Chestnut and Grooms Ridge Circuit Hike-9.2 miles-Strenuous
Details
Starting Point - Wild Oak Trail Parking Area
Ending Point - Wild Oak Trail Parking Area
Hike Distance/Rating/Elevation - 9.2 miles/Strenuous/2600 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 the hike on the wait list, until I can verify the hiking experience of all hikers on the wait list. All hikers, who have not hiked with me on a strenuous hike, will need to answer the following vetting questions.
- How often do you hike?
- What strenuous hikes have you completed?
- When and what was the last strenuous hike that you completed?
The answers need to be emailed to me at patrickcory@hotmail.com or via Meetup messages within one week of the RSVP. Failure to answer the above vetting questions Failure to answer the vetting questions within one week will move those hikers to NOT GOING.
Hike Highlights - Chestnut Ridge Trail, Grooms Ridge Trail, Winter time views, Wild Oak Trail, Todd Lake Recreation Area, George Washington National Forest
Hike Details - We are going to go out to the Todd Lake Recreation Area of the George Washington National Forest north and west of Staunton. We are going to form carpools shortly before 8:00 AM at the Fontaine Research Park. We are going to drive to the Wild Oak Trail Parking Area in the Todd Lake Recreation Area. We are going to start the hike by walking up the Tillman Road to the Grooms Ridge Trail. From the Grooms Ridge Trail, we are going to start the steepest climb of the hike, climbing close to 1300 feet in 1.6 miles. After reaching the top of the climb, we will have views of one of the largest areas of untouched forest in Virginia. We will continue on the Grooms Ridge Trail to the intersection with the Chestnut Ridge/Wild Oak Trail. We will turn left onto the Chestnut Ridge Trail. From the Chestnut Ridge Trail, we will have unobstructed winter views of the surrounding mountains and peaks. We will continue onto the Skidmore Trail junction. We will have a quick turn back onto the Wild Oak Trail. We will continue on the Wild Oak Trail to a spur trail. We will turn left onto the spur and complete the circuit back to the Wild Oak Trail Parking Area. Please review the hike link below before signing up for the hike.
https://www.hikingupward.com/GWNF/GroomsRidgeChestnutRidge/
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, trekking poles, possibly traction, layers of clothing for winter mountain hiking, lunch/snacks, 3 to 4 liters of water, $5 for you driver if not driving, a good day pack, first aid kit, camera/phone
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/)