Smith Roach Gap Trail is a 2.2-mile circuit hike which passes by an old mountaineer's home. Evidence of the site still remain. The walk is through a beautiful hardwood forest offering views of mountain laurel and an assemblage of mosses and ferns.

Directions: From Front Royal, VA, Skyline Drive travels the entire length of Shenandoah National Park. Mile markers are placed along the right-hand side of the road heading south. They are numbered from north to south beginning at the northern terminus in Front Royal, Virginia. Facilities, trails and park features use the mile markers as points of reference. Park in the grassy area off the fire road by milepost 68.6. Begin on the Appalachian Trail heading north for 1 mile. Turn right onto an old dirt road. (In .5 mile you will see evidence of another old dirt road which was once part of the network of paths the mountain people traveled.) Continue straight then veering right.

Elevation: 2,620 feet

Elevation Gain: Minimal

Difficulty: Easy

Visitor Information