At 1,056 feet above sea level, Snickers Gap is one of the lowest wind gaps in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Hawk enthusiasts gather here in early October for birdwatching.
From the Route 7 parking lot in Snickers Gap, a blue-blazed trail leads south to the Appalachian Trail (AT). Follow the AT left for 0.5 miles to Bear’s Den, with expansive views of the Shenandoah Valley. Further south is the AT’s notorious “roller coaster” section – a strenuous 7.3-mile up-and-down hike.
Avid hikers can purchase AT maps and guidebooks from local outfitters. Sections of the Appalachian Trail north can be done as day hikes from, or to Snickers Gap. Sections include: VA 605 to Snickers Gap, Snickers Gap to Keys Gap, and Snickers Gap to Blackburn Trail Center.
Directions:
From I-81 at Exit 315 near Winchester, take Route 7 East for 17 miles to the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Snickers Gap parking lot is on the right.
