Rock Castle Gorge Loop Trail

Rock Castle Gorge Trail is a strenuous 10.8-mile loop in the Rocky Knob area of the Blue Ridge Parkway. From the Rock Castle Gorge Overlook access, the route follows the green-blazed trail through high ridge and meadow country, drops into the gorge, follows the gated fire road along Rock Castle Creek, and climbs back through the gorge to the Parkway. The full loop spans roughly 1,700 to 3,572 feet in elevation and includes rocky, rooty tread, a boulder field, stream crossings, steep grades, and open-ridge views. The official route is a loop and 10.8 miles is the total visitor distance, not a one-way or doubled out-and-back figure NPS Rocky Knob trails Virginia DWR.

Park at the Rock Castle Gorge Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway near milepost 168.8; the mapped line begins about 23 meters from the overlook parking point. Rocky Knob Campground and the lower Rock Castle Creek access are alternate approaches, but they represent different starting points on the same loop. Carry a map, plenty of water, and sturdy footwear; the gorge is remote, the grades are strenuous, the fire-road section is gated, and seasonal stream crossings and slippery rocks require care. Backcountry camping is only at the designated site with the required permit.

Leashed pets are allowed on Parkway trails. Expect limited shade on ridge sections, heat and humidity in the gorge in summer, and ice or snow on exposed sections in winter. Check the park before travel for current closures or conditions rather than treating this durable route description as a live status update.