Stony Man and Little Stony Man

Let's go for a Fall hike at Stony Man and Little Stony Man in the Shenandoah Mountains!

❶ What we'll do:

• From the trailhead on the southeast side of the Stony Man parking area, we'll hike northeast along the Appalachian Trail to the Stony Man Trail, follow Stony Man Trail to the overlook and back, and then continue northeast to Little Stony Man. After enjoying the view at Little Stony Man, we'll retrace our steps to the parking area.
• This is a moderate difficulty modified out-and-back hike; no more than 3 miles total, with about 660 feet of elevation gain. The hike should take around 2-3 hours, depending on how long we linger at the two overlooks.
• Google map: http://tinyurl.com/j4gao2g

❷ How to get there:

• The address of the Stony Man Trailhead is "Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Luray, VA 22835"; GPS 38.593109, -78.375610
• From the Capital Beltway (either direction), take I-66 W, and drive 21.4 miles west. Take exit 43A onto US-29 S/Lee Hwy and drive 11.4 miles. Turn slightly right onto US-15 Business S/US-29 Business S and drive 2.1 miles. Turn right onto US-211 W/Frost Ave/Lee Hwy and drive west along US-211 W for 33.9 miles. Take the exit for Skyline Dr, stop for the park entry tollbooth, and keep left at the fork to merge onto Skyline Dr heading south. Follow Skyline Drive 10.5 miles southwest to the entrance to Skyland and turn right. The Stony Man parking area is on the right at approximately GPS = 38.593109, -78.375610. Drive time is a bit over an hour and a half. See https://goo.gl/maps/URxdwGqgA279VioX7
• Please coordinate carpooling as desired in the comments section.

❸ What to bring: Water, comfy shoes with some tread on them, and snacks. Sorry, pets are not allowed on the Stony Man Trail. Sunscreen and maybe bug spray are recommended.

❹ Weather: The forecast is partly cloudy and a high of 72F, with a 6-10% chance of showers and light NNW winds. Updates here: https://tinyurl.com/2zcb8seb

❺ Advisory: As a reminder, this is an adult group, and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety and well-being during events. No one under 18 years of age is allowed at this event, either as members or as guests, to include babies in carriers and/or strollers.

❻ Cost: Entry fee to SNP is $30 per car, payable at the Thornton Gap Entrance or online here: http://tinyurl.com/hjq8b6c. Annual and Lifetime passes may be used. Cash is not accepted!

❼ Administrative stuff:

• A good spot to pit stop before the hike is the public restroom inside the park at GPS 38.659965, -78.320710. It's on the right along Skyline Drive, just after going through the Thornton Gap Entrance and crossing the overpass over US-211.
• Skyland, adjacent to the Stony Man parking area, has restrooms and drinking fountains. It tends to be very busy and parking is problematic, so allow some extra time if you plan to make a pit stop at Skyland before the hike.
• If you need a pit stop during the drive to and from the park, there is a Burger King in Warrenton about halfway between Vienna and the trailhead. There is also a Shell station along Highway 211 a little closer to the park. See addresses below.

❽ Notes:

• Shenandoah National Park, https://www.nps.gov/shen/index.htm
• Skyland Area trail map (pdf): https://tinyurl.com/24fvhcwh
• SNP webcams: https://tinyurl.com/hvpeqhp
• Burger King, 34 Broadview Ave, Warrenton, VA 20186
• Shell, 12663 Lee Hwy, Washington, VA 22747