LM: Ridgeline of the Big Run Basin, SNP (20 miles)

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/1/9/8/600_330976792.jpeg

I can't let the last month of the year go by without getting in some winter backpacking!

Big Run Basin is the largest watershed in Shenandoah National Park. Let's spend the weekend walking the rim of the basin and taking in beautiful views! Plus, we'll avoid a heavy hunting weekend by hanging out in SNP.

Winter Intro. Average lows are 35F for this weekend, but if temps look like they will dip significantly below that I'll end up giving this a Winter 1 (https://www.meetup.com/DC-UL-Backpacking/pages/Winter_Rankings/) rating, which will be great for those who want a taste of winter backpacking! Those new to the group, please review our FAQ (https://www.meetup.com/DC-UL-Backpacking/pages/Frequently_Asked_Questions/), Trip Rating/Member Rank System (https://www.meetup.com/DC-UL-Backpacking/pages/How_the_heck_do_these_trip_ratings_and_ranks_work/), and Winter Trip Ratings (https://www.meetup.com/DC-UL-Backpacking/pages/Winter_Rankings/). If you're an Applicant and/or haven't hiked in cold weather with us before, you must send me your gear list before I'll confirm you for the trip.

Overview Map (http://www.hillmap.com/m/ag1zfmhpbGxtYXAtaGRychULEghTYXZlZE1hcBiAgICApoSICgw)

Day 1 (13 miles): We'll meet at Vienna Metro at 7am, then make the 2.5 hour drive to the Loft Mtn Wayside (https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Vienna+Metro+North+Kiss+and+Ride+Lot,+Vienna,+VA/Loft+Mountain+Camp+Ground,+Crozet,+VA+22932/@38.3519649,-78.5095234,11z/data=!4m19!4m18!1m10!1m1!1s0x89b64bf1ac7156e9:0xed9e2f8e6a21ab0f!2m2!1d-77.2719438!2d38.879091!3m4!1m2!1d-78.5450765!2d38.3562447!3s0x89b466bdbdbfc297:0x797f4c4f0ed14346!1m5!1m1!1s0x89b37fab6be86721:0xb37a9e07abf44a4d!2m2!1d-78.6708646!2d38.2462447!3e0), the start/end of our loop. The AT will take us south to the beginning of the Rockytop Trail. We'll spend the rest of the day descending the ridge until it joins Big Run. I think we'll turn south along Big Run Portal Trail until we find a good site, as I remember the spot right at the trail junction not being stellar.

Day 2 (7 miles): In the morning we break camp and begin ascending on either Brown Mtn or Rocky Mtn Run. After a few miles and a short road walk, we'll rejoin the AT and take it south to our cars, completing the loop.

Post-Hike: We'll have the traditional post-trip foodfest. The Blue Ridge Cafe (http://www.blueridgecafe.com/Pages/Menu.aspx?DeptID=0) looks good, but I'm open to suggestions from anyone more familiar with the area.