This lengthy and strenuous ridge loop begins from Skyline Drive along the Big Run Loop Trail and wends down the mountains toward Big Run. Paralleling the creek on the Big Run Portal Trail, make several fords of the river before taking a hard right on the Patterson Ridge Trail. Rapidly ascending Patterson Ridge, this route offers glittering views of the Shenandoah Valley before crossing Skyline Drive and continuing along the Appalachian Trail. Continuing around Big Flat Mountain and the Loft Mountain Amphitheatre, the trail runs parallel to Skyline Drive before returning to Big Run Overlook.