Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group

SNP Hike and Lunch! Marys Rock and Buck Hollow: Easy Side of Stren 9 Mi

100

March 3 · 9:00 AM
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Shenandoah National Park: Mary's Rock, The Pinnacle, and Buck Hollow with with Post Hike Lunch!

An Easy Side of Strenuous 9 Mile Hike

The hike over the Pinnacle to Mary's Rock traverses the most spectacular section of the Appalachian Trail through Shenandoah National Park. The views are expansive and frequent. And hiking to a view is always more rewarding than driving to a view. Views open up shortly after you leave Jewell Hollow Overlook. The Pinnacle is outstanding and many Shenandoah hikers feel Mary's Rock is the best vista in the entire park.Take this hike and find out for yourself. The view from the huge outcrop is panoramic and best views in winter when leaves are off of the trees for a crisp and clear view. Choose your viewing spot. To the north, there are easy view of many blue Ridge peaks. The town of Luray and the Shenandoah Valley are visible to the west. Skilled climbers can walk to the highest rock and see in every direction. Decide for yourself if Mary's Rock has the best view in the park but just be careful doing it!

Hike Pace

The pace for this hike will be a moderate pace and that of an average hiker (about 2.7 mph).

Trail Information

Activity Type: Hiking
Nearby City: Luray
Length: 9 total miles
Elevation Gain: 2,600 ft
Trail Type: Modified Loop
Skill Level: Easy Side of Strenuous
Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Season: Year-round
Trailhead Elevation:700 feet
Top Elevation: 3,730 feet
Local Contacts: Shenandoah National Park
Topo Map: Marys Rock Topographic Map
Guide Book: None, this hike is from hiking upward

Note:Hike leaders and sweeps please use PATC map # 10, SNP, Central District for this hike as it has the most updated trails in this area. If you do not have it, please contact Kellie and I will send one to you to keep and if it is short notice I have the entire map, trip description, etc. scanned in as a .pdf as well. I want to give credit where credit is due, so once again, to clarify, this hike is from hiking upward.

Weather Information
We hike rain or shine! Click here for the forecast of the area we will be hiking.

Carpool Information

There are 2 carpools for this hike!
Baltimore Area Carpool
To carpool or caravan from the Baltimore metro area, meet at Savage Station. Click here for directions to Savage Station.

DC Area Carpool
To carpool or caravan from the metro DC area, meet at the Centreville Park and Ride. Click here for informationand directions to the Centreville location.

If you can drive or want to carpool from additional locations, please post your location in the comment section below. For those who need a ride, reach out to the drivers. Make friends, and support the environment - by just offering a ride!

Directions to the Trailhead

Click Here for Directions to Where We Meet for This Hike.

Hike is at 9:00 a.m.

Carpool meetup time from Savage Station is 6:30 a.m.

Carpool meetup time at Centreville Park and Ride is 7:15 a.m.

Gear Information

Click here for suggestions for what to wear and what not to wear for our hikes.

Please remember we are a social hiking group that values fellowship and camaraderie and practice good hike etiquette. We take breaks as necessary and have at least one guide in the front in addition to a "sweeper" in the back which helps ensure that no hiker is left behind. If you get upset because someone has to rest at the top of a hill etc. then please find another group! We are very supportive, encouraging, and focus on safety while getting or staying fit on the trail and practicing Leave No Trace outdoor ethics.

See you there and please take my number with you just in case...

Delmar: [masked]

Ted: [masked]

Tim: [masked]

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Henry

Thanks for the ride, Irine and Irina. Great hike, should have been listed as fast-paced in my opinion, 2.7 mph is moderate in the flat but fast up a steep hill.

0 · March 4
- View all 4 replies
- irina rickard
  
  that why it were 3 options- fast+ challenge ( steep hill) for people who can easily keep speed no less than 2,7 miles all way another option for people who is fast no less than 2,7 even on some big , but not really steep hill, and 3th option was for people who is not ready yet to keep up with good speed on hills. I think that was very thoughtful and actually very generous to use 3 leaders for one hike.With all my hiking experience, I can say that, I easily can keep speed 3,4 miles, but not on hills, my speed goes down to 2,00-2,2. May be you just choose wrong pace for you.
  
