PATC Hikes & Events

Join me on this moderate to moderately strenuous hike that ventures into the G.R. Thompson Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Linden, VA. We will hike on the Appalachian Trail and turn around after a break at the Manassas Gap Shelter. With a steady climb at the beginning of the hike, we'll get a good workout with over 1,000 feet of elevation gain in the first two miles. No WMA access permit is needed because we don't leave the AT. We typically hike about 2 mph. However, we leave no one behind and will move at a pace that is comfortable for all.

NOTE: I will be carrying a bag to gather any litter near the shelter and its access trail, which I maintain. Join me if you wish. If there is hiker interest, I can demonstate how to hang a food bag on the shelter’s bear pole and/or answer questions about trail maintenance.

Wear BLAZE ORANGE for hunting season.

Hike Route: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/manassas-gap

Group Size: 20 hikers

Time to Meet: Please meet 15-20 minutes before the hike start for introductions and liability waiver sign in. If you can't make the hike, please edit your RSVP by 6 pm the night before to open a spot for anotherr hiker.

Meeting Location/Parking: The AT trailhead and parking area is located on VA725/Tucker Lane in Linden, VA. GPS: 38.91146, -78.05289

Facilities: No restroom is available at the trailhead; however, the Manassas Gap Shelter has an outdoor privy.

Admission: Free

Contact Information: Please use the comments feature for comments or questions. The hike leader is Lisa Peterson.

Cancellation: If the hike needs to be cancelled, hikers will be notified through comments on this posting. Please check Meetup for updates before leaving home.

What to Bring: Water at least two liters, emergency contact information, personal first aid kit and medications, snacks/meal, sunscreen/protection from weather, insect repellant, trekking poles if you use them (highly recommended for water crossings), sturdy hiking footwear.

Please leave pets at home. Thanks!

Notes:

We will hike at Sky Meadows State Park, 5.2 miles with an elevation gain of 1000’. The pace for this hike is great for beginners and families, 1.4-1.9 mph, and slower if needed.
The hike is referred to as a lollipop. We will meet at the Visitor Center parking lot and hike to the Boston Mill Road Trail. We will take the North Ridge Trail to the Appalachian Trail and then the Ambassador White House Trail. We will return on the North Ridge Trail and Boston Mill Road Trail.

DIRECTIONS AND PARKING: Physical Address: 11012 Edmonds Ln., Delaplane, VA 20144
The park is less than two miles south of Paris, VA via U.S. Route 50 to Route 17 South, or seven miles north of I-66, Exit 23 on Route 17 North. The park’s main entrance is on Rt. 710/Edmonds Lane.
Park in the lot at the visitor center.
Sue's vehicle is a white Toyota Corolla.

RESTROOM: Onsite at the visitor center.

THINGS TO BRING:
You will need a Virginia State Park Pass or pay a $10 fee to access the park.
Dress in layers and be prepared for cold weather. Bring water, snacks, a first aid kit, hiking poles, and additional traction, such as yaks or micro spikes, if you use them.

Calvert Cliffs State Park! A 5.2 mile hike

Because of snow and ice on the trail microspikes are required on this hike. Also suggest bringing hiking poles.
Join us for a hike to the beach at Calvert Cliffs State Park— it’s the perfect time to experience the natural beauty and geological wonder of this unique destination. Over 1,000 acres of this park are designated as wildlands, allowing the landscape to return to its more natural state. The main attractions of the park are the dramatic cliffs that tower over the Chesapeake Bay at heights exceeding 100 feet. Formed more than 10 million years ago, they are eroding at a rate of nearly 3 feet per year, revealing fossils.

Calvert Cliffs boast the most extensive collection of Miocene underwater fossils found in the eastern United States. Fossil enthusiasts and nature lovers alike will be fascinated by the area’s rich paleontological heritage. Calvert Cliffs is not the best place to look for fossils. Right now, they are buried under snow and ice.

The hike will take us directly to the beach. Along the way we will observe a creek that develops into the wetland, and then the path suddenly opens to the Bay. After exploring the shoreline and cliffs, we’ll return to the trailhead, completing a total of 5.2 miles.

Please Bring a snack or lunch, we will enjoy a break at the beach.

A Well-Mannered, Leashed Fido is Welcome on this Hike if he/she likes to hike in snow.

Time to Meet:
Please meet at 9:45 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 10:00

Contact Information:
Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leader is Christa (410-610-6254). Call or text as needed.

Directions to Trailhead:
The GPS Coordinates are 38.396531, -76.435100
The Street address to the park is 10540 HG Trueman Road, Lusby, MD 20657. We meet at the VERY LAST parking lot just before exiting the park. We meet all the way in the back where there is a white barn. The regular parking lot has not been plowed. It is NOT the parking lot adjacent to the pond. If you see the pond, you haven’t traveled far enough.

Details
Rating: Moderate
Distance: 5.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 440 ft
Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour
Facilities: Bathroom soon after entering the park, and Portable bathrooms close to the beach.
Fees: There is an entrance fee of $5 per car, $7 out of state. Free with State Pass. Bring cash. Payment is on honor basis at this time of the year.

Cancellation:
In the unlikely event that the hike needs to be cancelled, it may be cancelled up to the evening before the hike. Hikers will be notified through comments on this posting.