DC UL Backpacking

Low Mileage: Trout Run Valley Circumnavigation, West Virginia, 27 miles

March 30 · 8:00 AM
Vienna Metro Station (North Parking Lot)

This is the first time I've done this!

There is too much snow on North Mountain, too few people with appropriate gear, and too high a likelihood that thru-hiking the trail will be well-nigh impossible. Plus, slogging my way through a foot or so of melting snow and sleeping in a mud bank are not my idea of fun either. So, I'm going to reschedule the North Mountain Trail and instead do the 27-mile circumnavigation of Trout Run Valley.

This your basic description of what we'll be doing. I will probably work some variant, but I'll keep the mileage near this.

The drive out there is simple and quick. We can be hiking by 10am. No shuttle is required.

And the weather is comparative 3-season bliss.

Much more what I had in mind.

I'll give priority to Christine, Steve, Reid, Noam, Matt, and Michael, if they want their spots back. Otherwise, I'll open it out, still keeping the total number at 10.

Sorry for the sudden about face, but I think this will be better, and it's also a book chapter. I'll fill in the details.

MM [masked]

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Miles Barger

Nice route. I imagine that, when not hiking in fog/clouds, the views along Great North Mountain are pretty great, making the whole thing even nicer.

Day 1 was warm, sunny, laid-back walking (except for the stretches of ice at the beginning). The campsite on Trout Run was great—plenty of water, lots of wood, space to spread out, and not much noise from the nearby road. Michael's margarita surprise was the pièce de résistance!

Day 2 was very atmospheric, with most of our time spent in the fog/clouds. Near-freezing rain isn't my favorite weather, but the wind stayed low, and my trusty umbrella/windshirt combo kept me warm and comfy. So many people treat rain like the ruination of all things good and pure, but not this group of DC ULers! Everyone took the weather in stride.

0 · April 1
Steve

This was a very enjoyable first backpacking trip for me. Saturday was sunny and clear, proving a number of good views. Everyone kept a good pace and we found a great spot to make camp Saturday night. While it rained moderately most of Sunday, everyone had appropriate clothing, so it wasn't a big deal. Spirits were not dampened and I would definitely do it again.

0 · April 1
Michael Martin

Thanks, guys! Trip report is up!

0 · April 1
Brett

The only thing I would have changed about this outing would have been the weather on Day 2. Otherwise, a good time with a great crew!

0 · April 1
Daniel

Enjoyed the company and the relatively relaxed circuit through woods and rocks. The weather packed a lot of variety into a two-day outing-- I for one like misty, cool conditions-- but was kind enough not to rain till we started walking Sunday morning. That meant a nice fire Saturday night. So there wasn't much missing, as far as overnights go. And Steve and Brett did very well-- kudos.

0 · April 1
Michael Martin

Except company! Had a great mix of new members and old. Everyone showed grit on Great North Mountain yesterday when the weather turned south on us.

0 · April 1
Michael Martin

Just an FYI that I will have a decidedly non-UL treat for us Saturday night. :)

1 · March 28
Denise Murray

I've been preoccupied. Weather. Cold, cold, 3 seasonish? Sorry. I know It's probably been answered somewhere - I saw Booty -Less speaking of skirts. ;)

0 · March 27
- Michael Martin
  
  It might touch, barely, the freezing mark during the night. But we'll be hiking with temps in the 50s and 60s. Should be pleasant.
  
  1 · March 27
Michael Martin

Just a few notes for what should be a pretty straightforward hike for us.

The reference map is PATC Map F. My copy is in the mail, but you can often get them at REI. The Mid-Atlantic Hikes trip map (link in the trip description) is fine, too. PATC also publishes a little book on the area: http://www.patc.net/PublicView/..., which I have.

Please bring 3-4L of water carrying capacity. The mountains will be wet, and I believe we'll be camping at water, but I might get a sudden urge to camp dry. You'll want to start walking with about 2L, depending on your needs.

