Pike County Highpoint Trip Report
Birch Knob (3,149 ft)
Date: October 21, 2005
Author: Ron Tagliapietra
The round trip hike took me 12 minutes including the rock scramble at the top.
According to the sign, there are now 183 steps in the staircase to the top.
Even though you can look down on the benchmark from the observation deck at the
top, you have to get off of the staircase for a short bit to claim the natural
highest point. The staircase removes any difficulties but don't get caught
there in a lightning storm since the staircase is all metal.
Follow signs north on VA 631 from VA 83 in Clintwood for about 3 miles.
Fork right onto South of the Mountain Road for about another 3 miles to where it
becomes gravel. Follow the graded gravel road for about 4 miles to its end at
the signed trailhead for Birch Knob.