Ramsey's Draft 8 or 11 miles (majority choice!) with Cinco de Mayo Post-hike

We have 2 choices for this hike, both begin off 250 in West Augusta and both have facilities for our convince. Please vote at sign up for which hike you're more interested in, hopefully we'll have a majority for one or the other. The only difference between the two is mileage. The elevation change is not extreme or dynamic, making both options on the moderate end of strenuous. Either way, we will absolutely be getting out feet soaked so prepare accordingly!

Option 1) Jerry's Run Loop (8mi) starting from Ramsay's Draft parking lot. This loop starts at the bottom of the hike and follows the stream for a couple of miles, crisscrossing the draft 8 times. We will turn Left onto Jerry's Run but the fun won't end there! The stream may be narrower but we will still have to cross an additional 3-5 times as we make our way out of the streambed. I plan to stop for a snack/lunch break at the old cabin ruins. We will intersect and make a Left onto Shenandoah Mountain Trail, a lovely relaxing ridgeline section. Lastly, we'll make our final Left onto Road Hollow trail, weaving our way along the mountainside back down to the parking lot.

Option 2) Ramsay's Loop (11mi) starting at Confederate Breastworks Interpretive Site (aka Fort Edward Johnson) a few miles down the road. The parking lot here is a bit smaller but offers a beautiful overlook and historic site! Instead of starting at the creek, we'll be starting high on the ridgeline then making our way down. We will actually pass the parking area for option 1 and hang a Left, following the same route as above and stopping for a snack/lunch at the same cabin area. Once we get onto Shenandoah Mountain Trail, however, we will continue straight, doing a bit a of a retrace back to our parking at the overlook.

**Please note: the stream crossings can be about knee deep. There are few to no rock-hop options and therefore we will be fording the creek many times. This is a wilderness area and as such the trail may not be well-marked, especially in the areas where we cross. Group sizes are also limited to 10 - please edit RSVP as soon as possible to allow others a chance to participate.

What to bring: water shoes or boots you're ok getting soaked. Spare dry socks and shoes. Hiking poles recommended, insect repellant, sunscreen, towel, plenty of water, snacks or a lunch. Optional: money for post-hike and/or carpool (feel free to organize carpool in comments)

POST HIKE: Since this hike is on Cinco de Mayo, we will stop in Harrisonburg for an optional post hike at El Charro on South Main!

Dogs on leash welcome, please use caution with your furry friend if there has been recent precipitation in the area. A steady rain will cancel the hike due to rushing water and flash flooding.