas along the way, as well as good campsites once past Chimney Rock

After Chimney Rock, the trail gets steeper and negotiates a series of switchbacks as it approaches the summit. The trail at the summit is brief, before it begins its gradual descent to the Maupin Field Shelter and eventual trailhead and parking area at Reeds Gap. The hike down is fairly easy, presenting only one tricky area where it is necessary to scramble down over a large boulder outcropping. Once at the Maupin Field Shelter, hike back up and over Meadow Mountain and back to the parking area.

This is an excellent weekend backpacking hike. The hike out to Harpers Creek is manageable no matter which direction you choose to hike. The hike back is probably easier using the Mau-Har trail, but can be done in either direction as well. This hike is moderate to strenuous, depending on the temperature and weather.

NOTE: When hiking this trail, my group was presented with less than ideal weather – the forecast called for rain and storms on our first day and a gradual clearing on the second. We made the decision to hike the lower elevations first in order to manage our exposure to potential afternoon storms. This meant hiking the Mau-Har Trail to the Harpers Creek Shelter on the first day and then hiking up and over Three Ridges on the second day to return. Doing the loop in this order does result in a more intense hike up Three Ridges.