Stony Man and Nicholson Hollow Circuit Hike-12 miles-Strenuous
Details
Starting Point - Stony Man Parking Area (Mile Marker 41.7 on Skyline Drive)
Ending Point - Stony Man Parking Area (Mile Marker 41.7 on Skyline Drive)
Hike Distance/Rating/Elevation - 12 miles/Strenuous/3000 feet of elevation
Disclaimer #1 - This hike is rated as a strenuous hike. Since this hike is rated as a strenuous hike, all hikers will start on the wait list until I can verify the hiking experience of all hikers on the wait list. Those hikers, who have not hiked with me, will need to answer the following questions.
- How often do you hike?
- What strenuous hikes have you done?
- When and what was the last strenuous hike that you completed?
The answers to the above questions need to be emailed to me at patrickcory@hotmail.com or via Meetup Messages. Failure to answer these questions within one week will move those hikers from the wait list to NOT GOING.
Hike Highlights - Stunning vista from the summit of Stony Man Mountain, Appalachian Trail, Stunning vista from Stony Man Cliffs, Nicholson Hollow Trail, Corbin Cabin, Indian Run Trail, Old Rag Fire Road, Skyland/Big Meadow Horse Trail, Upper Falls of White Oak Canyon, White Oak Trail
Hike Details - This is going to be a challenging, rewarding, and strenuous hike through some of the best spots in the Central District of Shenandoah National Park. We are going to start the hike by forming carpools at the North Research Park shortly before 8:00 AM. We are going to drive up to the Thornton Gap entrance of Shenandoah National Park, and drive south on Skyline Drive to Stony Man Parking area. From the parking area, we are going to pick up the Appalachian Trail and hike up to the summit of Stony Man Mountain. The views from the summit of Stony Man Mountain offers nearly 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains. After soaking in these amazing views, we are going to retrace our steps back down to the Appalachian Trail. We are going to turn left on the Appalachian Trail and hike down to more amazing views from the Stony Man Cliffs. After soaking in these amazing views, we will continue to the Crusher Ridge Trail and spur trail out to Skyline Drive. We are going to take the spur trail and cross Skyline Drive to the Nicholson Hollow Trail. We are going to descend down the Nicholson Hollow Trail to the PATC Corbin Cabin. After eating lunch and cooling off in the pools of the Hughes River, we are going to retrace our steps to the Indian Run Trail. We are going to make a very steep climb of 1000 feet in less than a mile. We are going to reach the junction of the Corbin Mountain Trail. We will turn right onto the Corbin Mountain Trail and hike out to the Old Rag Fire Road. We are going to turn right onto the Old Rag Fire Road. We are going to climb up to the Big Meadows/Skyland Horse Trail. We are going to take a left on the Big Meadows/Skyland Horse Trail and hike over to the upper falls of White Oak Canyon. After soaking in the views of the upper falls, we will hike the White Oak Trail back up to the White Oak Canyon Parking Area on Skyline Drive. We will cross Skyline Drive, turn right onto the Appalachian Trail, and complete the circuit back to our cars at the Stony Man Parking Area.
As is tradition with my hikes, there will be an optional post hike at a local restaurant or brewery. Carpools can be arranged accordingly for those, who wish to partake in the post hike.
What to Bring - Broken in hiking boots, a good day pack, trekking poles, layers of clothing for the possibility of cooler fall weather, 3 to 5 liters of water, lunch and snacks, camera/phone, an annual SNP pass if you have one, $8 for your driver if not driving, first aid kit
Disclaimer #2 - GetHiking Charlottesville's Organizers are not professional guides. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were hiking alone. With your RSVP you agree with this disclaimer - Disclaimer (https://www.meetup.com/GetHiking-Charlottesville-Charlottesville-VA/pages/21088739/Disclaimer/)