We will be able to have a campfire Saturday night.

1 · March 27
- Denise Murray
  
  CAMPFIRE!!!
  
  0 · March 27
Michael Martin

@Doug, MikeVW, others who know this loop well ... Any reason not to camp at the Cherry Ridge campsite (essentially the northernmost point on this map ...http://mrhyker.tripod.com/siteb...)? ... There appears to be a campsite there and water. On a CW loop, my splits would be about even, which is what I'm aiming for (13.5-13.5). The PATC book confirms the campsite, but doesn't offer much information.

0 · March 27
- View all 3 replies
- MikeVW
  
  The water source is great, but I can't remember much about the campsites. It would be near to the road, though, so there's always the possibility of car campers, garbage, or traffic noise.
  
  0 · March 27
- Ben
  
  I did the loop las year, the site you mention is large and a good site other than that it is very close to the road. You are right by Trout Run.
  
  0 · March 27
- Michael Martin
  
  Thanks for the tips, guys. I think I'll plan on that spot, but plan to walk on to the site Doug mentioned if I feel uncomfortable, and everyone is in good shape. :)
  
  0 · March 27
Brett

Thinking of picking up some shelter for the trip; the current tent is a decidedly non-UL MHW Meridian 2. I have some cord & a tarp (somewhere...), but am also considering a UL tent or bivy--any recommendations? I have an REI dividend & coupon to burn...

1 · March 22
- View all 6 replies
- Michael Martin
  
  Sorry for the slow reply. As a tarp and bivy user myself, I give both systems a thumbs up. I have a MLD cuben Trailstar (http://www.mountainla...), which I love. Of course, there's a long lead time for one of those. My O-Ware bivy ships fast (http://shop.bivysack....). I'm not sure you'll ultimately be satisfied with a tarp or bivy you buy at REI--they don't really specialize in that sort of thing. You might wait, go out on a trip with us, and see some of the shelters people are using. You'll be able to make a more informed decision. If that dividend and coupon is just burning a hole in your pocket (I understand), consider something like a lightweight Big Agnes tent (Flycreek or Seedhouse). They are popular choices for people transitioning to UL.
  
  0 · March 25
- Brett
  
  No worries, Michael, and thanks for the feedback. Yeah, I hadn't seen a great selection of bivies at REI, and given the temps, I'm probably going to go with a less-than UL shelter for now (the tent, and probably my heavier 0* sleeping bag), and try to make up the ounces elsewhere. I've been eyeing the new Big Agnes UL tent, but may wait until a few more reviews are in. In the mean time, it would be good to check out others' outfits, maybe try out some other options, including the tarp. Still trying to find some loaner snow shoes, but am in for this weekend regardless. Thanks again.
  
  0 · March 25
- Michael Martin
  
  Thanks, Brett. Yes, perhaps not the ideal weekend to be trying lighter stuff. I jumped the gun on my 3-season stuff last weekend, and was a bit chilly at times.
  
  0 · March 26
- Glenn Fitzpatrick
  
  Brett - on my first and so far only DC UL Trip with MM, I brought my BA Fly Creek UL 2 in the "Fast Fly" configuration (no tent body - only foot print and fly). At about 2.2 lbs with poles, I like it a lot. It's no cuben anything, but not bad!
  
  0 · March 27
- Michael Martin
  
  yeah, Glenn ... How come we never see you? I still have your sunglasses, BTW.
  
  0 · March 27
- Brett
  
  Thanks, Glenn, for the feedback; my MH tent provides the same option (fly, poles, & footprint), and I think that's the way I'll go (but maybe still keep the 0* bag, just in case...)
  
  0 · March 27
Daniel

First the Blue Ridge in SNP... then the eastern and western ridges of the northern Massanutten...now Great North Mountain...I'm finally catching on to Michael's secret plan to have the group hike on every north/south ridge in the U.S.A., going from east to west. Who knew we were zig-zagging our way across the continent? ;-)

0 · March 26
- Michael Martin
  
  Actually, I'm inscribing the letters "DC UL RULZ" on the face of the globe.
  
