LM: Central SNP: Marys Rock and the Pinnacle (~19 miles, ~5K feet of gain)
Details
Let's check out a couple top viewpoints in Shenandoah National Park (SNP). The Pinnacle and Marys Rock both lie along the Appalachian Trail (AT) in the central district of SNP. Both are supposed to offer outstanding vistas. Starting Saturday, we'll ascend from Thornton Gap (Route 211), following the Buck Hollow Trail all the way up to SNP's famous Skyline Drive, and then a little beyond, to the AT itself. There we'll hit both high points--each at 3500+ feet above sea level--before retracing our steps to Skyline. From there, the Hazel Mountain Trail will take us to the Catlett Spur Trail, where we'll make camp for the night. 10+ miles on the day, and ~3200 feet of gain. The next morning, we'll take the Hazel Mountain, Hazel River, and White Rocks Trails for a 'long-cut' back to the Hazel Mountain Trail and, finally, follow the Buck Ridge Trail back to the cars. 8+ miles, ~1800 feet of gain. (Given the layout of trails, we can make Sunday shorter, too...game-time decision.)
I can take 10, myself included. RSVPs will open the morning of 4/24--a week out--to give a little time for word to get around first.
Applicants, please send a gear list. Applicants will get preference on this one.
The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) has a map that covers where we'll go (Map 10). Please bring it along. http://www.patc.net/PATC/Our_Store/PATC_Maps.aspx
Also, here's the rough route on Caltopo: https://caltopo.com/m/RPKJ
If you have an app like Gaia that uses GPS, just import the Caltopo file into there and you should be set. That is, you can see where you are in relation to the planned route at any given point, to ensure you're on track. Highly recommended.
Any questions? Just ask.
DC UL COVID-19 Guidelines:
-- Stay home if you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19, if you have been in close contact with anyone who has displayed such symptoms, or otherwise believe that you might have been exposed.
-- Consider your recent fitness level before participating in a trip, especially if you have not been hiking recently. The trip leader may reach out to discuss the trip in more detail with you to ensure you are prepared.
-- We will follow state and local rules/recommendations and check for updates continually.
More information on the club's COVID-19 policy: https://dculbackpacking.com/about/covid-19-guidelines/
By RSVPing for this trip, you acknowledge that you’ve read our COVID-19 guidelines and that you agree to DC UL's liability waiver terms. (https://dculbackpacking.com/about/liability-waiver)