NOVA Trailblazers - 20s - 40s Backpacking and Hiking

**Update** - Moved to Sunday due to rain

## Details

This is an extended version of a popular hike up to Chimney Top - It is a long hike, so PLEASE only attend if you have adequate hiking experience and can maintain a pace of 2+ mph.

Due to the length + drive time, we will need to meet early at Vienna Metro at 7AM and carpool to the Redman Run Trailhead Parking Lot. Drive time is about 2 hour and 15 mins and the hike will take ~7hrs so please be on time.

Please post a comment below if you are willing to drive. Carpooling saves the environment and makes friends.

## Trail Facts

• Difficulty Level: Very Strenuous
• Length: 13.46 Miles
• Duration: 8 hours
• Elevation Gain: 2,726 Feet
• Parking: Vienna Metro Station (South)
• Dogs: Allowed
• Trailhead Coordinates: 38.912496, -79.261756
• AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/north-fork-mountain-trail-to-chimney-top-7a2b33c?u=i&sh=rak641

Trail Details:
This is a long, hard hike that traverses an initial gradual incline and then follows along rolling hills for a total of ~2700 ft of elevation gain. The hike starts at the Redman Run Trailhead off Smoke Hole Road in Cabins, WV.

The trail begins at a leisurely grade but becomes steep toward the top where it joins North Fork Mtn Trail. Redman Run trail stops at the edge of Chimney Rocks, which provides stunning views of the Smoke Hole region. After taking in the view, we will take a sharp right on North Fork Mtn Trail and follow this all the way to Chimney Top (6.73 miles one way). After spending time taking in the sights, climbing the "chimneys", and enjoying a lunch break, we'll make our way down the same way we came up. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash.

We are leaving the DC area at 7am, so if you plan to meet us at the trailhead please be there no later than 9:30am. Parking at the trailhead is limited, but there are parking spots and road parking available on Smoke Hole Road. Bring plenty of water (at least 2 liters) as well as lunch, snacks, and electrolytes (i.e. Gatorade). Please be sure to have appropriate gear, including hiking shoes or trail runners, hiking poles if you need them, moisture-wicking clothes, and appropriate layers given the weather conditions.

After the hike, we'll stop at Box Office Brewery in Strasburg, VA for food and drinks. Address is 177 E King St, Strasburg, VA 22657.

LIABILITY NOTICE:
Please remember that this group operates under the common adventurer model. We are a group of friends and volunteers organizing trips for fun and shared experience. Participants are expected to be familiar with best hiking practices and choose hikes that align with their physical abilities and experience. Organizers and members are not liable for any injuries, loss, or damage to persons or property arising from group activities. By attending this event, you agree to assume all risks associated with the activity.​

Let's hike my favorite backpacking loop in Virginia - The Virginia Triple Crown! (Picture is from McAfee's Knob)

IMPORTANT - READ
This trip is challenging and is NOT recommended for inexperienced hikers. First time backpackers will not be allowed to join this one, sorry.

## Trail Facts

• Difficulty Level: Very Strenuous
• Length: 37 Miles
• Duration: 3 Days
• Elevation Gain: 8,015 Feet
• Bear Canisters: Not Required
• Permits: Not Required
• Parking: Dragon's Tooth Trailhead Parking Lot
• Coordinates: 37.378936, -80.156161
• AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/virginias-triple-crown-loop?u=i&sh=rak641

Throughout this backpacking adventure you will get a chance to conquer three of the regions most spectacular overlooks: McAfee Knob, one of the most photographed spots along the AT; Tinker Cliffs, which offers 180-degree views of mountain ranges and amazing sunsets; and Dragon’s Tooth, a rock-scrambling climb to a unique jagged peak.

This route is known to be challenging and is NOT recommended for inexperienced hikers. First time backpackers will not be allowed to join this one, sorry. Please ensure you are able to manage 10-15 miles per day. Water can be scarce on this hike. I recommend bringing more than you might normally bring - up to 4 liters.

Trail Details:
On Saturday morning, we will meet at the trailhead at 9am. If you're driving from the DC area, I'd suggest staying in Roanoke the night before, as parking at the trailhead is limited (it's best to get there early).

Day 1 (12.8 miles)
On the first day, we will leave the parking lot and walk along well-defined trails that wind through streams and forest. After about 1.5 miles, we will start a steep ascent up to the first of the three "crowns," known as Dragon's Tooth. The final mile to the Tooth will require some bouldering/scrambling, with the use of iron bars but the panoramic view at the top is well worth it. Afterwards, we descend and turn to hike along the AT until we reach Catawba Campsite at about 13 miles total. We will camp here for the night and refill water.

