December 24, 2025
Today’s trek started at Milam Gap Parking (Mile marker 52) to Rock Cabin parking (mile
marker 48) Please note that Rock Cabin parking has room for roughly 5 vehicles, but
you can park at the Spitler Knoll overlook if it is full.
We started out on relatively flat terrain, making it 1 mile to the Tanner’s Ridge Cemetery.
We acknowledged the departed and continued our trek, crossing over Tanner’s Ridge
Fire Road. The next mile was a steady ascent to Blackrock viewpoint (not to be
confused with the Blackrock in the Southern District) where we had a snack and water
break. We rounded the ridge past Big Meadows cabins and campground and saw a
family of deer.
We had some very nice views of this section. We crossed over Rose River/Red Gate
Fire Road and continued past Franklin Cliffs and Spitler Knoll to the short spur trail to
the parking lot. It was a mild, sunny day and it was a relatively easy hike today, with
some great views.
Big Meadows is what I consider the halfway point on the Skyline Drive. There is a
restaurant, gift shop, gas pumps, ample parking and many restrooms available.
Stats- 5.81 miles/1050’ elevation gain
Critter recap- deer
