The best running trails around Dooms

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.

Humpback Rocks is a popular hiking destination due to its accessibility from the Blue Ridge Parkway and I-64. The trail leads to a greenstone outcrop near the peak of Humpback Mountain, with a summit elevation of 3,080 feet. The name comes from the "hump" in the rock formation, which gives the mountain its name, making it stand out from the surrounding, more vegetated peaks. While the views are spectacular, be cautious, especially when the rocks are wet, and try to overlook the occasional disappointing graffiti in some areas.

This trail leads you on a steady incline up to Turk Mountain, winding through a narrow dirt path surrounded by lush greenery. Along the way, you'll be rewarded with stunning views, making it worth taking your time to enjoy the scenery.

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.

The Appalachian Trail stretches over 2,000 miles and stands as one of the most iconic trails in the United States. This section leads you to the Calf Mountain summit, where you'll enjoy views of the radio towers on Bear Den Mountain across Skyline Drive. While the trail continues for miles, this area offers the best views.

Towering over Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains, the iconic greenstone outcroppings of Humpback Rocks offer trail runners a challenging yet breathtaking journey. Located just six miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway entrance near Waynesboro, the distinctive rocky summit of Humpback Mountain stretches 3,080 feet skyward. Despite the surrounding summits blanketed in vegetation, Humpback’s exposed gray stones create a visual “hump” for which it is named, beckoning runners to take on the steep slope.

Sawmill Run Overlook sits on a point where Appalachian Trail meets Skyline Drive, and, being accessible by car, it’s not so secluded as other viewpoints in the AT. However, it is a great trailhead to start on the Appalachian Trail. From the overlook you can appreciate expansive views of the Appalachian Mountains covered by forest, and in particular the nearby Turk Mountain Summit.

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