Day 2 (11.8 miles)
Day 2 will see two of the scenic overlooks - McAfee’s Knob and Tinker Cliffs. We will reach McAfee’s Knob first thing on day 2 - It’s an amazing overhung cliff with a 270-degree panorama of the Catawba valley and is the most photographed spot on the Appalachian Trail. After another few miles, we will reach Tinker Cliffs, which offer another amazing view of the idyllic Catawba valley. After a brief lunch we will continue down a steep decline and turn off the AT on to the Andy Lane trail and refill water. After several more miles we will camp near the top of North Mountain.

Day 3 (10.5 miles)
This day should be an easy final day - it consists of a mostly flat-then-downward hike back to the parking area at Dragons tooth. Please note, that after turning from Andy Lane trail to North Mountain trail, there will be no opportunities to refill water. Plan accordingly.
Note that the plan is to meet at the trailhead - but carpooling is encouraged due to limited parking at the trailhead parking lot. If you are willing to drive, please post a comment. As a rider, please comment on the driver’s post that you need a ride. If you do plan to hitch a ride, please offer to chip in for gas.

(Event is crossposted)

LIABILITY NOTICE:
Please remember that this group operates under the common adventurer model. We are a group of friends and volunteers organizing trips for fun and shared experience. Participants are expected to be familiar with best hiking practices and choose hikes that align with their physical abilities and experience. Organizers and members are not liable for any injuries, loss, or damage to persons or property arising from group activities. By attending this event, you agree to assume all risks associated with the activity.​

Caledon State Park is a 2,500-acre property in King George County that has been designated as a National Natural Landmark. The park includes 16 miles of hiking trails and is home to old growth forests and American bald eagles. Given the low mileage and modest elevation gain, this backpacking trip is a great choice for those who are new to the sport or who are trying to get back into it.

We will meet on the sidewalk between the parking garage and the bus lane at the Franconia-Springfield Metro Station at 8:00 AM and carpool to the trailhead. Drive time is about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Please post a comment below if you are willing to drive. Carpooling saves the environment and makes friends.

## Trail Facts

Got to love an Old Rag backpacking trip. This one is not for the faint of heart - but, oh man, the views...

IMPORTANT - READ
This trip is very challenging and is NOT appropriate for inexperienced hikers. First time backpackers will not be allowed to join this one, sorry.

## Trail Facts

• Difficulty Level: Extremely Strenuous
• Length: 23 Miles
• Duration: 2 Days
• Elevation Gain: 6,411 Feet
• Bear Canisters: Not Required
• Permits: Pre-Purchased - Please bring $10
• Parking: Lower Whiteoak Canyon Parking Lot
• Coordinates: 38.539472, -78.349190
• AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/saddle-ridge-corbin-hollow-corbin-mountain-indian-run-nicholson-hollow-appalachian-and-w?u=i&sh=rak641

This is a hard one. It will require stamina and spunk. But this backpacking trip goes through the best Shenandoah has to offer.

This route is brutal and is NOT recommended for inexperienced hikers. First time backpackers will not be allowed to join this one, sorry. Please ensure you are able to manage 10-15 miles per day.

Trail Details:
On Saturday morning, we will meet at the trailhead at 9am. If you're driving from the DC area, it might be easier to stay in the area the night before. We will need to get an early start so dont be late.

Day 1 (13.75 miles)
On the first day, we will leave the parking lot and travel up the Whiteoak Canyon trail. This trail is steep, but amazing - it includes 20-30 waterfalls and a great swimming hole, complete with a slide. Call it nature's water park. At roughly 5.5 miles, we can optionally stop at a bar at Skyland Resort for food/drink. At 6.6 miles we will arrive at Stony Man Lookout, a beautiful view. We will then continue another ~7 miles to our campsite on the Corbin Hollow trail.

Day 2 (9.51 miles)
Day 2 is shorter, but requires us to summit Old Rag - no easy feat with gear. For those that haven't hiked Old Rag, expect decently vertical scrambles and a trail that meanders through interesting crevasses and along cliffsides. We will reach the summit after roughly 6 miles. The last 2.6 miles to the car should be easy.

Depending on how late we get to the cars, I may stop for food and drink at Rappahannock Pizza Kitchen (RPK), 3710 Sperryville Pike, Sperryville, VA 22740.

I've purchased backcountry permits for this trip - please bring $10. Also, Shenandoah requires drivers to have a park pass to enter the park (I have an America the Beautiful Pass). There are no entrance stations to get to the parking lot - but I'd recommend drivers have a park pass to leave with the car.

(Event is crossposted)

LIABILITY NOTICE:
Please remember that this group operates under the common adventurer model. We are a group of friends and volunteers organizing trips for fun and shared experience. Participants are expected to be familiar with best hiking practices and choose hikes that align with their physical abilities and experience. Organizers and members are not liable for any injuries, loss, or damage to persons or property arising from group activities. By attending this event, you agree to assume all risks associated with the activity.​