  1 · March 4
- Henry
  
  I agree, Irina, good points--I'm with you exactly on the speed. When everyone in my ride on the way there got in the faster group, I though "I can do it." Thanks for the lift back.
  
  1 · March 4
- Steve G.
  
  I know how it can be when everybody in your carpool is in the faster group. Peer pressure! Don't sweat it, everybody made it back ok. Hope to see you on one of my hikes!
  
  0 · March 4
- Alex Diaz
  
  Sorry Henry, we didn't leave you behind because of the speed, we thought you were missing. So technically, we left you for dead. We did consider calling the Park Service to come look for your body. Seriously though, we never noticed that you'd joined up with Ted's group even though you apparently walked right past us at the top (as I noticed in the pictures), we thought Delmar had swept you up on his way back down.
  
  0 · March 4
Doug

Hello! I'm excited to walk with everyone tomorrow - I will need a carpool from DC, SW to Centreville if someone is available - thanks!

0 · March 3
- Conni
  
  Are you still looking Doug? I am in NE and was going to head to Centreville
  
  0 · March 3
- Doug
  
  Thank you for the followup - it got to the 11th hour and I had to drop-out... making plans for next weekend's walk, though
  
  0 · March 4
Deborah Cunningham

Good hike, great people. Ted did a great job leading.

0 · March 4
irina rickard

One of the best hikes in SNP with rewarding view.Cold and windy, but hill warm you up quickly . Thanks to all leaders , you guys did great job!

1 · March 4
irina rickard

Very nice hike, cold weather, but warm company.I love to see how group became more tide and people know each other by name and became friends.Thanks !

2 · March 4
Irene

great hike.. COLD!!!! Brrr.. but we made it!

0 · March 3
Delmar

Great hike today, was nice to get back to my favorite trail.
A lot of new faces today and a few of you I have had the pleasure of hiking with before. Thank you all for hiking with us and look forward to seeing you on the trail soon.

0 · March 3
Conni

It was a great hike; beautiful scenery and great company for sure!

1 · March 3
Dwayne Jackson

Beautiful trail with small water falls, elevation gains, snow, sweeping vistas. Awesome!

0 · March 3
Lenah

Great hike, and one that I would have never known about without this group. Thanks to all those who organized and led!

0 · March 3
Sarita K

Very nice hike. A bit breezy but great company! Thank you Tim!

0 · March 3
Tim Waggoner

Did anyone give Henry a ride home?

0 · March 3
- Steve G.
  
  Yes, he rode with Irine and Irina.
  
  0 · March 3
- Steve G.
  
  Irene, I meant. Sorry I can't spell.
  
  1 · March 3
Chrissy Crum

Hey is anyone else at the savage rail station?

0 · March 3
- Chrissy Crum
  
  Hey I am leaving for the trailhead :-)
  
  0 · March 3
Deborah Cunningham

I have a mini van that can fit 6 additional people. I am willing to meet at an alternative parking area near-by or in Front Royal and drive people to the trail head if that's possible. I do not know the area very well, so please let me know if you have any suggestions for an alt. meeting place.

0 · March 2
- Sarita K
  
  Can I call you when I get to 522?
  
  0 · March 3
irina rickard

Looking for carpool from Savage station .Thanks

0 · February 11
- Chrissy Crum
  
  Hey I'm
  Coming from savage if u wanna carpool I have room for one.
  
  0 · March 2
Chrissy Crum

Hey I know it's late but is anyone meeting at the savage station?

0 · March 2
Doug

Is anyone available to carpool? I live in SW DC - thanks!

0 · March 2
- Devon Alexander Stoney
  
  I am available leaving from Dupont Circle.
  
  0 · March 2
- Doug
  
  That's great - I'm three blocks from L'enfant metro - let me know a convenient place to meet and what time and we're gtg. I'll pitch in for mileage also. Thanks
  
  0 · March 2
Cindy Davis

gotta work

0 · March 2
Liz

Hi all, will anyone be leaving NW/downtown DC? Looking for a ride, but the metro won't open until 7am, so I'll be relying on my feet to walk somewhere to meet you. Thanks!

0 · February 25
- View all 5 replies
- Elizabeth Wangard
  
  Hi I'm in the same boat, although I don't mind taking a cab to meet up with anyone who has room for two in their car from somewhere in DC. We are coming from near Dupont. Thanks!
  
