Hazeltop Mountain via Milam Gap

Hazeltop Mountain via Milam Gap is a 4.2-mile out-and-back on the Appalachian Trail to a rocky, west-facing viewpoint near the summit. Most of it is a gentle forest climb, with one short grassy spur at the end. If you want a summit view without giving up a whole day, this is a good half-day hike; allow about two to three hours to walk up, find the overlook and return.

From Milam Gap, cross Skyline Drive at the trail crossing and follow the white-blazed AT south. At the concrete marker about a tenth of a mile in, stay straight on the AT; the left-hand Mill Prong Trail heads toward Rapidan Camp and makes a different outing. Near Hazeltop, look right for a faint spur through grass to the rocks. It is easy to pass: if the AT starts descending, turn around and check back. Return to Milam Gap the same way.

The tread is mostly smooth dirt and the grade stays gradual. It passes through land that was once an orchard; scattered apple trees remain among the forest trees. Spring brings wildflowers, and the walk gets lush with ferns in summer. For most of the hike you are in the woods, so the summit clearing is the payoff rather than one of many overlooks along the way.

The rocky outcrop opens onto a broad western valley and layered ridges. Hazeltop is Shenandoah's third-highest peak, which makes this short spur feel like a proper summit stop. For a photo, leave a strip of rock in the foreground; it helps show the drop from the ridge and keeps the view from reading as a flat band of distant hills.

Use the Milam Gap parking area on Skyline Drive; the southbound AT starts across the road at the gap. A park entrance fee applies. Dogs are allowed on this stretch of the AT, but they must stay on a physical leash no longer than six feet.