Punchbowl (BRP) to James River (VA-501)

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10.9 miles, moderate terrain
45 miles from Roanoke, $4.00 carpool fee

We will start this hike on an A.T. crossing on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Heading south, we will climb Punch Bowl Mountain. We will then climb to the summit of Big Rocky Row, which offers great views of the James River. We will also pass Fuller’s Rocks, before descending to Route 501, along the James River. The hike is located in Amherst County and starts on the Blue Ridge Parkway about 15 miles from Buena Vista and follows the Appalachian Trail all the way to the James River. Although four distinct peaks are crossed, the trend is downhill with a net loss of about 2,000 feet. There are several good overlooks - the best from Fullers Rocks on Little Rocky Row Mountain.