  0 · March 27
- Carrie Graff
  
  Daniel, I'm so glad you are coming! I'm not sure how I'd be able to drive without you in the car! Seriously, always a pleasure to hike (and drive) with you!
  
  0 · March 27
MikeVW

@Michael--you may want to consider going clockwise, since Big Schloss is the highlight of the trail IMO. Ryan and I pushed a 20 miler to go from Tibbet to Sandstone Spring, but there is (if I recall) a good campsite near water by Halfmoon. Keep an eye out for my car; Annie and I will be finishing up a shorter version of this hike Saturday morning!

0 · March 26
- View all 6 replies
- Michael Martin
  
  I may do that. I won't do it exactly the same as the MidAtlantic write up, in any case. Any chance you and Annie could stay out another night?
  
  0 · March 26
- MikeVW
  
  Unfortunately, we both have to make appearances at different social events on Sat, so we pushed the trip back to Thurs/Fri. Would have been fun to meet up on this, though!
  
  0 · March 26
- Douglas
  
  Andrew, Denise, Haley and I did this last winter as a one night CCW loop. We camped at the junction of Bucktail Cutoff Trail and Halfmoon Trail. Your split would be around 17/9.
  
  0 · March 26
- Douglas
  
  oops, I meant CW, not CCW.
  
  0 · March 26
- Michael Martin
  
  Yes, I want to hike it CW. That spot had water, yes?
  
  0 · March 27
- MikeVW
  
  I believe it does...if not, you will pass a good reliable source a few miles before.
  
  0 · March 27
Steve

Michael: Great news about the plan change! I just changed my RSVP back to attending.

0 · March 26
- Michael Martin
  
  Awesome!
  
  0 · March 27
Brett

Thanks for the change, Michael--I was running out of options trying to find snow shoes, and considering strapping a couple of cheap tennis racquets to my boots. This will definitely be more enjoyable, as well as having lower Ralston Potential.

0 · March 26
Carrie Graff

You mean I may actually get to hike in "skirt-worthy" weather and be able to start my stove without freezing my fingers off? I'll be able to sleep through the night without stuffing hand warmers down my.....sleeping bag! Say it isn't so! :)

0 · March 26
- Michael Martin
  
  Yeah, it'll be brutal. ;)
  
  0 · March 26
Christine

Oh Man!! I shouldn't have made plans so soon :( I already rescheduled my condo board meeting for Saturday, otherwise I'd love to join you.

0 · March 26
- Michael Martin
  
  I'm sorry, Christine. Took me awhile to figure out what to do. I look forward to meeting you another time.
  
  0 · March 26
Michael Martin

So, Booty-Less got some more trail information for us by speaking to a person at Spruce Knob:

"She told me that they received at least 8 inches of new snow on top of all the other snow they received this winter. There hasn't been much melting yet and the route will be continuously snow covered. She said to expect to walk through the recent powder and if you break through the crust underneath, it will likely be at least up to your knees. She also said that when it warms up on Saturday, we'd likely be slogging through mush up to our knees as we'd break through the melting ice crust with our packs...so slow going but not impossible. She also said it was still snowing up there today and they expected to get a few more inches in the next day or two."

And the adventure factor goes up! :)

0 · March 26
- View all 3 replies
- Noam Fine
  
  I will unfortunately have to cancel :( I am not prepared to slog through snow and would likely slow down the group.
  
  If you run into a situation where you don't have enough cars I am still happy to drive out for the initial shuttle
  
  0 · March 26
- Carrie Graff
  
  I think if you have gators...bring 'em to prevent wet feet as much as possible. I'll probably bring a little extra food too as I think the calorie burn will be high with the snow walking.
  
