Three Ridges Loop Backpacking Guide

three ridges loop hanging rock overlook — Hanging Rock Overlook

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The Three Ridges Loop is a popular 13.2-mile hike located in the George Washington National Forest of Virginia. This route uses the Appalachian and Mau-Har Trail to form the loop.

Throughout this hike, expect several steep climbs and some rock scrambles. However, in the end, all your effort will be rewarded with many beautiful vistas offering views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.

Also, in the valley below, you’ll enjoy seeing serval cascading waterfalls along Campbells Creek.

In this article, I will help you plan for this backpacking adventure and guide you in getting the most out of your trip.

Trail Facts

Length: 13.2 Miles
Trail Blazes: White (AT) Blue (Mau-Har Trail)
Duration: 2 Days
Elevation Gain: 3,564 Feet
Peak Elevation: 3,970 Feet
Best Season to Hike: Spring to Fall
Difficulty Level: Strenuous
Bear Canisters: Not Required
Permits: Not Required
Dogs: Allowed

Highlights

Hanging Rock Overlook
Chimney Rock Overlook
Flat Rock Overlook
Water Falls along Campbell Creek

chimney rock at three ridges wilderness — view from chimney Rock

Maps & Information

The 1504 National Geographic (Bailey Gap to Calf Mt.) Map: For finding your way, I recommend the National Geographic waterproof map. It will provide you with elevation profiles, shelter locations, and water sources.

AllTrails App: For backpackers who prefer digital maps to navigate with, the AllTrails app is great. It uses your mobile phone’s GPS to track your position on the route. You’ll find the Three Ridges Loop there, along with over 400,000 other trails. The app provides you with elevation profiles, mileage, campsites, water sources, and points of interest.

Try alltrails for free for a week

Parking & Trailhead

Parking can be found at Reed’s Gap, located where Route 664 intersects with the Blue Ridge Parkway in Nelson County. Approximately 15 cars can fit in the parking lot. Since this is a very popular trail to hike, the parking lot can fill up on the weekends, so I would suggest, if possible, getting there early, so you can have a better chance of getting a spot.

If you head downhill along Route 664, you’ll find the white-blazed trailhead at the southern end of the parking lot. I have the exact parking and trailhead locations marked on the interactive map below.

Three Ridges Loop Flat Rock — Flat Rock Overlook

Terrain

The terrain of the Three Ridges Loop can be classified as strenuous. With 6,800 feet of cumulative elevation change, you'll find you rarely walk on a flat trail. You're either ascending or descending steep terrain. The most notable climb is 2,175 feet of elevation gain up to the Three Ridges summit at 3,970 feet.

Certain sections of this trail are very rocky. So, good shoes are a must to protect your feet, so I recommend Altra Lone Peak 8s. They have a stone plate built into their soles, which helps guard against any sharp rocks.

If you're considering bringing your dog on this loop, your dog should already have experience hiking challenging trails.

Dangers

The most significant danger of this hike would be the rock scrambling. On the Mau-Har Trail, there's a very rocky section as you pass through the canyon alongside Campbells Creek. There you wind your way between and over boulders. Sometimes you have to stow your trekking poles and pull yourself up and over large rock slabs.

Bears are also something you'll want to take note of on this hike. There are occasional sightings of bears in the area. To be safe, make sure to store your food properly at night. If you're unsure how to, check out my article on how to hang a bear bag.

backpacking three ridges loop — Backpacking with my dog in the three ridges wilderness

Bugs

With part of the trail following Campbells Creek, mosquitoes can be a concern, especially in springtime. Ticks are also a notable pest to be aware of in the grassy sections. When I backpacked this route in May with my dog, I found a bunch of ticks on my dog and a few on me.

So, make sure to take all the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your dog. To guard against these insects, use a combination of permethrin spray on your clothing and picaridin spray on any exposed skin.

