Backpack Three Ridges Trail (4 miles)

Three Ridges Trail is a 13.3 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Lyndhurst, Virginia that features a waterfall and is rated as difficult. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Situated in Central Virginia, just 30 miles southwest of Charlottesville, the hike has vista after vista along the Appalachian Trail, and many small waterfalls and pools on the Mau-Har Trail on Campbell Creek.

This is a 1-night backpacking trip. On Mon (4/13), we'll backpack about 2 miles from Reid's Gap (2,650 ft) to Maupin Field Shelter (2,743 ft) on the AT. Set-up camp, have lunch, hike 2 miles down Mau-Har Trail to the waterfalls with a day pack, and return to the campsite. Then, on Tue (4/14), we'll day hike 2 miles up to the first overlook of Three Ridges, have lunch, and return to the campsite. We'll breakdown our tent site and return to Reid's Gap.

Disclaimer: GetHiking Charlottesville Organizers are not professional guides. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were backpacking and hiking alone. With your RSVP, you agree with this disclaimer.

Weather forecast:
Mon (4/13)- 74F/55F, mostly sunny.
Tue (4/14)- High 71F, mostly sunny.

Notes:
1. Reference guide: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/virginia/three-ridges-trail
2. Suggested packing list:
a. Backpack, tent, sleeping bag/pad, camp stove/pot, headlamp, ear plugs, water/food for 2 lunches, 1 breakfast, and 1 dinner.
b. Walking stick/trekking poles, whistle, hat/cap, gloves, sunglasses.
c. Change of clothes/layering, cool-weather gear, toiletries, first aid kit/medication.
3. A final itinerary or cancellation notice will be posted a few days before the trip.

Tentative Itinerary: All events are optional and subject to change. Times are approximate.
Mon (4/13):
10 am - meet at Reid's Gap for trip preparation and group intro.
10:30 am - trek south on the AT to Maupin Field Shelter for about 2 miles.
12:30 pm - set-up tent site and have lunch. Hang food up for the day.
2 pm - hike down Mau-Har Trail to the waterfalls for about 2 miles with a daypack.
4 pm- hike back up to the Shelter.
6 pm - prep for dinner and R & R. Hang food up for the night.
Tue (4/14):
7 am - 8 am - wake up and prep for breakfast.
9 am - hike up to Three Ridges for about 2 miles with a daypack and have lunch.
11 am - return to the Shelter and breakdown tent site.
2 pm - trek north on the AT back to Reid's Gap for about 2 miles.
4 pm - travel safely home.