Overview
Kelly Knob is located on a ridgelet that bridges the valley between John's Creek Mountain and Clover Hollow Mountain and is immediately off of the Appalachian Trail. While Kelly Knob is not the highest point on the ridgelet—(the high point is densely wooded), it is still much higher than its mountain neighbors, thus affording a fantastic vista of the New River Valley in Giles County, VA. Sandstone bedrock forms a broken escarpment along the East and South of the ridgelet, and the area around Kelly Knob is a particularly striking place with fifty foot cliffs containing deep fissures in the rock.The trails to Kelly Knob are well signed and well traveled. It is a popular dayhike for Virginia Tech students and there is a nice campsite right on the cliff edge at Kelly Knob
Trails to the top
There are several ways to get to Kelly Knob, and all hiking trails are well marked.AT from the North
From interstate 81, take 460 West to the town of Newport and turn North on Rt 42. Past the “town” of Huffman, look out for a sign indicating the AT. Park your car on the shoulder and start walking (southbound). The roundtrip distance to Kelly Knob from this trailhead is about 6 miles.
You will have to cross two streams along this route, one right after another, and both are within rhododendron thickets. Both streams originate in National Forest Land and are thus largely unspoiled by cow poop. I believe that with some exploration, a nice skinny dipping pool could be found nearby.
John’s Creek Mountain Trail
Interstate 81 to 460 West to Rt 42 North
Pass the AT and look for road 658 on your left. At Niday Place State Forest, park and take the John’s Creek Mountain Trail South. When you intersect the AT, turn left (northbound) to get to Kelly Knob. Roundtrip distance is about 8 miles.
The John’s Creek Mountain Trail is a ridge walk and there are several breaks in the trees resulting in decent views.
AT from the South
Interstate 81 to 460 West to Rt 42 North
Turn left onto Rt. 601, also called Clover Hill Road. Remain on 601 until it crosses the AT at the crest of a ridge. Park on the shoulder and start walking (Northbound)
Roundtrip distance is about 4 miles.
Red Tape
free to parkfree to hike
Camping
Camping is permitted anywhere along the AT or the Johns Creek Mountain Trail (except perhaps near the trailheads... use common sense and you won't get into trouble).There is a nice looking campsite right at Kelly Knob that would make a great destination for a short backpacking trip.