Bent Creek Gap to Stradley Mt. 9.5 mile loop FITNESS HIKE
Details
This hike will be exploratory for me. Here is a link to the route I have mapped out. If anyone knows that any part of this is a bad idea let me know. https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-63a8312 Ignore the title of the location to start the hike below. The bit about hwy 151 is from a previous hike and the app wont let me change it. The pin location is correct.
The hike will be about 9.5 miles with 2000' elevation gain.
With several preceding days of warm weather I think most of the snow and ice should be gone. I imagine there will be some mud though.
The Parkway may or may not be open up to The gap. If it is closed we will have to drive up Bent Creek Rd. from Lake Powatan (gravel)
If it were to be closed also then I have an alternative hike we could do from Wesley Branch parking area.
If I need to cancel the hike because of weather, I will post it by 7:30 AM.
Pace: We will hike at a brisk pace averaging approximately 2 1/2 to 3 mph adjusting for steepness of grade and rugged trail conditions. Please be comfortable with this distance, elevation and pace.
Dogs; Friendly dogs ok.
Car Pool or Follow to the trailhead. To Carpool, meet at the Westgate Plaza parking lot above the Tesla charging station below Earthfare at 9:00 am. Please post if you plan to meet us there otherwise we will see U at the trailhead at 9:30 am.
Hike Levels: Level (1) Up to 600 feet; Level (2) 600'- 900'; Level (3) 900' - 1200'; Level (4) 1200' - 1500'; Level (5) 1,500' - 1,800'; Level (6) 1,800' - 2,100'; Level (7) 2,100' - 2,400'; Level (8) 2,400' - 2700'; Level (9) 2700' - 3000' Level (10) 3000' - 4000'; Ultimate Hikes are > 4,000'.
Hike Cancellation: IF YOU SIGN ON THIS HIKE AND CHANGE YOU MIND (EVEN IF ON THE WAITLIST) GO BACK TO THE RSVP LINK AND CHANGE YOUR HIKE STATUS TO FREE UP YOUR RESERVED SPOT.
Release of Liability:
The organizer of this trip is a volunteer and not a professional guide. The function of the organizer is only to organize this trip. If you sign up or participate in this event you acknowledge that you freely and voluntarily agree to assume all risks of injuries, illnesses, and damages arising from, as a result of, and associated with this event. In addition, you acknowledge that you agree to the Meetup terms: https://www.meetup.com/terms