Saturday, July 19 - 9 am: Let's go to the mountains!

Feel free to join me for a beautiful and strenuous mountain hike. Humpback Rocks combined with Dobie Mountain (also called Jack Albright loop) is one of my faves! Total distance is 8.5 miles with significant elevation gain. It begins with a 1 mile steep ascent to the summit (800 feet of elevation gain). This is a gorgeous summit well worth the effort. We then take the Appalachian Trail down the mountain until we hit the trail for Dobie Mountain/Jack Albright loop. These trails intersect about .25 miles from the parking lot. So those that only want to go 4 miles can split off at the spur and head back to the parking lot. For those that want more, Jack Albright loop adds another 4+ mountains, has a beautiful overlook as well as a long steady climb for much of it. Going solo I can do this in 3.5 to 4 hours but with a group I expect it will take closer to 5 as everyone is at different fitness levels and we want everyone top enjoy themselves.

We will meet at Trader Joe's in Short Pump (11331 W Broad Street, Glen Allen) and car pool together. I will park in the back of the lot. I can fit 3 in my car and drive a White Subaru Crosstrek. I will be coming straight back to RVA after the hike (to go grocery shopping at Trader Joes), others may want to stop at the Blue Mountain Brewery which is about 15 minutes from the trail head. They have great pizza and beer.

NOTE: Please check the website Friday night. The forecast has been changing daily, some calling for thunderstorms and others not. I will cancel for rain or extreme heat. Please bring lots of water and consider packing a parka or rain jacket in your pack. As much as I love dogs, they can't come on this hike.