Dobie Mountain Trail is a solid hike if you’re looking for something that offers variety, a bit of history, and a peaceful escape into the woods. Just a heads-up, though, if you’re planning to go on a weekend or a holiday, parking will be tough. The lot fills up fast, mostly with folks heading to Humpback Rocks. If you want a spot, get there early.

Trail Overview and Getting There

This hike covers about 6.2 miles and includes an overlook, an Appalachian Trail shelter, and even the remains of a plane crash. You’ll find it right off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Several trailheads have a kiosk with maps and info, which is always a good place to start.

If parking at the trailhead is packed, you can also park at the Humpback Rocks Visitor Center. From there, you walk across the old farmstead. Honestly, it’s worth checking out even if you park up top.

The farm has a cabin, a chicken coop, a root cellar, a barn, a spring house, and even a pigpen that was designed to be “bear proof.” It’s a little time capsule of Appalachian life in the 1890s.

On the Trail

I’m not the biggest fan of out-and-back trails. Something about retracing my steps kind of bugs me. But before heading onto the main stretch, I took a detour to check out Glass Hollow Overlook. Everything was super lush and green, so the view was mostly trees. I imagine in the fall it would be absolutely stunning.

Back on the trail, you follow the Appalachian Trail for a bit until you come across a small stream. If you keep going just a little further, you’ll find a shelter and an outhouse, which is pretty convenient if nature calls. I added this little side trip for the extra mileage, but you can skip it if you’re not into the backtrack.

Once you return to the main route, you’ll continue on the Albright Trail. It’s a quiet walk through the woods, nothing dramatic, just peaceful. If you’re into little surprises along the way, keep your eyes open. There’s a spot with plane wreckage from 1963 on the west slope of Dobie Mountain. It’s off the trail a bit, unmarked, and easy to miss if you’re not looking for it. I didn’t go check it out this time, but it’s on my list for a future hike.

The entire loop is about 6.3 miles and the trail is well-marked. Parts of it were really quiet, which I love when I’m out hiking for solitude and a reset. I enjoyed this trail a lot and I know I’ll be back.

Have you done Dobie Mountain? I’d love to hear how it was for you.