To learn about additional precautions you can take to guard against these insects, check out my article on How to protect yourself from ticks and mosquitoes when hiking.

Water Sources

On the Mau-Har Trail, you'll find water readily available since the route follows Campbells Creek. However, on the Appalachian Trail section of the loop, you'll find water is more scarce. You'll have about a 7-mile dry stretch. So, make sure you carry enough water to support yourself in that section.

I have many of the water sources labeled on the interactive map below to help you develop a strategic water plan. If you're unsure how to create a proper water plan, check out my article on how much water you should carry backpacking.

Make sure to filter your water. Protozoa and bacteria are a concern. One of the best water filters on the market is the sawyer squeeze because it's lightweight, affordable, and has a fast flow rate.

campbells run in the three ridges wilderness — campbells run

Camping Spots & Shelters

You'll find many preexisting campsites along the trail when hiking this loop. Some are conveniently located by a stream, while others are dry campsites. (not near a water source) Some of these dry campsites are conveniently close to or at an overlook.

No permits are required to camp overnight in the Three Ridges Wilderness.

The best campsites can be found around the Harpers Creek Shelter. There are roughly eight good flat sites close to a reliable water source. What makes these campsites appealing is their location. Situated at 5.8-miles into the route (mileage based on hiking the loop in a counter-clockwise direction) and leaving 7.4-miles for the next day, the campsite location breaks the loop up nicely for an overnight trip.

Also, two Appalachian Trail shelters along this route can fit between 6-8 hikers. Maupin Field Shelter can be found at mile 1.7, and Harpers Creek Shelter is at mile 5.8.

Both shelters have a water source nearby, a picnic table, and composting privy. Maupin Field Shelter also has a metal bear-hang post to protect your food. Keep in mind these shelters can't be reserved. They're on a first-come basis.

Here are the following Three Ridges Wilderness-specific regulations.

Group size is limited to no more than 10 people per party
Pack out all debris, garbage, or other waste
Maximum length of stay is 3 days within any 31-day period
Camping is prohibited within 300 feet of any single Appalachian Trail shelter

I have all the campsites and shelters found throughout this loop marked on the interactive make below to help with your trip planning.

three ridges wilderness campsite — Three ridges wilderness campsite

Which Direction Should You Hike?

It's common to hike the Three Ridges Loop in a clockwise direction. However, I recommend doing this trail in a counter-clockwise fashion. This is so you can leave the best the trail has to offer for last, like the breathtaking view from the Hanging Rock overlook. Leaving you with a lasting impression.

Also, by doing this, you'll protect your knees from potential injury by climbing up the steepest section instead of hiking down it.

Possible Trip Itinerary

2 Day Trip (counter-clockwise)

Day 1: (5.8 miles)

Start at Reed's Gap parking lot.
.8 miles: The trail reaches its first ridge before descending through switchbacks.
1.6 miles: Reach the junction of the AT and the Mau-Har Trail. Turn right onto the blue-blazed Mau Har trail.
1.7 miles: Reach the Maupin Field Shelter.
4.8 miles: Continue past the shelter, follow Campbells Creek and eventually reach the junction where the Mau-Har meets the white-blazed AT.
5.8 miles: Arrive at the Harper's Creek Shelter and camping area. This is where you'll stay for the night.

Day 2: (7.4 miles)

Leave Harper's Creek Shelter and camping area. The trail begins to ascend steeply.
7.3 miles: Reach Flat Rock overlook.
7.8 miles: Reach Chimney Rock.
8.95 miles: Reach the summit of Three Ridges. (No views) Start a long descent.
9.8 miles: Reach Hanging Rock and enjoy the trail's best views.
11.2 miles: Reach the summit of Bee Mountain.
11.6 miles: Reach the junction of the AT and Mau-Har Trail. Continue on the AT and retrace your steps back to your vehicle.
13.2 miles: Arrive at Reed's Gap parking lot.

Trail Guides