Annual Trillium Hike

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT FOR THIS HIKE: To go on this hike you must purchase in advance a $4 Daily Access Permit (license type 461) from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. You will not need to purchase the permit if you have a currently valid Virginia hunting, fishing, or boat license. You can purchase the permit online. You must carry a copy of the permit (either in paper form or downloaded to your mobile device) on the hike. If you've previously purchased this permit online you can access your Go Outdoors Virginia account by clicking on the green "Login" button. If you're new to the website you should click on the "Enroll Now!" link below the Login button. Make sure you enter the date May 2, 2026, when purchasing the permit.

This is a moderately strenuous circuit hike of around 8 miles with about 1,100 feet of elevation gain in Virginia's G. R. Thompson Wildlife Management Area and on the Appalachian Trail. It's on the eastern slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains about 11 miles east of Front Royal. This area has been known for nearly a century as one of the densest concentrations of trilliums in the eastern part of the country, though a scientific explanation remains elusive. When the trilliums are in bloom it's an impressive display.

Bring water and pack a lunch or snack or pick up something at Sheetz where we will make a brief stop on the way out.

Parking at the trailhead might be limited so carpools are encouraged and will be organized at our meeting point. Each passenger should give his or her driver $11 for the transportation provided. The only other expense will be Adventuring's $5 trip fee.

Meet at 8:30 a.m. at the Kiss & Ride lot of the East Falls Church Metro station or at 10 a.m. at the Thompson Lake Parking Area (2140 Leeds Manor Rd., Delaplane, VA).

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