Hike: Crescent Rocks/Skyland, SNP, VA

PATC Map 9 / VA Bus

$36. Long hike: Long hike: 11 mi., 1900 ft. ascent. Moderate hike: 7½ mi., 1500 ft. ascent.

This hike explores the area that was most frequently visited in what is now Shenandoah National Park, but what was formerly the grounds of Skyland Resort. All hikers start at the Crescent Rocks overlook between the 44- and 45-mile markers on Skyline Drive. They will begin together by crossing Skyline Drive to the Crescent Rocks Trail, and continue on the Limberlost and White Oak Canyon Trails to a horse trail. From there they will take the horse trail past a fire road and go towards the Skyline Drive, crossing it to reach the north entrance of Skyland Resort. Moderate hikers will continue on the Appalachian Trail going south through the resort area and eventually returning to Crescent Rocks. Long hikers will take the AT north past the Little Stony Man overlook to the junction with the Passamaquoddy Trail, take the Passamaquoddy Trail to the path leading to the lodge at Skyland Resort, take a brief roadwalk to the stables, and from the stables take the AT south to Crescent Rocks. Both hikes offer the opportunity to visit Skyland itself, where one can purchase drinks and snacks, use the facilities, and read about the history of the resort, beginning with its origins in 1888.

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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