Lewis Peak Hike

Lewis Peak is a majestic summit in Shenandoah’s southern district. It’s not as well-known or traveled as other hikes in the park, but it has spectacular views. A fire in 2006 left the mountain top open with sweeping vistas in every direction. The route is moderate and traverses rolling terrain. There are no lengthy ascents or descents, so it’s a good choice for anyone looking for a longer hike devoid of tough climbs.

Mile 0.0 - Start at Browns Gap parking area. The parking lot sign says Brown Gap, but maps of this area all list it as Browns Gap. There is room here for about eight cars. Look for a cement marker post along the side of the parking lot. Follow the Appalachian Trail headed north. The trail will ascend moderately for almost half a mile before leveling out.
Mile 0.50 - Reach a cement marker at the junction of Appalachian Trail and the Big Run Loop. Take left onto the Big Run Loop Trail. Follow this trail for a little over a mile.
Mile 1.15 - Reach a cement marker at the junction of the Big Run Loop Trail and Rockytop Trail. Continue straight onto the Rockytop Trail. The Rockytop Trail is narrow and extremely rocky at times. It hugs the slope of the mountainside, with steep terrain both above and below the trailbed.
Mile 1.6 - Reach a cement marker at the junction with the Austin Mountain Trail. Stay to right, continuing on the Rockytop Trail.
Mile 2.3 - Pass over a series of impressive talus slopes. The trail will meander up and down before you ascend to a mostly open grassy ridgeline. If there aren’t leaves on the trees, you’ll have some nice views of the mountains along this stretch. The trail then descends for a steep but short distance into a saddle between the mountains.
Mile 3.4 - In the saddle, you’ll reach a cement marker at the junction with Lewis Peak Trail. Bear to left, continuing on the Lewis Peak Trail.
Mile 3.65 - A quarter mile after the junction, you’ll pass a fantastic open view of Massanutten. From there, begin to ascend Lewis Peak.
Mile 4.25 - Reach a cement marker at the junction with the Lewis Peak Summit Trail – stay straight. The Lewis Peak trail actually continues to the park’s western boundary, but you will stay on the Summit Trail. Over the next quarter mile, the trail becomes steeper and more open. Follow the rocky switchbacks to the summit of Lewis Peak. At the top of the mountain, the terrain levels out and you will reach an open outcropping.
Mile 4.5 - The trail dead ends at the summit of Lewis Peak. Enjoy the great, panoramic view. When you’re ready to head back, retrace your steps, descending the Lewis Peal Summit Trail.
Mile 4.75 - Stay straight on the Lewis Peak trail, headed toward the Rockytop Trail. Check the cement marker here and make sure you are headed toward Rockytop and not the park’s western border.
Mile 5.65 - The Lewis Peak trail ends. Continue straight onto the Rockytop Trail
Mile 7.5 - Pass the junction with Austin Mountain Trail, and continue on the Rockytop Trail.
Mile 7.9 - Reach the junction with Big Run Loop - stay straight, following the Big Run Loop Trail.
Mile 8.5 - Reach the junction with Appalachian Trail; take a right, headed south.
Mile 9.0 - Arrive back at Browns Gap parking.