Jones Mountain to South River Circuit

Jones Mountain to South River Circuit is a 34.9-mile loop in Shenandoah National Park, starting and ending at Graves Mill Boundary Access. The five-day "Staying Dry" itinerary links Graves Mill and Staunton River with Jones Mountain, Cat Knob, Laurel Prong, the Appalachian Trail, South River Falls and Pocosin Trail and Road. It returns north on the AT, then retraces the Jones Mountain and Staunton River approach. This is for experienced backpackers looking for a long mountain trip, not a day hike to the falls.

Plan five days: about 4.5 miles on day one, 6.8 on day two, 8 to 9 on day three, 8.1 to 9.1 on day four, and 6.5 to 7 on day five. Campsite location changes some daily totals. The route is rated for experienced or advanced backpackers. No whole-route elevation gain or standard hiking-time figure is published, so plan from a current topographic map and the day's route rather than a fixed pace.

The route is laid out to avoid high-water crossings, but it depends on dry camps and a real water plan. The itinerary identifies Staunton River and the spring by Jones Mountain Cabin as possible sources before the dry camps. Confirm what's flowing and treat natural water; the spring is not a dependable tap. A backcountry camping permit is required. Allow time to find a legal campsite before dark and keep camps well away from streams, trails, roads, huts and ruins under park rules.

From the Route 662 boundary access, Graves Mill Trail reaches Staunton River Trail in about half a mile. After about two miles, Jones Mountain Trail takes the route across the ridge toward Cat Knob, Laurel Prong and the AT. The trip follows the AT south to South River Falls, then uses the South River roads and Pocosin Trail before climbing Pocosin Road back to the ridge. The mapped version leaves out the optional Bearfence Rock Scramble and the short Jones Mountain Cabin spur.

The South River Falls overlook sits about a mile down its trail and looks toward the 83-foot waterfall. The circuit continues from there to the South River road network instead of hiking back to the picnic area. Trees can partly screen the falls in leaf-on months. At the stone-walled overlook, include some of the ravine and foreground rock in a photo to show the drop. If the falls are your only goal, separate day routes from South River Picnic Grounds cover a 2.6-mile round trip to the overlook or a 3.3-mile circuit; those are different hikes.

Pocosin Trail reaches the ruins of the Pocosin Mission before Pocosin Road climbs back to the AT. The mission was established in 1902 by Episcopal missionary Frederick W. Neve as part of his work among remote Blue Ridge communities. Concrete church steps, foundations, a fallen chimney and house remains mark the site. Camping is prohibited within 50 yards of ruins. From the AT, the route turns north and retraces Laurel Prong, Cat Knob, Jones Mountain and Staunton River to Graves Mill.

Graves Mill Boundary Access is at the end of Route 662, just inside the park boundary. The designated lot is listed for about 12 cars; stay in the lot and do not block the road or gate. Dogs are allowed on this route on a physical leash no longer than six feet.