Pinnacles Picnic Area to Stony Man Summit out and back

Join me for a moderately strenuous hike (7.5 miles with 1,750 feet of elevation gain) along the Appalachian Trail (AT) and nearby trails in the central district of Shenandoah National Park.

The hike begins at the Pinnacles Picnic Area, which is located at milepost 36.7 on Skyline Drive. From the picnic area, we'll follow the AT southbound past the Stony Man Cliffs to the Stony Man Trail, which we'll follow to Stony Man Summit. After a snack at the summit we will return northbound on the AT trail.

There are some rocky and steep sections on this hike, so hiking sticks are recommended.

Here are details for this event:

• Distance: 7.5 miles
• Elevation gain: 1,750 feet
• Pace: ~2.25 miles/hour
• Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous
• Start time: 8:30 a.m.
• Duration: 4.5 hours
• Hike map:
• Trailhead parking: Pinnacles Picnic Area (Skyline Drive mile 36.7)
• Parking coordinates: 38.623523, -78.343585
• Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/pinnacles-picnic-ground-to-stony-man-lariat-7cc5ca2?p=-1&sh=znzrnr&utm_medium=map_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality

What to bring

Make sure your emergency contact information is in your pack. Bring backpack, hiking sticks, boots/trail shoes, food, water, electrolytes, sunscreen, insect repellent. Dress for the weather, including a hat and rain gear if needed.

Dogs

No dogs are allowed on this hike as pets are prohibited on the Stony Man Trail.

Park entrance / parking fees

You are required to pay an entrance fee or present your "America the Beautiful" park pass in order to access Shenandoah National Park.

Rehydration

Rappahannock Pizza, Sperryville, VA 22740

Weather

Here's a National Weather Service URL you can use to check the 7-day weather forecast at the trailhead (Pinnacles Picnic Area).

https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=38.623523&lon=-78.343585

In case of poor or severe weather, this hike will be postponed.

Disclaimer

Blue Mountain Hiking Club 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 the following Disclaimer / Liability Waiver.