Little Calf Mountain via Appalachian Trail

Little Calf Mountain is a 1.7-mile out-and-back from Beagle Gap on the Appalachian Trail. Plan on about an hour and a 364-foot climb. Most of the route follows a dirt-and-rock tread through the woods; near the end it opens into a broad grassy summit meadow with mountain views. It is a good choice when you want a real climb and a clear payoff without committing half a day.

Start at the northwest corner of the Beagle Gap parking area, through the fence opening marked with a white blaze. The Beagle Gap Trail branches right across the grass, so stay with the Appalachian Trail. About 0.2 mile into the woods, follow the white blazes to the right at a confusing fork; an older, more worn tread to the left has been reported to rejoin farther on. Turn around at the Little Calf summit meadow, roughly 0.8–0.9 mile from the lot, and return the same way.

The wooded climb ends in an open meadow with ridgeline views. Bear Den Mountain's radio towers stand out across Skyline Drive. This is the short Little Calf outing; continuing north on the same corridor for about 0.3 mile each way reaches the separate Calf Mountain cairn and turns it into a longer hike.

Beagle Gap is on Skyline Drive at milepost 99.5, so a Shenandoah entrance pass is required. Pets are allowed on this segment on a physical leash no longer than six feet.