Thunder Ridge Wilderness-10 miles-Strenuous
Details
Starting Point - Pettite's Gap (Mile marker 70)
Ending Point - Sunset Field Overlook (78.4)
Hike Distance/Rating/Elevation - 10 miles/Strenuous/3400 feet of elevation
Hike Highlights - Petite's Gap, Appalachian Trail, Thunder Ridge Wilderness, the Guillotine, Apple Orchard Mountain, 270 degree views, Apple Orchard Falls
Disclaimer #1 - This hike is through a designated wilderness area. Since this hike is through a wilderness area, this hike will be capped at ten hikers.
Disclaimer #2 - This hike is rated as a strenuous hike. Since this hike is rated as a strenuous hike, all hikers will start the hike on the wait list until I can verify the hiking experience of all hikers. Those, who have not hiked with me on a strenuous hike, will need to answer the following vetting questions.
- How often do you hike?
- What strenuous hikes have you done?
- When and what was the last strenuous hike that you completed?
Those hikers have within one week of their RSVP to answer these questions. The answers to these questions will need to be emailed to me at patrickcory@hotmail.com or via Meetup messages.
Hike Details - I have always tried to not repost the same hike twice in the same calendar year. This hike is the exception to that rule. This hike was amazing in July, when I did it. Throughout the hike, we spoke about how incredible this stretch of Appalachian Trail will be in the Fall. It is time to do this hike in November. We are going to form carpools shortly before 7:30 AM at the Fontaine Research Park. We are going to drive down to Petite's Gap at mile marker 70 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. We are going to set up the car shuttle to Sunset Field Overlook at Mile Marker 78.4. After we set up the shuttle, we are going to hike the Appalachian Trail southbound. Along the way, we will have a 270 degree view from a viewing platform, the guillotine rock formation, the FAA radar dome, and the views from Apple Orchard Mountain. We are going to reach the Apple Orchard Falls Trail. We are going down to the Falls and take in the amazing Apple Orchard Falls. After taking in these amazing falls, we will retrace our steps back up to the Sunset Field Overlook and the end of the hike.
As is tradition with my hikes, there will be an optional post hike at local restaurant or brewery. Carpools can be arranged accordingly for those who wish to partake.
What to Bring - Broken in hiking boots, layers of clothing for cold mountain hiking, possibly traction, beanies, gloves, camera/phone, a good day pack, 3 to 4 liters of water, lunch/snacks, a first aid kit, $10 for your driver if not driving
Disclaimer #3 - GetHiking Charlottesville's Organizers are not professional guides. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were hiking alone. With your RSVP you agree with this disclaimer - Disclaimer (https://www.meetup.com/GetHiking-Charlottesville-Charlottesville-VA/pages/21088739/Disclaimer/)