Barren Rock Hike
4,380 ft | Virginia
2.5 mi round trip
712 ft
1 hr
Moderate
Barren Rock Hike at a Glance
The Barren Rock hike is 2.5 mi round trip with 712 ft of elevation gain, about 1 hr of hiking.
| Summit elevation | 4,380 ft |
|---|---|
| Distance | 2.5 mi round trip |
| Elevation gain | 712 ft |
| Hiking time | About 1 hr |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Route last checked | October 25, 2026 |
Your time: about 1 h 10 min of moving time at Naismith pace (3 mph plus 1 hour per 2,000 ft climbed); about 1 h 30 min at a relaxed pace. A 160 lb hiker with a daypack burns roughly 670 kcal.
Adjust for your pace and breaks →About Barren Rock
Barren Rock rises to 4,380 feet in Virginia. The mapped route covers 2.5 miles round trip (out-and-back) with about 712 feet of elevation gain — a gradual walk with modest climbing.
The Route
Most of the climbing comes early — the first half of the route does the bulk of the work before the grade eases. The steepest stretch arrives around mile 0.44, gaining roughly 2,200 feet per mile — expect a slow, deliberate pace through here. From the trailhead at about 3,747 feet, the route tops out near 4,367 feet.
Getting There
The trailhead is at 38.42864, -79.4909 (tap for driving directions). It's roughly 85 miles north of Roanoke, Virginia. Cell service is often unreliable once you leave the highway.
When to Go
Late May through October is the main season. Snow and ice linger into spring and return early in fall at this latitude and elevation; in winter this becomes a different, more serious undertaking requiring traction devices and warm layers.
Know Before You Go
The Moderate rating comes from the National Park Service difficulty formula, which weighs total distance against elevation gain. Most hikers should budget about 1.0 hours of moving time; add margin for breaks, photos and the descent. Download the GPX track from this page before you go — a saved route works offline in any GPS app, and cell coverage is unreliable in the mountains. Conditions change: verify current access, closures and weather with the official land manager before you go. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Nearby summits with their own guides on this site: Slate Springs Mountain (18.3 mi away).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to hike Barren Rock?
The mapped route is 2.5 miles round trip with about 712 feet of elevation gain, and most hikers take roughly 1.0 hours of moving time. Add time for breaks and conditions — winter or wet weather can double the trip.
How hard is the Barren Rock hike?
It's rated Moderate using the National Park Service difficulty formula (2.5 miles round trip, 712 ft of gain — about 300 ft of climbing per mile). The elevation profile on this page shows exactly where the steep sections fall.
Where is the Barren Rock trailhead?
The trailhead is at 38.42864, -79.4909 in Virginia. Use the driving-directions link in the Getting There section above.
Are dogs allowed on the Barren Rock trail?
Rules vary by land manager — national parks often prohibit dogs on trails, while most national forests allow them on leash. Check with the managing agency for this trail before bringing your dog, and pack out waste.
When is the best time to hike Barren Rock?
Late May through October for snow-free hiking. Check a summit point forecast before you go — conditions up high differ from the trailhead.
How tall is Barren Rock?
Barren Rock stands at 4,380 feet (1,335 meters) in Virginia.
Safety Information
Current Hazards
- Rapidly changing weather
- Ice possible on summit
- Wet leaves on trails
Turn-Around Time
1:00 PM (2:00 PM summer)
Plan to reach the summit by this time to allow safe descent before dark.
Essential Gear Checklist
* Critical items - do not hike without these
Emergency Contacts
Emergency / Search & Rescue
911Summit Forecast
NWS Point Forecast →In most of the US, backcountry search and rescue is dispatched through 911 — tell the operator you have a hiker emergency and your GPS coordinates.
Sources for The Barren Rock Guide
Route last checked October 25, 2026.
- Trail data
- OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL)
- Elevation
- Open-Meteo (Copernicus 30 m DEM)
- Route line
- OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), routed trailhead-to-summit
Conditions change. Check the land manager for closures, fees and weather before you go.
Nearby Peaks
Explore other mountains near Barren Rock. Great for peak-bagging or planning your next adventure.