Basalt Cliffs

About 0.8 mi up the AT from Compton Gap, you reach a signpost indicating spur trails to viewpoints. The left spur leads about 0.2 mi to some basalt cliffs where, from beneath, one can view nice examples of columnar jointing. This view is from beneath and shows the right side of the cliffs (the joints are to the left but not visible here). This cliff is a Class 3 scramble and is a more environmentally friendly way to reach the base of the cliffs than the easier gully on the other end of the cliffs. Shenandoah National Park, VA-- October 2007