The AT continues climbing through the Thunder Ridge Wilderness (2,450 acres) designated by Congress in 1984 on its way to the summit of Apple Orchard Mountain (4,225 ft); the highest point on the AT between Mt. Moosilauke in New Hampshire and Chestnut Knob nearly 200 miles south! From Petites Gap, the trail ascends Thunder Ridge and reaches an overlook at 3.3 miles with breathtaking views of the Arnold Valley. The trail crosses the Blue Ridge Parkway and reaches Thunder Hill Shelter at 4.7 miles. The AT crosses the Parkway again, passes under "The Guillotine" (a unique rock formation) and climbs to the summit of Apple Orchard Mountain (5.9 miles). The dome is a FAA radar tracking station. The AT descends the mountain and reaches the junction with Parkers Gap Road.