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Virginia BRP Highlights Blue Ridge Parkway
Blue Ridge Parkway

Greenstone
Trail

 

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The Greenstone Overlook is placed on an outcrop of Catoctin Greenstone, a rock formed from a geologically ancient lava flow that inundated vast areas in Maryland and Northern Virginia. It is the most prevalent rock type over the first 19 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The rock type is recognizable by its deep-sea color. On the left of the view from the overlook is Big Levels, part of the 30,000-acre Big Levels Game Refuge. Below to the right is the village of Stewart's Draft, home of conservationist Justus Cline.

A short 0.2 mile self-guiding trail loops from the overlook and extends through much forest and plant life.  Pass the trailhead sign and go right along the gravel path.  Following along the well worn path, with the occasional steps, the trail bears left around the end of the loop and across a dome of greenstone.

When the trail swings right, squeeze between a pine and a crag then emerge onto an open ledge with great views of the Shenandoah Valley.  The trail descends a flight of stone steps, the trail then rises over more steps past a crag.  A sign tells you about the three types of rock along the parkway.

The trail climbs through a crag, to the right and back into the parking lot.  This easy hike is the classic Blue Ridge Parkway leg stretcher and is worth a stop to explore.  The Greenstone Overlook is located at milepost 8.8 along the Parkway.

For more information on this hike, as well as many other hikes along the Parkway, get the hiking guide book Hiking the Blue Ridge Parkway.

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Virginia BRP Highlights Blue Ridge Parkway

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