RipRap Trail: Stunning 9.8 mile Strenuous Loop 2073 ft. elev. gain

If you’d like to enjoy a post hike gathering, bring chairs/drinks/snacks for afterwards.

Riprap is one of the more popular and challenging hikes in the southern section.This time we will start in the Riprap Trail parking area (not Wildcat Ridge) and complete this loop clockwise.

From the Riprap parking area at milepost 90, we will take a few steps on a blue blazed trail that leads to the AT. We will turn left on the AT, going about 2.7 miles south, a relatively flat, if ho-hum section. This section runs parallel to the Skyline Drive to the Wildcat Ridge parking area.
We will reach a concrete trail marker and turn right on the blue blazed hiking trail, Wildcat Ridge. This trail is very steep and has some stream crossings to contend with. You may be able to log hop, but be prepared to get your shoes wet.

At the 5.3 mark, right after the Riprap Creek crossing, we will reach the Blue blazed Riprap Trail. We will turn right here and begin our ascent. More stream crossings coming. We will bump into the swimming hole.
We will continue the uphill climb, and then at the 7.7 mile mark there will be some great views. At the 8.1 mile marker we will arrive at a gorgeous view from Chimney Rock. Continuing on we arrive at Calvary Rocks at about 8.3 miles. Great spot to check out the rocks to scramble on if thats your thing!

At the 9.3 mark we will approach another concrete trail marker, and we will turn right for the southbound AT. In the home stretch now, turn left at the 9.8 mile mark to return to the parking area. Now its time to celebrate and relax for a few! You did it!

WHAT TO BRING: Hiking poles are recommended. You may want to bring water shoes/boot covers for the water crossings. Bring plenty of water and lunch/snacks since we’ll have lunch along the way. Also bring bug spray, a hat, and hiking boots.

COVID 19: Please do not sign up for this hike if you are not feeling well or have potentially been exposed to COVID 19 or are not comfortable social-distancing.

WEATHER: Currently the weather looks ideal - sunny with a high of 74 degrees. If it changes and inclement weather necessitates canceling or postponing the hike, the decision will be made, and communicated, in the comments section of this posting no later than 7:30 a.m. Steady rain with little chance of clearing and/or possibly causing dangerous conditions will call for cancelling the 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.

RSVP: If you find you are not going to be able to attend this hike, please update your RSVP to NO as soon as possible. This allows those on the wait list the opportunity to attend.