Tidewater ATC Meetup

The Deadrise Restaurant at Old Point Comfort
Thursday, June 26, 2025 – 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Tidewater Appalachian Trail Eatery Reviewers (TATERS)
Fort Monroe, 100 McNair Dr, Hampton, VA 23651
Online Sign-Up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F45A5AE29A1F5C61-56813574-thedeadrise
Website: https://thedeadrisefishhouse.com/

Three Ridges Wilderness Backpacking Trip
June 28 - June 29
Last minute weekend backpacking trip to familiar stomping grounds with great camping, fantastic views and good water. Not familiar with the Three Ridges Wilderness area and the Appalachian Trail that runs through it then this is the trip for you and you have options. The basic trip I plan on leaving Williamsburg June 28 early Saturday morning at 6 AM and head west on I-64 to exit at Crozet onto US 250 west then south at the traffic circle on 151 then west on 664 past the entrance to Wintergreen and park on the left at Reid's Gap where it intersects with the Appalachian Trail and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Expect to arrive around 9 AM and from here backpack south on the Appalachian Trail 1.7 miles to Maupin Field then another 6.2 miles and up a little over 1000 feet to the top of Three Ridges then down about 2000 feet to Harper's Creek where I plan to camp Saturday night. On Sunday June 29 will pack up and hike south on the Appalachian Trail to the intersection with the Mau Har Trail which I will take back north to Maupin Field and the Appalachian Trail north back to Reid's Gap parking area. The total distance is about 5.4 miles and an elevation gain of about 1500 feet. Keeping in mind all distances and elevations are approximate. From there back to Williamsburg maybe by way of the Devil's Backbone Brewery. Again, great views from Three Ridges and beautiful trail and water and water features especially along the Mau Har. Did I say options? Of course, you could come up Friday and hike the 1.7 miles in to Maupin Field and then on Saturday only 6.2 miles to Harper's Creek Shelter. Make it easier with prior arrangements could do a point to point by positioning your vehicle at the Tye River parking area so on Sunday an easy 2.7 miles down 1000 feet from Harper's Creek. Want to make it more challenging? On Saturday backpack past Harper's Creek down 1000 feet and 2.7 miles to the Tye River and back up the same elevation and distance and camp with the rest of us at Harper's Creek. Whatever you do, a great trip will be had by all.
Please note the following:
· I am driving my truck and I can carry three people besides myself. Any more sign up they will have to have a driver
· I have maps, and these trails are on various apps. I use the National Geographic map #789 and the PATC map #12.
· These trails do have shelters and privys but no place to resupply so pack accordingly. I do not mind sharing my water filter but you need to pack everything for meals as well as sleeping and hiking. Also, it is summer so plan for sun, heat and bugs.
· Water is available at Maupin then not until Harper's Creek the first day so pack what you need to hike on Saturday. Sunday water is along both trails out.
· This is a good trip for first-time backpackers as well as seasoned backpackers.
· I go regardless of weather. Check Wintergreen Virginia for weather.
· I practice Leave No Trace so pack out what you pack in.
· While this is a wilderness area, the Appalachian Trail is well-marked.
· Costs: I expect anyone riding with me to split equally the cost for gas
· You are responsible for making all arrangements if you have to leave the trail early.
· I encourage you to call me if you have any questions, and you must call me if you plan to go on this trip.
Mark J Wenger
swfl1951@gmail.com

The Noland Trail – Award Winning 5-Mile Trail
Saturday, June 28, 2025 - 9:00am to 1:00pm
Mariners' Museum and Park, 100 Museum Dr, Newport News, VA 23606
Meet at the Parking Lot in front of the Mariners' Museum,
100 Museum Dr, Newport News, VA 23606
Online Sign-Up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F45A5AE29A1F5C61-56813406-thenoland
Website: https://www.marinersmuseum.org/park/noland-trail/
Optional: Eat out at afterwards at Plaza Azteca, 12428 Warwick Blvd, Newport News, VA 23606

Online Sign-Up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F45A5AE29A1F5C61-56855068-hasty

Where: First Landing State Park

When: Saturday, July 12, 2025
(Rain date: Sunday, July 13, 2025)

There is a $7.00 fee per car to enter the park unless you have a park pass. You can also use a REI receipt to enter the park or park outside the park and walk in. Carpooling is recommended.

Activity: Hike several trails at FLSP totaling 5.5 miles without taking breaks. This is
designed to be a workout hike averaging 20 minutes a mile or less.

Meet no later than 6:45 AM to sign waiver. Hike starts at 7 AM.

Meeting Place: First Landing State Park, 2500 Shore Drive in Virginia Beach. Turn
towards the Trail Center. Once you pass the Contact Station (pay station), take the first
right into the parking lot.

Before the Hike: We will meet in the parking lot. Everyone needs to sign a waiver to
join. The hike will start from the parking lot at 7:00 AM. (There are restrooms at the
end of the parking lot so arrive early to take care of your business before we start hiking
at 7:00 AM.).

The Hike: This hike is designed to be a “work out hike”; so, we will be averaging 20
minutes a mile or less with no rest or sight-seeing breaks. Be ready to move and keep
moving! The total hike should be about 5.5 miles and relatively flat.

POC: Lelia Vann: leliavann@gmail.com