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Difficulty: Medium/Intermediate
Length: ~2 miles
Features: Outstanding views of Salt Pond Mt. and the New River Valley

Description
This medium difficulty hike is a great hike if you only have a few hours. It is a steady uphill in the beginning, but then flattens to a ridge approach of the Knob. The Knob provides a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains along with Blacksburg VA, and Virginia Tech’s campus. It is the closest AT access point from Blacksburg, and is well worth the effort. There is also places to camp as well along the way up.

The beginning section of the trail is the hardest and steepest. After you reach the top of the steady incline, things start to level out and then you will follow the ridge until you reach a side trail on the right for Kelly’s Knob. The trail leads less than 120 yards off to the knob. Pay attention as you are hiking because it is easy to miss the sign! Total hiking time is about 2-3 hours depending on your speed and the amount of time you spend at the Knob.

Directions to the Hike
From Blacksburg, head west on 460. Turn right onto Route 42 at the gas station and mini mart. Drive for about 1.5 miles and take a left on 601 or Clover Hill Rd. Drive for about 6 miles and a Road will T into 601, go straight on 601 and it will turn to gravel - it will look like you are on someones driveway, just keep going past the houses and it will start to climb the mountain and as soon as you see the “Welcome to Giles County” sign, park. There should be a small spot for maybe 2 or 3 cars on the left side of the road, the AT intersects at the Giles County sign.

Hiking up to Kelly’s Knob will allow you the opportunity to get some great pictures of the valleys below and the surrounding mountains. Here are a few from my most recent trip up there.

Besides being just a day hike, Kelly’s Knob is a great spot to camp out at if you have the time. You can either camp at the Knob (there is a campsite and fire pit) or you could continue hiking along the Appalachian Trail to find another spot. If you take the side trail from the Knob back to the AT, you can continue to the right and will be heading towards Sinking Creek Mountain. Continue hiking in this direction and you will find some other areas to camp. After your night in the woods continue hiking along the AT and you will reach Route 42 again in the town of Huffman. The AT crosses Route 42 and can be reached via 460 West like the directions above; just follow Rt. 42 instead of turning onto VA 601, continue 6-7 miles and when you pass the Level Green Church, you will be about a 1/2 mile away from the trail crossing. Keep your eyes open for the signs. To the left the trail takes you towards Kelly’s Knob and to the right takes you up Sinking Creek Mountain.

For clearer directions and visualization, get the AT map for the area and you will be able to easily follow the driving directions!