Pass Mountain - Mary's Rock - Panorama

We have a couple of warmer days next week, so come join me for this shuttle hike to Mary's Rock. If you've done the Buck Ridge Trail to Mary's Rock before, this route will be about a mile shorter, with slightly more elevation gain. And you won't have to do the 600 stairs!

We'll meet at the Panorama Upper Parking area at 8:45 a.m., form carpools, then drive back down to the Pass Mountain Trailhead on Hwy 211 where we begin the hike. We'll ascend the Pass Mountain trail, pausing briefly at the Pass Mountain Hut, then proceed down to Thornton Gap, cross Hwy 211, and stop back at the Panorama Upper Parking area for a snack break. Afterwards, we''ll continue on the A.T. to Mary's Rock to take in the view before returning to Panorama.

Here are details for this event:

• Distance: ~ 8.1 miles
• Elevation gain: ~2,600 feet
• Pace: 2.0 - 2.5 miles/hour
• Difficulty: Very Strenuous (hiking difficulty scale)
• Start time: 8:45 a.m.
• Duration: 4.5 hours
• Hike map: AllTrails: Pass Mountain - Mary's Rock - Panorama
• Trailhead A parking: Pass Mountain Trailhead, Hwy 211 (GPS 38.668254, -78.289747)
• Trailhead B parking: Panorama Upper Parking Lot (GPS 38.659419, -78.321603)
• Time to meet at Trailhead B parking: 8:45 a.m.
• Driving time / distance between trailheads: ~7 minutes / ~3 miles
• Time to start hiking: 9:00 a.m.
• Leader: Steve Wiley, cell 571-345-6441

Carpools
This is a shuttle hike. Hikers should initially arrive at the Trailhead B parking area with room in their vehicles for additional passengers. We'll consolidate hikers into at most half of our available vehicles and carpool to the Trailhead A parking area. After hiking from Trailhead A back to Trailhead B, we'll need some drivers of vehicles initially left at Trailhead B to take other drivers back to their vehicles that were left at Trailhead A before the hike.

What to bring
Make sure your emergency contact information is in your pack. Bring backpack, hiking poles, food, water, sunscreen. Dress for the weather, including hat, gloves, layers, and rain gear as needed.

Dogs
Dogs are allowed on this hike subject to the following conditions:

• Must be on a physical leash no longer than 6 feet at all times
• Dogs must wear a collar with current tags at all times
• Bag your pet's waste and carry it out with you - Leave no trace

Please send a direct private message to the hike leader if you plan to bring your dog.

Park entrance / parking fees
$30 per vehicle or park pass From the Park's website: "You are required to pay an entrance fee in order to access Shenandoah National Park, whether you're driving on Skyline Drive or hiking in from the boundary."
Shenandoah N.P. fees and passes

Rehydration
New Iberia Kitchen
3 River Lane, Sperryville, VA

Weather
Here's a National Weather Service URL you can use to check the 7-day weather forecast at the trailhead.
https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-78.314&lat=38.656

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.