MAL001
Location: 38.7609481811523, -78.2817459106445
From parking lot, turn L onto Appalachian Trail @ Skyline Drive; after .2 mi., turn R to descend S on Sugarloaf Trail
MAL002
Location: 38.7468490600586, -78.2748718261719
Turn L onto Pole Link Bridge Trail, heading E through thick forest with dense bramble underbrush; camping opportunities just off trail (permit required)
MAL003
Location: 38.7500915527344, -78.267936706543
Head straight across abandoned Jinney Gray Rd. to meet Little Devils Stairs Trail; yellow poplars line the path with their large, showy flowers
MAL004
Location: 38.7487983703613, -78.2632293701172
Cross riffles of a small stream; begin 1,200-ft. descent of Keyser Run on Little Devils Stairs Trail. Water rushes through the narrow, rocky gorge over numerous chutes; campsites @ hollow’s end before park boundary
MAL005
Location: 38.7310409545898, -78.2582397460938
R @ parking lot up the deserted roadbed of Keyser Run; 30 yards later, veer R through gate
MAL006
Location: 38.7227516174316, -78.2720489501953
Explore a Piedmont legacy at the hushed grounds of Jenkins/Keyser cemetery on R; continue S on Keyser Run, flanking Pignut Mtn. (2,531 ft.)
MAL007
Location: 38.7137603759766, -78.2781600952148
L onto Piney Branch Trail; in .1 mi., turn R and cross Piney River to continue on Hull School Trail through old-growth ash at N end of Fork Mtn.
MAL008
Location: 38.7052917480469, -78.2922134399414
R @ 4-way onto Thornton Hollow Trail heading N between narrowing rock walls and winding river; look for rock fences and old farm sites
MAL009
Location: 38.7160110473633, -78.3137588500976
After crossing North Fork Thorton River, turn R off trail for primitive campsites in sheltered clearing and rest up before 600-ft. climb back to Skyline Drive
MAL010
Location: 38.7239189147949, -78.3200302124024
Crest the Blue Ridge, cross Skyline Drive, and head L on Thornton Trail; in .4 mi., turn R onto Elkwallow Trail, traversing rising ridgeline
MAL011
Location: 38.7429695129394, -78.3153533935547
R onto Elkwallow Trail. Pass Elkwallow Shelter; at Skyline Drive, head N toward precipitous eastern pitch of Jeremy’s Run
MAL012
Location: 38.7590789794922, -78.3000106811524
Cross 50-foot wood-slat bridge over gently gurgling stream; forgotten water well on R
MAL013
Location: 38.7594718933106, -78.297492980957
Cross road and parking lot at Matthews Arm Campground; pick up Matthews Arm Trail for slight NE incline
MAL014
Location: 38.7634696960449, -78.293098449707
Straight onto Tuscarora Trail through clusters of yellow witch hazel trees; gear down for 500-ft. ridgeline ascent
MAL015
Location: 38.7577095031738, -78.2861480712891
Crest rocky knoll and head L onto AT to car
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