Humpback Rocks
Waynesboro, VA
A steep one-mile climb near milepost 6 to a rocky outcrop. There is a reconstructed mountain farm at the trailhead.
Humpback Rocks is at milepost 5.8 of the Blue Ridge Parkway. In the 1840s the outcrop served as a landmark for wagon trains on the Howardsville Turnpike. Next to the seasonal visitor center, the Mountain Farm displays a log cabin and outbuildings typical of regional architecture in the late 19th century; in season, costumed interpreters demonstrate weaving, basket making and gardening. You can explore the buildings on your own year-round.
The trail to the rocks is short but steep: in just over 1.6 km (1 mile) you gain about 210 m (700 feet) via wooden and stone steps and a few rock scrambles; the round trip is 3.2 km (2 miles) and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. At the top, a 360-degree view takes in the Shenandoah Valley, among other sights, and is worth it at sunrise or sunset. The Humpback Gap parking lot holds only a couple dozen cars and fills early on weekends and during fall foliage.
- Nearest town
- Waynesboro, VA
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 37.9687, -78.8970
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Sherando Lake CampgroundCampsite7 mi from Humpback RocksTentsCaravans
- Misty Mountain Camp ResortCampsite10 mi from Humpback RocksTentsCaravans
- Stoney Creek Resort & CampgroundCampsite12 mi from Humpback RocksTentsCaravansWaste disposal
- Loft Mountain CampgroundCampsite23 mi from Humpback RocksTentsCaravansDrinking waterToiletsDogs allowed
- Red Oak CampgroundCampsite24 mi from Humpback Rocks · 30 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposal
- Horseshoe CampgroundCampsite24 mi from Humpback RocksTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposal
All campsites in Virginia · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Humpback Rocks?
Humpback Rocks is in Waynesboro, VA, at GPS 37.9687, -78.8970. It is about 23 mi from Charlottesville.
Can you camp near Humpback Rocks?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Hiker Camping, about 6 mi away; within 25 mi there are 40 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Humpback Rocks?
Humpback Rocks is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: The Blue Ridge Parkway, end to end and Blue mountains, golden autumn – along Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway into the Great Smoky Mountains.
What is there to see near Humpback Rocks?
Places worth a stop nearby: Staunton Historic Downtown (16 mi), Monticello (24 mi), Lexington Historic Downtown (32 mi) and Appomattox Court House National Historical Park (41 mi).
When is the best time to visit Humpback Rocks?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)