Sunset Hike To Turk Mountain - 5 Miles - South District SNP - Moderate

The refreshing mountain air and a sunset from a beautiful mountain overlook, doesn’t that sound like a great way to cap off a weekend. This planned hike will take place within the Southern District of the Shenandoah National Park. It will be a retrace hike along the Appalachian Trail (AT) and the Turk Mountain Trail.

Starting from the Sawmill Run Overlook parking area along the Skyline Drive, we will access the AT heading North. We will gradually ascend about 300 feet covering 1.5 miles. We will then turn onto the Turk Mountain Trail and hike this for just under 1 mile to the rock outcropping at the summit of Turk Mountain. The striated sandstone at this location is unique to the beautiful rock formations found throughout the ridges in Shenandoah National Park.

From our perch on Turk Mountain, we will settle in to watch the sunset as it cast its rays and shimmering light across the Shenandoah Valley. This rock outcropping is an ideal location for gazing at the setting sun. This is also a great spot for having dinner - so make certain to pack something to eat.

After viewing the sunset, we will retrace our hike path back to our parked vehicles.

What to Wear and Bring:

> temperatures in the mountains will be cooler, so it is always important to dress in layers (it is always better to have too many layers with you, instead of not having enough)
> hiking apparel should include moisture wicking clothing such as polyester and/or merino wool as a base/skin layer
> depending on how cool or windy it might be, bringing a pull-over micro-fleece is always a good idea
> a good pair of broken-in hiking shoes/boots
> wool/merino hiking socks (such as Smart Wool)
> snack food and/or dinner food items
> a HEADLAMP or small flashlight - to be used during the return hike back to the parked vehicles

National Park Pass - if you have one

Hope you will be able to participate in what will be a wonderful outing in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Central Virginia.