LM: Ridgeline of the Big Run Basin, SNP (20 miles)

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/1/9/8/600_330976792.jpeg

I can't let the last month of the year go by without getting in some winter backpacking!

Big Run Basin is the largest watershed in Shenandoah National Park. Let's spend the weekend walking the rim of the basin and taking in beautiful views! Plus, we'll avoid a heavy hunting weekend by hanging out in SNP.

Winter Intro. Average lows are 35F for this weekend, but if temps look like they will dip significantly below that I'll end up giving this a Winter 1 (https://www.meetup.com/DC-UL-Backpacking/pages/Winter_Rankings/) rating, which will be great for those who want a taste of winter backpacking! Those new to the group, please review our FAQ (https://www.meetup.com/DC-UL-Backpacking/pages/Frequently_Asked_Questions/), Trip Rating/Member Rank System (https://www.meetup.com/DC-UL-Backpacking/pages/How_the_heck_do_these_trip_ratings_and_ranks_work/), and Winter Trip Ratings (https://www.meetup.com/DC-UL-Backpacking/pages/Winter_Rankings/). If you're an Applicant and/or haven't hiked in cold weather with us before, you must send me your gear list before I'll confirm you for the trip.

Overview Map (http://www.hillmap.com/m/ag1zfmhpbGxtYXAtaGRychULEghTYXZlZE1hcBiAgICApoSICgw)

Day 1 (13 miles): We'll meet at Vienna Metro at 7am, then make the 2.5 hour drive to the Loft Mtn Wayside (https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Vienna+Metro+North+Kiss+and+Ride+Lot,+Vienna,+VA/Loft+Mountain+Camp+Ground,+Crozet,+VA+22932/@38.3519649,-78.5095234,11z/data=!4m19!4m18!1m10!1m1!1s0x89b64bf1ac7156e9:0xed9e2f8e6a21ab0f!2m2!1d-77.2719438!2d38.879091!3m4!1m2!1d-78.5450765!2d38.3562447!3s0x89b466bdbdbfc297:0x797f4c4f0ed14346!1m5!1m1!1s0x89b37fab6be86721:0xb37a9e07abf44a4d!2m2!1d-78.6708646!2d38.2462447!3e0), the start/end of our loop. The AT will take us south to the beginning of the Rockytop Trail. We'll spend the rest of the day descending the ridge until it joins Big Run. I think we'll turn south along Big Run Portal Trail until we find a good site, as I remember the spot right at the trail junction not being stellar.

Day 2 (7 miles): In the morning we break camp and begin ascending on either Brown Mtn or Rocky Mtn Run. After a few miles and a short road walk, we'll rejoin the AT and take it south to our cars, completing the loop.

Post-Hike: We'll have the traditional post-trip foodfest. The Blue Ridge Cafe (http://www.blueridgecafe.com/Pages/Menu.aspx?DeptID=0) looks good, but I'm open to suggestions from anyone more familiar with the area.

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Notes

The group size is firmly capped at 10 (Shenandoah NP regulations). But don't be afraid to hop on the waitlist — spots always open up as the trip draws nigh.

You've gotta bring a map. Period. Shenandoah NP Trails Illustrated (http://amzn.to/1MpET5j) works well for the whole park and at 1:75,000 is fine for on-trail hikes. PATC Map 11 (https://www.patc.net/PublicView/Store/BrowseCategories/Core/Orders/product.aspx?catid=5&prodid=10) is slightly more detailed (1:63,360) and covers a smaller area; your money supports a local group.

Skyline Drive is often closed due to weather. If this happens, we'll engage Plan B (http://yodaismybackpack.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/engage.gif): start at the park boundary (Browns Gap Rd), connect to Rockytop via Austin Mtn Trail, and hike up Big Run on Day 2. The mileage and ascent/descent would be very similar. I'll keep everyone updated and will confirm which option we'll be taking by Friday afternoon.

We may have to get our feet wet crossing Big Run. It will be cold. Damn Cold.

Finally, the only downside to Shenandoah: no fires. You won't be able to huddle around the coals if you miscalculate your sleep system. So, please, if you have any questions or doubts about your insulation message me (will@dculbackpacking.com)!

Of course, a bottle of hot water in your sleeping bag is always a viable solution if the temps dip lower then expected.

By RSVPing to this or any DCUL trip you agree to our Liability Waiver (https://www.meetup.com/DC-UL-Backpacking/pages/Liability_Waiver/).

Also, DCUL policy states drivers will be reimbursed 10 cents/mile. So for 300 miles round trip, that's $30 if you are riding.