Humpback Gap Overlook - elev. 2360' (Milepost 6.0)

Overlook Description

From 1851 until the early 1900s wagoners hauling cargo used the bygone road Howardsville Pike to go between Howardsville and the Shenandoah Valley. Often the travelers camped at Humpback Gap. Nearby are the 795 acres of Humpback Rocks Recreation Area. Notable is the rock fence, reputedly built by slaves of a plantation owner, that separates the gap and Greenstone Overlook.

Shortly by, at milepost 5.8 are the Humpback Rocks.

The early European settlers of the Appalachian Mountains forged a living from the native materials so abundant around them. Hickory, chestnut and oak trees provided nuts for food, logs for building and tannin for curing hides, while the rocks were put to use as foundations and chimneys for the houses and in stone fences to control wandering livestock. Many self-sufficient farms sprang up in the Humpback Mountain area.

Today, visitors can tour a collection of 19th Century farm buildings. The Mountain Farm trail provides access to the cabin and various outbuildings. The area also houses a visitor center with new exhibits prepared for the spring 2000 opening, a picnic area and trails.