Three Ridges-Burn Those Calories Hike-8.4 Miles-Moderately Strenuous
Details
Starting Point - Three Ridges Overlook
Ending Point - Three Ridges Overlook
Hike Distance/Rating - 8.4 Miles/Moderately Strenuous
Trailhead GPS Coordinates - 37.907144, -78.979428
PLEASE NOTE - The full name of this hike is Burn Those Calories Before You Eat Those Calories Hike. This is a moderately strenuous hike from the Three Ridges Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway to the Hanging Rock Vista. We are going to be hiking the Appalachian Trail for the entire hike. Even though a moderately strenuous hike, this is a challenging hike. I will be looking at past hikes attended. If you find yourself on the wait list after 3 days, please email me at patrickcory@hotmail.com or Meetup Messages. If I don't hear from you, you will be moved to Not Going.
This hike does go through a federally designated wilderness area. Per the regulations of federally designated wilderness areas, the group will be no bigger than 10 people.
Hike Highlights - Three Ridges Overlook, Appalachian Trail, Reeds Gap, Bee Mountain, Maupin Field Shelter, Blue Ridge Parkway, 270-Degree Views from Hanging Rock
Hike Details - Traditionally, I have done the full lariat 14.5-mile hike on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. For this hike, we are doing the Appalachian Trail from the Three Ridges Overlook up to Hanging Rock. We will cross at Reeds Gap and steeply climb up to the ridgeline. After reaching the ridgeline, we will descend to the Maupin Field Shelter. We will continue on the Appalachian Trail and enter the Three Ridges Wilderness Area. We will steeply climb Bee Mountain before descending. We will steadily climb up to the Hanging Rock Vista. This will be our turnaround and lunch spot for this hike. We will enjoy the incredible views of The Priest, Spy Rock, and possibly Cold Mountain. After soaking in the views, we will retrace our steps back to the cars. Following the hike, we will drive down to Devil's Backbone Brewery for a post hike beer and/or bite to eat. If the group is up for it, we can split the cost for reserving a fire pit to warm by after our early winter hike in the mountains.
What to Bring - Good Day Pack, Good Hiking Boots/Shoes, Layers for Colder Winter Weather, Lunch/Snacks, 3 to 5 Liters of Water/Electrolytes depending on the Weather, Camera, Money for your Driver is participating in the organized carpool, Money for the Post Hike, Trekking Poles, Beanies and Gloves, Snacks and Lunch