  0 · February 27
- Christine
  
  Hey guys - I'm potentially taking Juliana, but I'd have room for two more. The catch is you'd have to get to Takoma DC (or Silver Spring, but Takoma's probably closer for you, and it's where I live). Message me if you're interested and we can work it out. I plan to leave by 6:30 to make it to Centerville (although if we have a full car already we could possibly skip the PnR and just head straight to the trailhead... though I was looking forward to being a passenger from PnR....).
  
  0 · February 27
- Ted Willard
  
  Can I get a ride from Silver Spring?
  
  0 · February 27
- Juliana Thimons
  
  Hey Christine, thanks so much for the ride offer, but something came up and I'm going to pull out of this one. Enjoy the hike!!
  
  0 · February 27
- Devon Alexander Stoney
  
  I am coming from Dupont Circle leaving in the morning.
  
  0 · March 2
Christine

Hey hike leaders, think we'll need microspikes tomorrow?

0 · March 2
- Delmar
  
  Don't think we will need any traction aides for the hike.
  
  0 · March 2
- Christine
  
  Awesome, I didn't feel like cleaning them off.... :)
  
  0 · March 2
Alex

I'll be going though DC via 695, 395 to PNR centreville, Rider or passenger doesn't really matter to me.

If anyone still needs a lift I can make a quick stop by one of the metro stations along 695 or 395.

0 · March 1
- Doug
  
  Hey Alex - if you still have a spot that'd be great - let me know!
  
  0 · March 2
Kolie

I can take 4 people in my car from Courthouse/Centreville. Departing Courthouse around 6:35.

0 · March 2
Christine

I plan to meet at Centreville PnR but can drive / carpool with anyone who lives in / can get to Takoma or Silver Spring by 6:30.

0 · February 26
- View all 10 replies
- Lenah
  
  Id also like to carpool from centreville pnr. I can drive or pitch in for gas. I have a SNP season pass too.
  
  0 · February 26
- Dwayne Jackson
  
  Christine and Lenah- I'd be happy to drive from Centreville P&R. I can accommodate up to 6 passengers if anyone else would like a ride.
  
  0 · February 26
- Juliana Thimons
  
  Hey Christine - I live in nw DC and could get to silver spring by bus. Do you still have room for me to catch a ride? Feel free to message me. Thanks!
  
  0 · February 26
- Lenah
  
  That sounds great Dwayne. Shall we meet there at 7:15?
  
  0 · February 27
- Dwayne Jackson
  
  Better meet a few minutes before so we can leave promptly at 7:15.
  
  0 · February 27
- Christine
  
  Hi Dwayne - I'd love to take you up on that! It'll be nice to be a passenger for a change! I'll see you all at Centreville at 7:15. (I'm messaging Juliana now too to see if we can work out a carpool from NW, so she might be passenger #3.)
  
  0 · February 27
- Whitney
  
  Hi Dwayne - I'd love to be your #3 (or 4) from Centreville P&R if that still works! Thanks for your offer to drive!
  
  0 · February 27
- Dwayne Jackson
  
  Hey Whitney. Yes. You are certainly welcomed. I'm going to send you, Christine and Lenah my cell number in case you need to reach me Sunday morning. See you all bright and early.
  
  1 · February 27
- Henry
  
  Driving to Centeville but would love a ride as its a borrowed car
  
  0 · March 1
- Dwayne Jackson
  
  Henry. I'm sure I'll have room. See you Sunday morning.
  
  0 · March 1
Irene

Irina and i will meet at Silver Spring, Montgomery Blair High School, 51 University Blvd East, Silver Spring, MD, between 0630-0645. There is a huge parking lot there. Two more seats available. However, after the hike, we are NOT going to lunch, and we are planning to stop at Asian supermarket in Fairfax, which will be about an hour detour.. please post if you are interested in riding together from Silver Spring.

2 · February 27
- Sarita K
  
  I will have to leave immediately after the hike to get home to my dog. Everyone will have to go through Front Royal for this hike ( I think). So, I am willing to leave my vehicle in Front Royal in a shopping center off of 522 somewhere and wait for a car with an open seat to drive me in the rest of the way.
  
