Zach Hoopes

The Virginia Triple Crown is a combination of three of the most spectacular and popular hikes in the region. It combines the Dragon’s Tooth, McAfee’s Knob and Tinker Cliffs hikes into one long multi day hike along the Appalachian Trail. It makes for an excellent 2 day backpacking trip, with many rewarding views. While there are a few different route options, this version details one route opti...

To get to the trailhead, pull into the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center off of the Blue Ridge Parkway and park there. Proceed to the outdoor amphitheater behind the center. At the rear of the amphitheater there is a large sign showing Harkening Hill and other nearby trails, here the trail begins. The loop is 3.3 miles and takes about 1.5-2 hours.It starts at a medium grade and proceeds with windin...

This hike begins on the Appalachian Trail just north of Pearisburg, Virginia. To get to the trail head, take Route 460 and turn on to Clendennin Road(Route 641). Take Clendennin road 1.5 miles and then turn left on to Pocahontas road. In about 300ft you will pass a cattle grate and an old barbed wire fence. The left side of the fence is marked with the iconic Appalachian trail white blazes. Dri...