Attractions and Places To See around Afton - Top 13

The Humpback Rocks Trail begins at the south end of the Humpback Gap. About a half-mile up the blue-blazed trail, hikers can take a spur trail on the left to reach Humpback Rocks, enjoying a strenuous 700-foot climb that rewards with stunning views of the Rockfish and Shenandoah Valleys. Continuing straight at the fork, hikers can reach the summit of Humpback Mountain for more great views. The trail is marked with blue blazes and sometimes white when part of the Appalachian Trail.

At 2,981 feet, Turk Mountain offers a stunning panoramic view of the area. The final stretch to the summit is rocky and might require a bit of walking, but the views make the challenge worthwhile.

Turk Mountain is a summit with easy access close to Crimora; the hike to the peak is short but enjoyable. Though not a very high summit, it has an expansive 360 degree view of the surroundings from the top. Turk Mountain is in the south section of Shenandoah National Park, which charges a fee to enter; you can find more information at: https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/fees.htm

Just a little almost hidden outlook to the right of trail going up the mountain, there’s a rock outcropping and gorgeous views!!!

Located just 0.2 miles into the parkway, Afton Overlook is the first official overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Like many of the overlooks of the parkway, this view is of the nearby town. As you climb and descend through the mountains, you get many more views of the network of valleys, rivers, and towns that help make up this unique region of the country. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469 mile paved highway through the states of Virginia and North Carolina. The road is extremely popular for cyclists, cars, and motorcycles, so you should always exercise caution biking on the roadways. Being maintained by the National Park Service, the Blue Ridge Parkway is known for its overlooks and access to natural and wilderness areas. Only paved roads (no paths or trails) are open to bikes within the boundaries of the parkway, and you can expect to see other visitors at most overlooks, trailheads, and campgrounds. Biking any section of the Blue Ridge Parkway offers an immersion into Southern Appalachia. Taking on the entire road in a multi-day push is an extreme undertaking for serious cyclists; that being said, any section of the parkway can be doable for cyclists with some road biking experience and the right gear.

Located just 0.2 miles into the parkway, Afton Overlook is the first official overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Like many of the overlooks of the parkway, this view is of the nearby town. As you climb and descend through the mountains, you get many more views of the network of valleys, rivers, and towns that help make up this unique region of the country. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469 mile paved highway through the states of Virginia and North Carolina. The road is extremely popular for cyclists, cars, and motorcycles, so you should always exercise caution biking on the roadways. Being maintained by the National Park Service, the Blue Ridge Parkway is known for its overlooks and access to natural and wilderness areas. Only paved roads (no paths or trails) are open to bikes within the boundaries of the parkway, and you can expect to see other visitors at most overlooks, trailheads, and campgrounds. Biking any section of the Blue Ridge Parkway offers an immersion into Southern Appalachia. Taking on the entire road in a multi-day push is an extreme undertaking for serious cyclists; that being said, any section of the parkway can be doable for cyclists with some road biking experience and the right gear.

The Humpback Rocks Visitor Center is a quaint farm building built in 1890 and gives an idea of what life was like in the mountains back then, with an exhibit that helps recreate the history. A short hike around leads to other mountain buildings restored. There is a clean restroom and water refill.

Right off BRP, you will find this small but informative center. Besides all the information about BRP, there is a nice exhibit of the area's musical history and instruments played over the years. A short hiking trail leads to a restored farm from the 19th century, with all the buildings and household items. Very interesting and educational. At the Visitors Center, there's a clean bathroom and water resupply. There is no food.