Emma Sonberg’s Guide to Calf Mountain
Calf Mountain, located in the scenic Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, is a popular hiking destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a moderately challenging trek with rewarding views. Situated in the southern portion of the park, Calf Mountain offers hikers a peaceful and less-crowded alternative to some of the more well-known peaks in the area. With its rolling terrain, beautiful overlooks, and access to the Appalachian Trail (AT), it provides a perfect day hike for those who want to experience the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Emma’s 6 Key Points on Calf Mountain
Overview of the Hike – Calf Mountain is one of the more accessible summits in Shenandoah National Park, with the trailhead conveniently located near the southern entrance at Rockfish Gap. The hike to the summit is approximately 5.7 miles round trip and is considered moderately difficult due to its steady elevation gain. However, compared to other hikes in the park, such as Old Rag or Hawksbill Mountain, the ascent to Calf Mountain is more gradual, making it suitable for hikers of varying skill levels.
The trail to Calf Mountain primarily follows the Appalachian Trail, providing a well-marked and well-maintained path through the picturesque Blue Ridge forest. Hikers will enjoy a mix of shaded woodlands, open meadows, and rocky outcrops along the way. The hike is an out-and-back route, with the option to extend the journey by continuing along the AT to nearby summits, such as Little Calf Mountain.
Beginning the Hike – The trail to Calf Mountain begins at Beagle Gap, a small parking area located off Skyline Drive, Shenandoah’s scenic byway. This area serves as the starting point for many hikes in the southern district of the park, making it a popular spot for day hikers. From the parking area, hikers immediately join the Appalachian Trail heading north.
The first section of the trail is a steady but manageable climb through wooded areas, offering occasional glimpses of the surrounding landscape through the trees. Early in the hike, you will pass through a grassy clearing that provides a preview of the open ridges to come. This area is also a beautiful place to spot wildflowers in the spring and summer, or to enjoy vibrant foliage in the fall.
The Summit of Little Calf Mountain – Before reaching Calf Mountain, hikers will first pass over the summit of Little Calf Mountain. This is a lower peak but still offers lovely views of the surrounding valleys and ridges. Little Calf Mountain is about 1 mile from the trailhead, and while it’s a gentle ascent, it provides a nice stopping point for those looking to rest and take in the scenery. The summit is marked by a clearing with an open meadow, providing panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Piedmont region to the east.
This area is often breezy and offers expansive views, making it an ideal spot for a snack or photo break. The peacefulness of Little Calf Mountain and its wide, open terrain contrasts with the more forested sections of the trail that follow.
The Summit of Calf Mountain – Continuing along the Appalachian Trail for another 1.8 miles brings hikers to the summit of Calf Mountain. The trail to the summit is less steep than the climb to Little Calf Mountain, but it offers its own challenges, with rocky outcrops and a few switchbacks along the way. The summit itself is forested, so the views are limited compared to the more open vistas on Little Calf Mountain.
While the summit of Calf Mountain may not offer the sweeping views of other peaks, it is a peaceful and secluded spot, often less crowded than other hikes in Shenandoah National Park. The quiet, forested summit provides an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the serenity of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
For those seeking a longer hike, Calf Mountain can serve as a starting point for further exploration along the Appalachian Trail. The trail continues past Calf Mountain, offering opportunities to extend the hike or link up with other nearby trails.
Flora, Fauna, and Scenic Beauty – One of the highlights of hiking Calf Mountain is to experience the natural beauty of Shenandoah National Park. The trail passes through a variety of ecosystems, from dense hardwood forests to open meadows. Depending on the season, hikers can enjoy colorful wildflower blooms, including mountain laurel and trillium, or catch glimpses of wildlife such as deer, black bears, and wild turkeys.
In the fall, the trail is especially beautiful as the trees turn shades of red, orange, and yellow. The views from Little Calf Mountain are particularly stunning during this time, as the surrounding valleys and ridges are blanketed in fall colors.
Tips for Hiking Calf Mountain – Before setting out on the hike, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind. First, Shenandoah National Park requires an entrance fee, so be prepared to pay at one of the park’s entrance stations or purchase an annual pass. The hike itself is straightforward, but sturdy footwear is recommended due to rocky sections along the trail.
As with all hikes in Shenandoah, it is important to bring plenty of water, especially during the warmer months. The trail is exposed in some areas, particularly on Little Calf Mountain, so sun protection is also recommended.
Hikers should check the weather before heading out, as conditions in the Blue Ridge Mountains can change quickly. During the winter months, the trail can be icy, and sections of Skyline Drive may be closed due to snow.
Emma’s Conclusion on Calf Mountain
Calf Mountain offers a rewarding and scenic hiking experience in the heart of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or just looking for a day out in nature, the trail’s moderate difficulty, beautiful views, and peaceful atmosphere make it a great destination for anyone exploring Shenandoah National Park. With its connection to the Appalachian Trail and the option to extend your hike, Calf Mountain is a must-visit for hikers seeking a quieter but equally beautiful adventure in one of Virginia’s most iconic outdoor locations.
Resources:
ALLTrails- Calf Mountain via Appalachian Trail – https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/calf-mountain-trail
Go Hike Virginia – https://gohikevirginia.com/little-calf-mountain-hike/
