Compton Gap Parking Lot

Park here and go across Skyline Drive to access to Compton Peak Trailhead. Hike about 1 mile on the rocky trail and you'll reach the peak overlooking striking views of the rolling mountains full of fall colors! It's breathtaking but very serene. You will definitely enjoy your time there.

On the contrary, the trail by the gate seems easier but you may not get to see open views. Choose whichever way that fits you.

I was able to park in this parking lot and hike several days on the Appalachian Trail. No issues except on the last day when a bunch of couch buses were in the parking lot. I was able to back out, but it was tight. But I could imagine on a normal day, in and outs would be easy!

The parking lot itself is boring. Across the parking lot and Skyline Drive is the Compton Peak trail. A very pretty, lightly trafficked hike. Full cover by the trees. This is a moderate hike, climbing 800 feet and change. Bring sturdy shoes as the trail is rocky. About a mile or so in there is crossroad. Continue straight to pick up thr Adirondack Trail. To the left is a short but strenuous, very rocky trail to a giant boulder you can climb to get a so so view looking westward. Might be better in the winter when all the trees have lost their leaves. To the right, a short incline for 5 minutes, you are rewarded with a spectacular view overlooking Skyline Drive and into the valley.

The views are amazing. The trails have a steep and rocky drop through lovely woods down to the 4H, go counterclockwise for the easiest climb back up to the parking area.

No city noise, smells fresh, alot of Suburus, friendly rangers.

small parking lot with access to the Compton gap hike as well as the fort windham rocks/dickey ridge trail hikes. not too many spots so it fills up early, but neither hike is so long that cars are there all day. i recommend the Compton peak hike, both the east viewpoint (of geological features) and the west (a vista) are great and worth checking out. it is moderately strenuous, with most of the challenge coming from the rocky part of reaching the geological feature. the viewpoint on the west side is a great spot to enjoy a snack/lunch with a stunning view of skyline drive to the north and the shenandoah valley to the west

I hiked the AT from route 522 to the Compton Gap parking area, a distance of 5.6 miles one way. This is a moderate hike, with a lot more up and down than you might expect if you look at a typical topo map with a 40 or 100 foot contour interval. Lots of water, you absolutely need waterproof boots at least until the new year. There is a wayside about 3 miles down the AT from rt 522 with a functioning, clean outhouse. Also, several side trails and springs if you want to explore.

Great short but powerful hike! Cross skyline drive to pick up the trail. Take a left instead of a right at the trail crossing to see some really cool rock formations down a steep path. Beautiful view if you take that right. Enjoy!

Nice Hiking area, with a couple of trails, one very easy, and another one a bit more challenging (anyway not difficult) with some vertical drop. A stick could be useful (but not necessary) in the more difficult one. When you reach a cross, you have a short walk in both direction. Trail is very well maintained: the easiest is basically gravel, the other one some stone and wood.

Beautiful hike not too strenuous!

Parking lot has room for several cars. Nearby trails are pretty easy. Forest scenery, views from trail across from lot.

Great trails, though parking lot is frequently full in summer. Need to arrive either early or last few hours of daylight.

Big rock along a 45 minute hike with a 110 meter elevation rise, ending with a spectacular overlook. Blue Ridge Parkway.

Limited spots, but an enjoyable hike!

This is the overlook down the trail for about a mile, it's the Compton Gap

Easy access to AT. Seemed like safe parking