Up and Over Doubletop: A Guided Ascent Across Graves Mountain Farm
Difficulty: Tough (Technical) • 4-5 Hours • Up to 10 People • Miles: 3.5-4.5
The trail begins in the hush behind the lodge—a farm-scented hush of cut grass and apple woodsmoke—then turns and becomes something else: a tightening of trees, a chorus of stone underfoot, the valley dropping away until you realize you've climbed into a different geometry of sky. Guided by Tim Lewis, the route up Doubletop squeezes the day into a focused piece of effort: 3.5–4.5 miles round-trip, roughly 2,400 feet of gain, and four to five hours of deliberate hiking that feels more like a conversation with the mountain than a contest with it. For anyone who wants the satisfaction of a steep, technical day-hike without the logistics of a long wilderness approach, the Doubletop Out & Back is a tidy, exacting choice.
Trail Wisdom
Use Trekking Poles
Poles reduce knee strain and provide stability on the steep, rocky pitches—bring them if you have them.
Wear Grippy Footwear
Choose shoes with aggressive tread and ankle support; loose rock and steep angles demand traction.
Hydrate and Snack Often
Carry 2–3 liters of water and calorie-dense snacks—there’s limited shade during the climb and it’s a sustained effort.
Book in Advance
Guided slots are limited; confirm with the guide and wait for email confirmation before assuming you’re booked.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Early morning orchard walk near the lodge
- •A small riverside bench on the farm for a quiet packed lunch
Wildlife
White-tailed deer, Pileated woodpecker
Conservation Note
Trails cross working agricultural land—stay on designated paths, close gates, and carry out all trash to protect orchard operations and habitat.
The property is a long-standing working farm with orchards and pastureland that now supports agritourism alongside guided outdoor experiences.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Wildflowers, Cooler temperatures, Birding
Challenges: Mud on lower trails, Variable weather, Tick activity
Spring brings fresh leaves and wildflowers but expect muddy sections and brisk weather on the ridge—layers are key.
summer
Best for: Lush understory, Long days, Orchard fruit
Challenges: Heat and humidity, Thunderstorms, Overgrown trail edges
Summer offers verdant trails and orchard scent; start early to avoid heat and afternoon storms.
fall
Best for: Fall colors, Clear views, Crisp air
Challenges: Crowds on peak days, Cool mornings, Shorter daylight
Fall is prime for color and visibility; bring warm layers for chilly ridge winds and plan for less daylight.
winter
Best for: Quiet trails, Clear vistas, Snow scenery
Challenges: Ice on rock, Cold temperatures, Limited services
Winter provides stark, panoramic views but watch for ice—microspikes and extra insulation are recommended.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Sturdy Hiking BootsEssential
Support and aggressive tread are essential on rocky, steep sections.
Trekking PolesEssential
Poles help with balance on loose rock and reduce impact on descents.
Insulating Layer + ShellEssential
Quick-changing weather on the ridge calls for a lightweight insulating layer and waterproof shell.
2–3 Liters WaterEssential
Sustained climb and limited resupply make ample hydration critical.
Common Questions
How strenuous is the climb to Doubletop?
Expect sustained steep sections with up to 2,400 feet of elevation gain over 3.5–4.5 miles; it’s technical and recommended for fit hikers.
Do I need prior hiking experience to join the guided hike?
Some hiking experience on steep, rocky terrain is recommended; guides can adjust pace but the grade remains challenging.
Are children allowed on the hike?
Yes—children five and under are included; youth ages 6–14 have a reduced fee, but parents should consider the technical sections before bringing younger kids.
What should I bring for food and water?
Pack 2–3 liters of water and high-energy snacks; Graves Market sells packed lunches if you prefer not to carry yours.
Is there cell service on the trail?
Cell service is spotty on parts of the ridge; treat the outing as semi-remote and inform someone of your plans when necessary.
How do I book the hike?
Reservations are required—book through the local guide page and wait for email confirmation from Tim before assuming your spot is secured.
What to Pack
Hiking boots (support on rocky slopes), trekking poles (stability), 2–3L water (hydration), layered shell (weather protection)
Did You Know
Graves Mountain operates across roughly 1,800 acres and maintains more than 18 miles of trails that traverse orchards, river corridors, and ridgelines.
Quick Travel Tips
Closest airport: Charlottesville (CHO) ~50 miles; Drive time from Charlottesville: ~1–1.25 hours; Cell service: spotty on ridge; Permits: none, but guided bookings required
Local Flavor
After the hike, pick up a sandwich and fresh apple cider at the Graves Market. For a longer stay, nearby towns offer farm-to-table dining and local breweries—perfect for cleaning up, swapping trail stories, and sampling regional flavors.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport / trailhead: Charlottesville-Albemarle (CHO) / Graves Mountain Lodge; Driving distance from nearest major town: ~1–1.5 hours from Charlottesville; Cell service: intermittent on ridge; Permits or passes: booking/confirmation required through the guide.
Sustainability Note
This is a working farm—stay on marked trails, respect orchards and livestock, and pack out all trash to minimize impacts on agricultural operations and wildlife habitat.