Bland County High Point Trip Report
Chestnut Ridge
Date: February 26, 2000
Author: Ron Tagliapietra
We came in the long way from the south and west, but the easiest access is to exit
I-77 at Rocky Gap (exit 64) and drive 16 miles SW on VA 61.
Turn south on road 623 and go 8 miles to the community of Burkes Garden.
Turn right on road 727 and follow the turns in the road almost 5 miles to the end
of the pavement. Continue 0.3 miles to the crest of the ridge at Walker Gap and
the parking area for the Appalachian Trail.
Hike about 1.5 miles southbound on the Appalachian Trail to Chestnut Ridge
(roughly 800 foot gain). The topo incorrectly show the AT skirting the summit.
The Chestnut Knob Shelter is on the bald summit right on the trail and the benchmark
is just outside the front door (BM Chestnut 1934).