  0 · March 26
- Michael Martin
  
  @ Noam. I understand. It looks rather rough. I'm hoping it's not as bad as described. It's very generous of you to offer to still drive, but I think we have the cars covered. Hopefully, you'll be out on another trip with us soon.
  
  0 · March 26
Reid Mueller

I am going to have to canel. My bag only goes down to 30F. I am not outfitted for snow. Hope that doesn't put everyone in a bind as I was scheduled to drive.

0 · March 25
- Michael Martin
  
  Thanks, Reid, for letting me know. I totally understand. There's no bind. We have plenty of cars and the logistics get easier with a smaller group, anyhow.
  
  0 · March 26
Michael Martin

Guys, we're going to say, for now, that snow shoes are not required. If you have 'em, bring 'em. If you have spikes, bring 'em. I'll work to learn more about the conditions as the week goes on. We'll try to make the trip happen for as many people who want to be there as we can. If necessary, the people with snow shoes will walk in front and make the path. Hopefully, there will be some melting as the week goes on. MM

1 · March 25
- Denise Murray
  
  Awesome! I'm ENTIRELY sick of being here & need to get out. I can't wait, whatever it takes!!
  
  0 · March 25
- Carrie Graff
  
  A friend of mine said they think there was probably 20 inches or more of snow up there last week pre-Monday storm. I don't know if he's right, just FYI.
  
  0 · March 25
Christine

With the low's expected to be in the teens on the mountain Saturday night, I think I'm going to have to skip this one... I will miss my warm and cozy bed too much! It's too bad spring hasn't sprung yet, I'm dying to get out on the trail before I get stuck inside all summer in Florida :(

0 · March 25
- View all 6 replies
- Michael Martin
  
  I understand, Christine. Spring has been slow getting here. I hope I see you on the trail soon. Could you make my Dolly Sods trip in April?
  
  0 · March 25
- Denise Murray
  
  Michael, I still don't have a shelter and no snowshoes, but I'd like to go!
  
  0 · March 25
- Michael Martin
  
  @Denise ... Shelter, I can give you ... But I may have to require the snow shoes for snow at that depth. Do you know someone you could borrow them from?
  
  0 · March 25
- Denise Murray
  
  I can try.
  
  0 · March 25
- Denise Murray
  
  All I have are spikes.
  
  0 · March 25
- Noam Fine
  
  Will snow shoes be needed?
  
  0 · March 25
Michael McBryde

I think I'm going to have to back out as well - having just moved here from San Antonio, my snow gear is pretty lacking. Maybe next winter.

I'm definitely going to the April Dolly Sods trip, though. :)

0 · March 25
- Michael Martin
  
  I completely understand, Michael, having made that move myself a few years ago. I had nothing winter gear-wise when I landed up here. Who would have thought we'd be worried about winter this coming weekend?
  
  0 · March 25
Michael Martin

Hey, everyone, just letting you know that I'm back from this weekend's 71-miler. Good trip! I'll get caught up on this one in the next day or so. A little worried, I must confess, about the wintery conditions out in WV--we had wintery conditions in the Massnuttens at times. Will write more tomorrow--sleepy.

1 · March 24
Christine

This will be my first cold-weather trip, even though I've been backpacking for nearly 15 years! I'm excited and terrified. Time to test the gear!

0 · March 19
- View all 3 replies
- Michael Martin
  
  I do confess that I hope it warms up a tad for us--I'm ready for spring myself and March has been quite uneven--but this would be a great way to get a gentle taste of winter backpacking. Do ask any questions. Main thing is to be certain that your sleeping arrangement will be warm enough. If you bag's rating is questionable at the temps we're facing, plan to supplement with an extra layer or two.
  
  0 · March 19
- Christine
  
  I have all the gear, I'm just not a fan of the cold! Hopefully it looks warmer by the time we get out there. If the forecast falls below 25 at night, I may have pass as I know I'll just be grumpy the whole time :(
  
  0 · March 21
- Michael Martin
  
  Yeah, we'll have to take stock of the weather next week. Spring is being a little coy with us backpackers.
  
