Jewell Hollow To Mary's Rock ~ 6.5 miles, Moderately Strenuous

Jewell Hollow Overlook to Marys Rock - Shenandoah National Park

This is a moderately strenuous (approx. 6.5 mile) hike in the Central District of Shenandoah National Park. There are several hiking options to Marys Rock, but this route offers the best views and a beautiful stretch of trail. (Hikers, given the travel time to this hike and the fact that this hike is all about great views - the hike will get postponed if we don't have a pretty day. Updates will be in hike comment section.)

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The hike will start at Jewell Hollow Overlook, where we will hike North on the Appalachian Trail - this is one of the prettiest sections of the AT in the Park. On the way to Marys Rock, we will hike UP to the "Pinnacle" (3,730 feet) and then pass Byrds Nest Hut #3 (AT Hiker Shelter) before a short side trail leads us to our destination. Views from the Pinnacle and Mary's Rock are spectacular.

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We will be taking a break at Marys Rock for exploring, picture taking and lunch... Views from Mary's Rock are terrific, but for those that want an even more panoramic view there is the option to do a short rock scramble to the peak.

Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous

Note on difficulty: This is generally a moderate hike, but the section up and over the Pinnacle (coming and going) is a bit of a workout. Total elevation gain for the entire hike is approximately 1,400'. Not an easy hike, but the views are well worth the effort. As always, if you have a question regarding the difficulty of the hike, please contact me.

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Where: For those wanting to carpool and/or caravan out together, we will meet at Barracks Road Shopping Center in front of Great Outdoor Provision Co. We will depart Barracks Road no later than 9:15 a.m - please arrive by 9:00 so that we can figure out who is riding with whom. From Barracks Road, we will take 29 North up to Madison where we will head West and connect with Hwy 211 which will take us to the Park's entrance. We will then go South on Skyline Drive for almost 5 miles - parking at Jewell Hollow Overlook (mile post 36.5). We will park at the far end of the overlook (South end) which has a stone wall. Driving time to the trail head will be about an hour and a half.

If you plan on driving directly to the trail head, please say so in the comment section, so that we are not waiting for you at the carpool. Please be at the Trail Head by 10:35

Fees & Such: Of course for the carpool to work, some have to offer to drive so others can ride. Riders, please give your driver $5.00 to cover their expenses. Also, note that there is a entrance fee to the Park - $25.00 per vehicle or $50.00 for an annual pass, good for anyone in the car (if you enjoy going to the park, the annual pass is the way to go and most of these funds stay in the park for improvements). If you already have a Park Pass, please bring it...

Supplies: please bring plenty of water and wear hiking boots/shoes. Trekking poles are recommended for this hike. We will be taking several breaks along the way as well as a nice lunch break at Marys Rock - so bring lunch and snacks...! Also, pay attention to the mountain weather - an extra layer and rain shell are always a good idea to have in your pack.

Disclaimer: 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/)

Weather: If inclement weather necessitates canceling or postponing the hike, the decision will be made no later than 7:30 a.m. - cancellations will be posted on the hike comment section... Steady rain with not much chance for clearing will most likely call for postponing the hike.

RSVP: If you find that you're not going to be able to attend the hike, please update your RSVP to "No" as soon as possible. This allows those on the waitlist to have the opportunity to attend.

Dog Policy: If you want to hike with your pup, please check out our - Dog Policy (https://www.meetup.com/GetHiking-Charlottesville-Charlottesville-VA/pages/22042321/Dog_Policy/). The simple basics are dogs need to be on a short (max 6', non-retractable - Park rule) leash, owners need to pick up after their dog, your pup will need plenty of drinking water, dogs need to be well behaved and capable of keeping up with the pace of the two legged hikers.

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