Blue Ridge Park way - Massanutten Resort

26
Milepost 5
HUMPBACK
ROCKS
Travelers heading south from Rockfish Gap experience a
scenic drive through a mountain forest interspersed with agricultural
lands. Climbing and descending ridge tops and gaps
offers magnificent views of the Shenandoah Valley to the west
and Rockfish Valley to the east, along with the flora and fauna
of Appalachian hardwood forests. This is a region that was once
cleared for agriculture, trade routes, timber harvesting, and
subsistence living. Now it supports mature forests, designated
wilderness, US Forest Service lands, and the return of many species
of wildlife not seen in years.
Humpback Rocks at Milepost 5.8 is perhaps the best representation
of the varied combination of natural and cultural
resources anywhere along the Parkway corridor. The prominent
rock outcrop was a landmark guiding wagon trains over the
Howardsville Turnpike in the 1840s. A portion of the historic
trace still exists. This was a major route across the narrow Blue
Ridge until railroads came through the mountain gaps. The view
from “the rocks” is spectacular any time of the year.
Adjacent to Humpback Rocks Visitor Center, an outdoor farm
museum is surrounded by nearly 3,000 acres of predominantly
forested lands. Early Parkway designers collected buildings from
nearby and assembled them here in an arrangement that allows
for an easy stroll along the pathway. The farm museum consists
of a single-room log cabin and a series of outbuildings that represent
elements of regional architecture of the late nineteenth
century. Costumed interpreters provide demonstrations, including
weaving, basket making and gardening. Interpretation focuses
on and emphasizes the generalized life styles of subsistence
farmers.
A visit to Humpback Rocks will help travelers better understand
the difficulties and advantages associated with farming
and living in these mountains and get a sense of how transportation
routes across the mountains linked residents and communities
in the region. Participate in “hands on” cultural demonstrations
depicting domestic and farm chores including gardening
and music. The activities here are designed to paint a picture of
one style of family life in the mountains and reveal the difficulties
of subsistence farming in the nineteenth century.
ATTRACTIoNS
P. Buckley Moss Museum - Exhibiting works by internationally
renowned artist P. Buckley Moss. Free admission. Guided tours.
Gift Shop. I-64 at Exit 94 in Waynesboro (US 340 South). Open
Mon. - Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sun. 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. For
more information: www.pbuckleymoss.com or (800) 343-8643.
FooD, LoDGING, & CAMPING
Days Inn Waynesboro - I-64 exit 94. 5 miles from Parkway. Newly
renovated oversized guest rooms boast panoramic mountain views.
Complimentary continental breakfast & outdoor pool. 2060 Rosser
Ave. (540) 943-1101.
Hampton Inn - Luxury rooms, free hot breakfast, free high speed
wireless internet access, indoor pool, fitness room, near hospital.
Suites available. Near P. Buckley Moss Museum. (540) 213-9500.
Super 8 Waynesboro - I-64, exit 94. 2045 Rosser Ave., 5 miles
from Parkway. Nice clean rooms with free continental breakfast,
free wireless internet & computer in lobby for guest use. E-mail
super8waynesboro@gmail.com or (540) 943-3888.
5-9.3
8.8
13.5
Humpback Rocks. 800 acres. Visitor Center and
mountain farm exhibit (Milepost 5.8), Picnic area,
comfort station (Milepost 8.4)
Greenstone Parking Overlook.
Self-guiding nature trail.
Reeds Gap. Route 664.
Cabin Creekwood - “Your Truly Restful Getaway!” 2 miles west
of Parkway on Rt. 664. Year round, quiet, secluded, fully furnished
resort, mt. cabins. Pool. 44 Creekwood Ln., Lyndhurst, VA 22952.
www.cabincreekwood.com. (888) 942-2246.
Humpback Rocks Interpreter with visitors