Thornton River Circuit Hike ~10.7 miles, ~2,300 Elev gain

Parking: Elkwallow Wayside https://maps.app.goo.gl/jHE2YxHaMWdFNyS96
Hike: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/thornton-river-circuit-hike-4845b84?u=i&sh=jbc54i

Note: There are water crossings - be prepared.
Weather permitting, we will have a post hike rehydration in the parking lot at the conclusion of the hike. Bring a chair, your beverage of choice, and a snack at your discretion.

Hike Description - This hike starts in the North District of Shenandoah National Park. From the Elkwallow Wayside, we are going to cross Skyline Drive to the Appalachian Trail. We will have a steady uphill for a mile on the Appalachian Trail to the intersection with the Range View Fire Road. We will turn right on the Range View Fire Road and walk a short distance to the Piney Ridge Trail. We will descend to the Fork Mountain Trail junction. We will turn right onto the Fork Mountain Trail and continue to descend down to the Thornton Hollow Trail junction. We will turn right onto the Thornton Hollow Trail and continue the descent down to the Thornton River Trail junction. We will turn right onto the Thornton River Trail. We will have several crossings of Thornton River and we will have a steady climb up to Skyline Drive. We will cross Skyline Drive and make the short climb up to the ridge and the junction with the Appalachian Trail. We will turn right onto the Appalachian Trail and complete this circuit hike.
Disclaimer: GetHiking Organizers are not professional guides. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would if you were hiking alone. You are solely responsible for your own safety and well-being. With your RSVP you agree to participate at your own risk and are solely responsible for any damage to your property and/or any injury to yourself or your guest. When joining GetHiking you affirm that you knowingly and voluntarily agree not to bring any type of claim arising out of/or related to this event against the organizers of this group.
Weather: If inclement weather necessitates canceling or postponing the hike, the decision will be made no later than 7:00AM - cancellations will be posted on the hike comments section. Steady rain with not much chance of clearing and/or dangerous conditions will call for postponing the hike.
RSVP: If you find that you are NOT going to be able to attend the hike, please update your RSVP to “No” as soon as possible. This allows those on the waitlist to have the opportunity to attend.
Recommended items - Broken in Hiking Boots, Trekking Poles, Lunch/Snacks, 2-3 Liters of Water, Good Day Pack