Beautiful Circuit Hike In The SNP-Austin Mtn/Madison Run-9 Miles-Mod Strenuous

Austin Mountain lies in a forgotten corner of the Southern District of Shenandoah National Park. Our hike on this day will offer us an opportunity to catch some rarely-seen views while hiking along a remote ridgeline.

Starting from the SNP boundary along the Western terminus of the Madison Run Fire Road, we will access the Austin Mountain Trail and immediately begin ascending. The climb will initially be fairly steep, as the trail makes its way up the south-facing slope of the mountain. After making a long switchback, the trail will start to enter a rockier terrain, with occasional mini-talus slopes and less dense tree cover along the trail. Here we will come across the first of several views. As we continue our ascent, more views will open up revealing the entirety of Dundo Hollow and the peaks surrounding Madison Run's headwaters.

At the height of the ridge, just below the wooded summit of Austin Mountain, we will connect with the Rockytop Trail - which we will traverse for about 0.5 miles. Our next trail will be the Big Run Spur Trail - which will gradually descend for a short distance to the Madison Run Fire Road. Descending back down the mountain, we will hike the Madison Run Fire Road back to our parked vehicles.

Hike Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous

Note on Difficulty: This hike will have approximately 1,600' of elevation gain, with all of the gain occurring in the first half of the hike. This is not an easy hike - for experienced hikers only. If you have a question regarding your ability to do this hike, please contact me via a Private Message through the Meet-Up website.

After we have concluded our hike along this beautiful high elevation stretch of the AT, we will have the option of stopping at a local brewery for a post-hike drink and some socializing.

What to Wear and Bring:
> hiking apparel should include moisture wicking clothing such as polyester and/or merino wool as a base/skin layer
> a light-weight rain jacket - just in case
> a good pair of broken-in hiking shoes/boots
> wool/merino hiking socks (such as Smart Wool)
> approximately 2 liters of water and/or an electro-lyte replacement drink
> snack food
> Most Importantly – Lunch – which will be eaten at a tranquil location near the mid-way point of our group outing

I look forward to the opportunity of enjoying this hike with you along the Western slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains on what I hope will be a blue sky, sunny Fall season day.

Weather: If inclement weather necessitates canceling or postponing the hike, the decision will be made no later than 8:00AM the day of the hike - a cancellation notice will be posted in the hike comment section... Steady rain or inclement weather with not much chance for clearing will call for postponing the hike.