Hike: Tuscarora Trail / Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area, WV

PATC Map L / MD Bus

$36. Long hike: 11 mi., 1800 ft. ascent/descent. Moderate hike: 7 mi., 1400 ft. ascent/descent.

This hike visits a little known, 23,000-acre wildlife management area in the mountains south of Berkeley Springs, WV. From Rt. 45, we’ll head north on Packhorse Trail Rd. and the High Rock Trail. Long hikers depart the latter at the Equestrian-Bike Trail before turning south on the Tuscarora Trail. Moderate hikers stay on the High Rock Trail to the Tuscarora Trail, where the routes rejoin. After a southbound segment on the Tuscarora Trail, we’ll turn west on the Millrace Trail to meet the Packhorse Trail Road back to the bus.

The last several miles of the trail for both hikes passes near a shooting range and could be a disturbing environment for some hikers. On the day we scouted the hikes, we sometimes heard gun shots every few seconds, including close enough to hear bullets whizz through the air.

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COVID PRECAUTIONS
All participants should be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Anyone experiencing symptoms of upper respiratory illness should not attend the event.

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RESERVATIONS
Capital Hiking Club is a non-profit group, and the public is invited on all trips. Reservations are accepted as late as Friday, but reserving before Wednesday night helps ensure your spot and prevent cancellation of the hike due to low sign-ups. RSVP through Meetup and pay through PayPal. Please be sure your RSVP gives your full name and phone number and where you'll be boarding the bus. We don't want to leave you behind!

FIRST-TIME HIKERS
If you're a first-time hiker with us, please notify the leaders in advance so they can make sure you have the info you need. Hikers must be able to keep at least a 2 mph pace.

BUS STOPS: MARYLAND ROUTING
Please arrive 10 to 15 minutes before times listed below. All our bus stops are Metro accessible. If you're driving to meet the bus, we strongly advise using the Vienna bus stop, as parking is extremely limited at the others. Bus stops and times are as follows (click links for maps):

• DC: Near 17th and K St. NW downtown (east side of Farragut Square). Bus leaves at 8 a.m. SHARP, so it's essential to arrive well before 8.
• Connecticut Ave. and Porter St,, NW, northeast corner. Bus briefly stops at the curb in front of the Broadmoor Apartments to pick up hikers about 8:10 a.m.
• Connecticut Ave. and McKinley St., NW, southeast corner. Bus stops at the bus shelter in front of the Safeway to pick up hikers about 8:20 a.m.
• Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro Station, North Bethesda. Bus stops at the bus shelter nearest to Metro Station walkway entrance between the station and the parking garage about 8:30 a.m.

LIABILITY
By RSVP'ing for a CHC hike, you acknowledge and accept that hikers are responsible for their own safety and must assume risks and liability for all outings. CHC leaders, officers, and representatives shall not be liable for any injuries, loss or damage to persons or property, direct or consequential, arising out of any trips or club activities. Participants will be asked to sign a waiver the day of the hike.

CANCELLATION POLICY
To cancel and receive a full refund less a $5 processing fee, you must change your RSVP to "No" on Meetup before 12PM the Thursday before the hike. If you change your RSVP after 12PM the Thursday before the hike, no refunds will be issued.

MORE DETAILS -- SEE THE FAQS ON OUR WEBSITE