Neighbor – Knob Lollipop
A lollipop featuring the sweet climbs and descents of Neighbor and Knob Mountains, over 7 miles on the Appalachian Trail, and Elkwallow Wayside, a favorite mid-run oasis.
- Distance
-
- 27.5 miles
- Running time
-
- 5–7 hours
- Total ascent/descent
-
-
6,300 feet
230 feet/mile
-
6,300 feet
- Start/finish
- GPX file
- What to wear
Directions
From the parking area on Route 211, cross the road and head uphill to the Pass Mountain Trail. Climb 0.7 miles to the saddle and then take a left, climbing an additional 2.2 miles to the Appalachian Trail (AT). You will pass Pass Mountain Shelter near the top.
Turn right on the AT and go 3 miles north, crossing Skyline Drive along the way at Beahms Gap. Take a left onto the Neighbor Mountain Trail and go 4.5 miles down to Jeremys Run.
At the bottom, pickup the Knob Mountain Trail and begin the biggest climb of the day. Follow Knob Mountain for 5.3 miles to the Knob Mountain Cutoff Trail. Take a right and descend 0.6 miles down to Jeremys Run.
Take a left onto the Jeremys Run Trail and climb for 0.7 miles to the Appalachian Trail (AT). Stay left and take the AT 0.6 miles to Elkwallow Wayside (mile 17.5), where there is a convenience store and snack bar in season.
Much of the remainder of the run is on the AT. From Elkwallow, retrace your steps on the AT, southbound, for 7.2 miles, all the way back to the Pass Mountain Trail. Take a left onto Pass Mountain and descend 2.9 miles down to Route 211.
Last updated February 21, 2021
What you do is up to you, but you shouldn't rely on these directions alone; they are often not specific enough to navigate by, and may be incorrect or out of date. Review a map beforehand and carry it with you. Tell a friend where you are going and when you plan to return. Do not count on having cell phone service while on the run. The VHTRC is not responsible for your welfare on any of these runs. If you go on one of these runs and get lost, run out of water, get injured, mauled by a bear, or die, or if anything else goes wrong, it's your fault; not ours. You assume all risks here and the VHTRC assumes none at all. Legal issues aside, some of these runs are more remote than others and the VHTRC is not suggesting that you do any of these runs, unless you are prepared to accept full responsibility for yourself.