The trail in this section passes through mature forests and beautiful Rhododendron and Laurel thickets. Leaving Parkers Gap, the AT immediately crosses the blue-blazed Apple Orchard Falls National Recreation Trail and parallels the Parkway for about three miles. At 1.8 miles, Black Rock provides an excellent view to the west. The trail intersects with the blue-blazed trail for Cornelius Creek Shelter (2.7 miles) and then follows the ridgelines of Floyd Mountain and Bryant Ridge descending to the junction of a side trail to Bryant Ridge Shelter at 7.5 miles. Scout for buttons at a small clearing called "Button Hill" (7.7 miles)! The AT crosses VA 714 (8.0 miles), climbs Fork Mountain, then descends to the junction with VA 614 at Jennings Creek.