  0 · February 28
- Delmar
  
  No reason to go through Front Royal. Go through Gainesville and Warrenton to Hwy 211 west. Much faster.
  
  1 · February 28
Elizabeth Wangard

Sorry, realized this Sunday doesn't work for us. Hope to see you on a hike soon!

0 · February 28
Delmar

The parking for this hike is very limited, so please do try and carpool if you can.

3 · February 27
- Steve G.
  
  I'm not going on this hike, but I know it well (its a favorite of mine, try to find the USGS marker at the top of the rock!), and want to echo what Delmar said. The "lot" (really not much more than a wide shoulder) doesn't fit many cars at all, and there isn't any other parking nearby. So, if you can carpool, you should, most definitely. Its a win all around: make a friend, save a tree, get a parking spot. :) Have a great time everybody!
  
  1 · February 27
Sarita K

Is anyone driving down 70 to 340?

0 · February 27
- A former member
  
  I may go that way...
  
  0 · February 27
Sarita K

I will be driving, but I am willing to leave my vehichle in Front Royal if someone is willing to pick me up on their way in. If so, let me know and I will give you my cell phone #. I should reach Front Royal between 0815 and 0830.

0 · February 26
- View all 3 replies
- irina rickard
  
  Sarita, Irena and I meeting in Silver spring, it's in way , if you want to join us
  
  0 · February 26
- Ted Willard
  
  Can I get a ride?
  
  0 · February 26
- Sarita K
  
  Irina, Irene - Where exactly in Silver Spring? Are you going to the post-meal hike?
  
  0 · February 27
Alex

Ill be coming from SE DC, if anyone is looking for a ride.

0 · February 27
Mike S

Change of plans

0 · February 26
Kellie Carlisle

How to Move from the Wait list to a “Yes” - If you are on the wait list, you will get an e-mail as slots become available. It is a “first come first serve” system for available slots. Slots are open to everyone, whether on the wait list or not. However, being on the wait list will make certain that you are notified when open slots become available as well as letting me know to look for another leader if the trails (and parking) can accommodate it and still comply with our Leave No Trace pledge. Click the following link for how to get off the wait list and RSVP “yes”, http://www.midatlantichiking.co... Please don't hesitate to contact me if you need further assistance as that is what I am here for.

0 · February 26
irina rickard

Great hike, feel sorry for guys on a waiting list ! Oh!

1 · February 25
- View all 4 replies
- Dwayne Jackson
  
  Thanks Irina. I feel sorry for me, too! :(
  
  2 · February 25
- Dwayne Jackson
  
  Hey! Not sad for me anymore! Yes!
  
  1 · February 25
- Enas
  
  Not feeling the love :) By the time I hit the RSVP button Dwayne already snatched it :) I'll be lurking in the shadows for the next opening, watch out :P
  
  2 · February 26
- irina rickard
  
  troublemaker , we need you for sure :)
  
  0 · February 26
Juliana Thimons

Looking for a ride from DC. Thanks!

0 · February 23
Delmar

@ Irina, we will hike at a moderate pace with stops for pictures. Not to worry, we won't leave anybody behind.

1 · February 11
- irina rickard
  
  I just do not want to hold your back, even I know trail, did twice
  
  0 · February 11
irina rickard

I love this hike, but I'm not sure how could be speed 2,7 miles per hour average?! On hill?! Is there any chance to have this for slower pace? Just asking. thanks

0 · February 10

31 attended

Tim Waggoner

Certified Hike Leader

Event Host
Delmar

Certified Hike Leader and Wilderness Medical First Responder

Event Host
Ted Willard

Certified Hike Leader and Wilderness Medical First Responder

Event Host
jim fishback
Whitney

Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes!
Kolie

Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes!
Alex
Alex Diaz

Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes!
Cassie
Henry
Mike

Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes!
Kevin
sandy
Ben
Sara

Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes!
Kwok (Jeff)
Chrissy Crum
hans haucke
Christine
Rachel
DC Boots
Deborah Cunningham
irina rickard

Certified Hike Leader
Irene
Abe Shoyeb

Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes!
David Caviness

Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes!
Dave

.
Conni
Dwayne Jackson
Lenah
Sarita K

Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes! 03/19/2013

Your organizer's refund policy for SNP Hike and Lunch! Marys Rock and Buck Hollow: Easy Side of Stren 9 Mi

Refunds offered if:

the Meetup is cancelled
the Meetup is rescheduled
you can cancel at least 2 day(s) before the Meetup

Additional notes: If your RSVP is changed to "no" PRIOR to 48 hours before hike time! No need to request your refund.

