Beautiful Circuit Hike in SNP - Rip Rap and Wildcat Ridge- 9.6 Miles-Mod Stren
Details
Riprap Hollow / Wildcat Ridge is one of the most scenic circuit hikes in the Southern region of Shenandoah National Park. The views from Chimney Rock offer great vistas to the West and North. The spring fed stream in Cold Spring and Riprap Hollow is very scenic, and has a 50 foot wide swimming hole fed by yet another mountain spring. In order to fully complete the circuit and connect the RipRap Hollow and Wildcat Ridge parking lots, we will hike a 2.8 mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail.
We will begin and finish our hike from the Wildcat Ridge parking area along Skyline Drive. We will initially hike downhill along the Wildcat Ridge Trail - at one point passing by a cave. Upon reaching the RipRap Trail we will begin our ascent, ultimately reaching Chimney Rocks with its breathtaking vistas. And depending on group interest, we can also stop for a brief time at the idyllic swimming hole in RipRap Hollow - which is also a great spot to break for lunch.
Please note that the overall elevation gain for this 9.6 mile hike is estimated to be at least 2000 feet - however, it will be broken up throughout the hike - with the majority of it occurring as we ascend the RipRap Trail.
And for those that are interested, we can head to a brewery as a post-hike option for some liquid hydration and a bite to eat - most likely from a food truck offering a menu with a wide range of items to choose from.
Hope you will be able to participate in this group hike outing.
What to Wear and Bring:
>since our hike will take place in the Shenandoah National Park, please bring a Park Pass - if you have one - if not you will hopefully have the opportunity to carpool with someone who has a Pass - another option is to pay a small fee for entrance to SNP (see "How To Find Us" for carpool opportunity)
>hiking apparel should include moisture wicking clothing such as polyester and/or merino wool as a base/skin layer
>a light jacket and/or rain jacket - just in case we are threatened by an afternoon shower and a drop in temperature
>a good pair of broken-in hiking shoes/boots
>wool/merino hiking socks (such as Smart Wool)
>2 liters of water and/or an electro-lyte replacement drink
>snack food
>Most Importantly – Lunch – which will be eaten at a tranquil, scenic area along the trail