Trace Ridge Trail -- 3,400'

Another lull...

Trace Ridge Trail -- 3,450'

Summit in sight...

Trace Ridge Trail -- 3,500'

The trail as it crosses the unnamed knob to the south of the Spencer Branch junction...

Trace Ridge Trail -- 3,480'

A downhill grade...something of a novelty for those hiking the trail northbound...

Trace Ridge Trail -- 3,420'

Once again here, erosive forces have cut the trail deep into the top soil...

Trace Ridge Trail -- 3,380'

Nearing the junction with the Spencer Branch Trail from the south...

Trace Ridge Trail -- 3,330'

In winter you can just barely make out the ridge crest ahead, atop which is the Blue Ridge Parkway and the north end of the trail...

Trace Ridge/Spencer Branch Trail Junction -- 3,320'

2.7-miles above the trailhead the Spencer Branch Trail is passed on the left. From here its another half-mile climb to the Blue Ridge Parkway and the north terminus of the trail...

Trace Ridge/Spencer Gap Trail Junction -- 3,340'

A few dozen yards above the Spencer Branch junction the Trace Ridge Trail meets the Spencer Gap Trail, which drops away off the ridge to the right...

Trace Ridge Trail -- 3,360'

There's less than a half-mile at this point, to reach the north end of the trail at the Parkway. There is also 300-feet of climbing to do, so it won't be a quick half-mile...

Trace Ridge Trail -- 3,420'

A solitary pine rises among the hardwoods...

Trace Ridge Trail -- 3,450'

An oddly placed sign reminding you of the trail you're still following, in case you've forgotten...

Trace Ridge Trail -- 3,480'

Does it look steep? Yeah...it is...

Trace Ridge Trail -- 3,550'

Before long traffic can be heard above, signaling that the climb is nearly over...

Trace Ridge Trail @ Blue Ridge Parkway -- 3,600'

Popping out of the trees at the Trace Ridge Trail's northern terminus, at the Blue Ridge Parkway...

Trace Ridge Trail @ Blue Ridge Parkway -- 3,600'

The northern/upper terminus of the Trace Ridge Trail as seen from the Blue Ridge Parkway. There's no designated trailhead parking here but the grassy median could probably accommodate a couple of cars.