Payments you make go to the organizer, not to Meetup. You must make refund requests to the organizer.

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Washington, DC

Founded Jul 21, 2007

About us…

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We are a laid back group of diverse people who enjoy hiking with others while exploring trails in Maryland, DC, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. A sense of humor is a must and we are very much a social hiking group. Our group focuses on camaraderie, safety while having good times out on the trail, and leading an active lifestyle. We enjoy Mother Nature's diversity as well as our own, so get your rear in gear and come on out and join us for a hike!

Why We Hike - To have good times, make friends, and maybe even meet that special someone along the trail while enjoying the benefits of the great outdoors. Whether you want to lose weight, have never hiked a mile in your life, or have a goal to rise up to the challenge of ultra hiking 30 miles in one day, we have a hike for you. Remember, we were all newbies once and we enjoy introducing others to hiking. It is a great way to relieve stress while getting great exercise and enjoying the variety of what Mother Nature has to offer.

When We Hike - In the mornings, afternoons, evenings, darkest of nights, every weekend, all year round. We average 10 hikes a week. Seasonal, after work hikes are offered in many areas throughout our region as well.

Where We Hike - Anywhere within the Mid-Atlantic region. We also have special trips to places farther away. Hikes range from very easy sneaker hikes on paved paths along gentle streams and clear lakes, to very strenuous, steep climbs and rock scrambles to mountain summits. We visit Shenandoah National Park, George Washington National Forest, and the Appalachian Trail almost every weekend. We strive to offer at least one easy, moderate, and strenuous hike within 60 miles of Baltimore, DC, and Northern Virginia each weekend. Additionally, we have cookouts, white water floats, hike out/paddle backs, cave trips, natural water slides hikes, Appalachian Trail section hikes, camping trips, volunteer offerings, and last but certainly not least, our very popular Monuments in the Moonlight hikes that have been featured in the Washington Post.

How We Hike - With safety and camaraderie! We will NOT leave anyone behind and we strive for a 1:15 volunteer hike leader to member ratio. Hiking in large groups is not fun for you or anyone else on the trail, including our own volunteer leadership team. Hikes with a large number of people signed up typically have more than one leader to maintain our goal ratio. This also allows us to offer various pace options so you can hike at the right pace for you. We have pledged to practice Leave No Trace outdoor ethics and we do. We also offer many volunteer and trail maintenance opportunities in addition to community building events, so come on out and make a difference in our parks!

Who Should Join - Simply put, you! Whether you are young, old, working, retired, laid off, shy, talkative, energetic, geeky, lazy (but hopefully you don't want to be or we just might have a problem with this one-grin), recovering from an injury, social, or a competitive speed hiker, this is a group for you. We love our diversity and thrive on it!

WARNING - Our calendar is very active ALL FOUR SEASONS and may become addictive and beneficial to your health!

To keep up with our very active schedule, you can follow our activities via Twitter and socialize with your fellow hikers on Facebook.

I hope to see you on the trail soon and let's have good times!

Kellie and the Entire Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group Volunteer Leadership Team

$5 off new 1-yr reg. membership, includes free Backpacker subscription

from American Hiking Society
$50 off Basic or One Day Try It Adult Sailing programs

from Chesapeake Sailing School
$18 off Wilderness First Aid Classes

from The Center for Wilderness Safety

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SNP Hike and Lunch! Marys Rock and Buck Hollow: Easy Side of Stren 9 Mi

A former member

31 attended

Certified Hike Leader

Event Host

Certified Hike Leader and Wilderness Medical First Responder

Event Host

Certified Hike Leader and Wilderness Medical First Responder

Event Host

Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes!

Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes!

Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes!

Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes!

Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes!

Certified Hike Leader

Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes!

Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes!

.

Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes! 03/19/2013

Your organizer's refund policy for SNP Hike and Lunch! Marys Rock and Buck Hollow: Easy Side of Stren 9 Mi

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