Compton Peak

Compton Peak is a 2,910-foot summit in Shenandoah's North District, known for westward mountain views and columnar jointing on its eastern spur. The Compton Gap hike is a moderate 2.4-mile round trip with 855 feet of climbing; it takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. Do both branches if you can: the western viewpoint opens to the mountains, while the rough eastern spur takes you down to the rock formation that makes this hike unusual.

From Compton Gap Parking Area at Skyline Drive mile 10.4, cross the road to the concrete Appalachian Trail marker. Climb south on the A.T.'s switchbacks to the junction. Follow the western spur first, then return to the junction for the eastern viewpoint and the blue-blazed descent below its cliff. The spur to the columns is rough, rocky, and ungraded, so this is more demanding than a quick roadside overlook.

The jointing formed in the Catoctin Formation about 570 million years ago, when lava covered this area. As the greenstone cooled and contracted, cracks split it into long angular columns. Shenandoah's ancient lava flows also make the cliffs and benches seen elsewhere in the park; here you can get close enough to see the pattern in one outcrop. The same kind of columnar jointing appears at Devils Tower and Giant's Causeway.

The western spur is for open mountain views; the eastern spur is for close-up geology. For a photo, include the surrounding trees with the angular columns so the outcrop's shape and scale both read clearly. Start at Compton Gap parking and cross Skyline Drive to reach the trail. The route is not ADA accessible; dogs are allowed on leash no longer than six feet, and park admission is required.