Sky Meadows to Whiskey Hollow Shelter

Let's enjoy a relatively warm winter day hiking on the Appalachian Trail (AT). This 9.3 mile route with approximately 1,800 ft of elevation gain will take us through woodlands and meadows and provides beautiful views of the Virginia piedmont.

We'll start at historic Sky Meadows State Park and ascend to the ridge via the Piedmont Overlook and Ambassador Whitehouse trails, then proceed southbound on the AT. Upon reaching the Whiskey Hollow shelter, about 5 miles into the hike, we'll rest and have a snack/lunch. Our return route will take us back to the parking lot via the North Ridge and Gap Run trails.

Additional details for this hike are included below.

• Distance: 9.3 miles
• Elevation gain: 1,800 feet
• Pace: ~2.5 miles/hour
• Difficulty: Strenuous (hiking difficulty scale)
• Start time: 9:30 a.m.
• Duration: 4.5 hours
• Hike map: http://alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/sky-meadows-whiskey-hollow-shelter-7cc5a75
• Trailhead parking: Sky Meadows State Park Visitor Parking Lot
  Parking coordinates: 38.991815, -77.965877

What to bring

Make sure your emergency contact information is in your pack. Bring backpack, hiking poles, food, water, sunscreen, insect repellent. 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

You are required to pay a $10 entrance fee or present your Virginia State Parks annual pass in order to access Sky Meadows State Park.

Alternatively, REI Members can use an REI receipt as your FREE VA State Parks Day Pass. Simply provide your REI receipt from a participating Virginia REI to the contact station ranger or insert it in a self-pay envelope at the contact station. Use the self-pay envelope to pay the entrance fee if the contact station is not open and hang the tear-off tab on your rear view mirror. Further details are available here.

Rehydration

TBD

Weather

Here's a National Weather Service URL you can use to check the 7-day weather forecast at the trailhead from which we start the hike (Sky Meadows State Park Visitor Parking Lot).

https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=38.991815&lon=-77.965877

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.