Hike: SNP – Elkwallow Circuit via Piney Branch and Piney Ridge, VA

PATC Map 9 / VA Bus

$36 plus park fee or pass. Long hike: 11 mi., 2350 ft. elevation gain. Moderate hike: 9 mi., 1650 ft. elevation gain.

The hike will feature Elkwallow Wayside, with its numerous picnic tables and facilities for visitors. Long hikers will begin at Elkwallow, taking the Appalachian Trail to the Piney Branch Trail, and then loop via the Hull School, Fork Mountain, Piney Ridge, and Appalachian Trails back to the wayside. Moderate hikers will do a similar loop, but they will begin by taking the AT from the Rattlesnake Point overlook, and, after reaching the Piney Branch Trail, loop via the Piney Ridge Trail and the AT to the wayside. At the end of the hike the store at the wayside has various drinks and snacks available, including the Park’s signature blackberry ice cream.

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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: VIRGINIA 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.
• VIENNA METRO: NORTH parking lot, last bus shelter (Nutley St. Exit off Interstate 66 on North/Vienna side of I-66) at approximately 8:25 a.m. Note: There is a "south" parking lot where there are also bus shelters. If by 8:15, you're not with a group of hikers who say they're Capital Hiking Club, you're likely at the south lot. There's a walkway over I-66 to the north lot.

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