Road Hollow Trail to Sexton Cabin Ruins-Retrace-8 Miles-Moderately Strenuous
Details
Starting from the parking lot for the Ramsey's Draft Wilderness Area (off of Route 250 at the base of Shenandoah Mountain), today's trek will initially start along the Road Hollow Trail. This trail meanders through a forest of mixed hardwood trees and cuts in and out of several mountain hollows.
The ascent on the Road Hollow Trail is moderate, but steady - as we will gain 750 feet over the 2.5 mile distance of this trail. Upon reaching the end of this trail, we will also attain the summit ridge line for Shenandoah Mountain and will meet up with the Shenandoah Mountain Trail.
Turning right on the Shenandoah Mountain Trail, we will follow this fairly level footpath for about a mile. We should have some really nice views along this section of trail too.
After a mile on this trail, we will turn right onto the Jerry's Run Trail - which we will hike for about 0.5 miles until we reach a beautiful, remote, and open grassy area where the ruins of the Sexton Cabin stand. A mountain stream runs adjacent to the ruins too. This will also be the midway point of our hike and where we will break for lunch.
At the conclusion of our lunch break - where we will also have a chance to bask in the sun - we will retrace our path back to our parked vehicles.
After the conclusion of our hike - for those that are interested - we can hang out at a picnic area that is very close to the trailhead and have some post-hike snacks. Bring a refreshing beverage with you - along with a snack to share - and maybe a comfortable outdoor chair.
WHAT TO BRING:
Please bring plenty of water and wear broken-in hiking boots/shoes. As a suggestion, since there will be a couple of minor stream crossings, wearing waterproof shoes is a good idea. We will be taking a nice, well deserved break for lunch at the mid-way point of our hike - so bring lunch and snacks!!
Please Note: I will provide an update on the weather forecast in the "Comments" section a day or two prior to our outing.
Drive time to the Ramsey's Draft parking area and hike trailhead from Charlottesville is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. CARPOOLING IS RECOMMENDED.
Hope you will be able to attend. And may our group outing take place on a blue sky, sunny day.