  0 · March 21
Denise Murray

U-Turn, do you still have your bag to sell, or did you unload it at the swap??

0 · March 19
- View all 3 replies
- Michael Martin
  
  I still have it. :) I actually slept in it Saturday night, though it was too warm. I thought, why am I sleeping in a 20* bag when I have a 0* bag right here?
  
  1 · March 19
- Denise Murray
  
  Haha! Is still like to buy it from you if you don't want it.
  
  0 · March 19
- Michael Martin
  
  Yep, still planning on selling it to you.
  
  0 · March 20
Denise Murray

Sounds awesome! Hope to have necessary gear by then. :)

0 · January 5
- Denise Murray
  
  Michael, keep me posted, ok?
  
  0 · March 19
Denise Murray

Alright. I'm going to try this, again. Car rental went fine, just need to reschedule & endure kids are gone. I need to begin again, but low miles first. Signed up for bigger miles in April. ;)

0 · March 19
- Michael Martin
  
  I'm glad you're signed up. This will be a fun and beautiful walk.
  
  1 · March 19
Michael Martin

I have me (car for 3-4), Carrie (car for 5), Brett (car for 4), Miles (car for 3), and Reid (car for 5) confirmed. We could probably make do with those five cars for 10 backpackers.

@David, Daniel, Anna, Michael B, and Noam ... I need to hear from you guys ASAP!

0 · March 18
- Noam Fine
  
  I can also drive, have a car for 4
  
  0 · March 19
Brett

Sounds like a great trip! Let me know if any spots open up; I'm also willing to drive.

0 · February 25
- View all 4 replies
- Michael Martin
  
  Brett, we'll keep you posted. There is almost always some shuffling as the date approaches.
  
  0 · February 27
- Michael Martin
  
  @ Brett, are you still in? What sort of vehicle do you have, and how many does it seat?
  
  0 · March 18
- Brett
  
  Still in, the car is a 4-door '98 Toyota Camry, seats 5, and has a decently-sized trunk.
  
  0 · March 18
- Michael Martin
  
  Sounds great, welcome to the trip.
  
  0 · March 18
MikeVW

I'm opening up my spot; I'd love to do this, but I'll probably want a week off after the Massanutten trail

0 · February 25
Jen

Sorry. Family duties that weekend. Too bad - this has been on my list for a while!

0 · February 25
- Michael Martin
  
  :( ... We'll do it again, sometime soon, I'm sure.
  
  0 · February 25
Douglas

Helping with a move

0 · February 17
Michael Martin

@David ... Would love for you to join us. I think it's quite likely there will be some give and take as the date approaches and that you'll get a spot.

0 · January 24
David Schrock

Hope there will be room for me to join.

0 · January 24
Michael Martin

Welcome, Reid and Anna. I look forward to hiking with you guys!

0 · January 24
Reid Mueller

Looking forward to it if I clear waitlist. It will be my first hike of the year.

0 · January 24
Michael Martin

Welcome, Michael! Look forward to meeting you!

0 · January 7
Michael Best

New to the group, would love to join in.

0 · January 7
Michael Martin

Looking forward to meeting you, Miles!

0 · January 2
MikeVW

After Andrew talked this one up, I'm considering it; have to see how the Massanutten treats us first!

0 · December 19

6 attended

Michael Martin

Veteran Member (2) (U-Turn), Organizer

Event Host
Checked-in
Carrie Graff

Veteran Member (Booty-Less), Assistant Organizer
Miles Barger

Member, Assistant Organizer
Steve

Veteran Member
Brett

Member
Daniel

Veteran Member (2) (Casserole)

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Low Mileage: Trout Run Valley Circumnavigation, West Virginia, 27 miles

6 attended

Veteran Member (2) (U-Turn), Organizer

Event Host

Veteran Member (Booty-Less), Assistant Organizer

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Veteran Member (2) (Casserole)

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