Riprap Circuit Hike-9.5 miles-Strenuous

Starting Point: Riprap Parking Area (mile marker 90)

Ending Point: Riprap Parking Area (mile marker 90)

Hike Rating: Strenuous

Distance: 9.5 miles

Hike Description: This is one of my favorite circuit hikes in the South District of Shenandoah National Park. This circuit hike is the hike with it all. There are multiple stream crossings, an incredible rocky gorge, and fantastic views. This hike is going to be for experienced hikers only.

Riprap Hollow is one of the best circuit hikes in the southern section of the Shenandoah National Park. The views from Chimney Rock, and along the ridge of Rocks Mountain, offer great vistas to the west and north. The spring fed stream in Cold Spring and Riprap Hollow is very scenic, and has a 50ft wide swimming hole fed by yet another mountain spring.

From the Riprap parking area (http://www.hikingupward.com/SNP/RiprapHollow/images/072807/DSC00043.jpg) walk the 50 yards along the blue blazed trail to the intersection of the white blazed Appalachian Trail. Turn right uphill on the white blazed trail for 0.4 miles to the intersection of the Riprap Trail.

Turn left on the blue blazed Riprap Trail as it descends through a hollow on the ridge before climbing and arriving at the first vista point (http://www.hikingupward.com/SNP/RiprapHollow/images/072807/DSC00046.jpg) in 0.7 miles. In another 0.3 miles reach the second vista and Chimney Rock (http://www.hikingupward.com/SNP/RiprapHollow/images/072807/DSC00052.jpg). From Chimney Rock the trail will begin to descend into Cold Springs Hollow. In 1.7 miles from Chimney Rock the spring fed stream that has come in on the left of Riprap Trail will pass through a small gorge and over a 20ft waterfall (http://www.hikingupward.com/SNP/RiprapHollow/images/072807/DSC00069.jpg).

After passing the waterfall follow the blue blazed Riprap Trail for another 0.3 miles to a large swimming hole (http://www.hikingupward.com/SNP/RiprapHollow/images/072807/DSC00077.jpg). Just past the swimming hole the trail will cross the stream, and pass a trail marker and an overgrown trail that leads to an old Riprap Shelter on the right. Continue straight on the blue blazed Riprap Trail next to the stream for another 0.7 miles to the intersection of the Wildcat Ridge Trail.

Turn left on the blue blazed Wildcat Ridge Trail and shortly cross the stream again (http://www.hikingupward.com/SNP/RiprapHollow/images/072807/DSC00085.jpg) before the trail starts heading uphill through a small gorge. In 0.6 miles the Wildcat Ridge Trail will make several switchbacks and become much steeper, as it follows the Wildcat Ridge for another 2.0 miles to the four way intersection with the white blazed Appalachian Trail.

Turn left on the while blazed Appalachian Trail for the remaining 2.8 miles back to the Riprap parking area.

Highlights: Chimney Rocks, Cold Springs Hollow, Riprap Trail, Wildcat Ridge Trail, Appalachian Trail.

http://www.hikingupward.com/SNP/RiprapHollow/

Please make sure to bring $5 for your driver if you do not drive and a Shenandoah National Park pass if you have one.

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