Byrd’s Nest (moderate 6m/ 1500 ft) + Pen Druid Brewing

This hike is a 6-mile out-and-back on the Appalachian Trail from Mary’s Rock to Byrd’s Nest shelter 3. It offers breathtaking views along the way and gradual inclines, with the steepest part at the beginning.

We'll move at a moderate pace (around 2.5 -3 mph) and stop to enjoy the views midway through the hike. We recommend bringing enough water, snacks, bug spray, and sunblock as needed.

The hike will take us about 3.5/ 4 hours, including the break midway through.

We will meet at Mary’s Rock Trail Head, Panorama Upper Parking lot at 10 a.m. to start the hike.

The Panorama Upper Parking lot is Milepost 31.6 on Skyline Drive, just south of Thornton Gap. 38.65961° N, 78.32129° W
Mary's Rock Summit Trailhead

**There is a fee to enter Shenandoah Park - best money ever spent for a great cause. You can split the cost if you carpool or someone has an America the Beautiful Pass. More info here: https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/fees.htm**

After the hike, we will go to Pen Druid Brewing for lunch/ drinks

3863 Sperryville Pike
Sperryville, VA 22740

Pen Druid Brewing

We hope to offer new members signing up for their first event priority, where possible. We look forward to seeing you there!

CARPOOLING:
We encourage those with cars to be willing to drive - you're the ones who make LMH great! If you're a driver who is willing to drive, please post a comment on the event page with the following information:
(1) Number of seats
(2) Meeting location
(3) Meeting time (recommended departure time from DC is 8 AM).
As a rider, please comment on the driver's post to take a seat or post in the comments that you need a ride so a driver can find you. Riders are encouraged to help their driver out with the cost of gas. We look forward to hiking with you!
BACKGROUND INFO ABOUT LMH: Please remember that this group is an informal group of friends and volunteers initiating trips under the common adventurer model (http://www.ronwatters.com/CADefine.html). We do expect our members to be familiar with the best practices of hiking. This is not a group for first time hikers and is NOT a group for those seeking hiking instruction.We are also not professionals, nor are we trained hike leaders, nor do we scout out hikes. We plan hikes for fun. You are responsible for your own welfare and safety at all LMH events. Be sure to choose to attend hikes only within your own physical abilities and and hiking knowledge; take maps, suitable clothing, provisions (at least two liters of water plus any food or medical supplies you might require) and equipment, and act responsibly and safely at all times.Act responsibly and safely: if you ever believe you may be lost, follow the advice of the US Forest Service (https://www.fs.fed.us/visit/know-before-you-go/if-you-get-lost)LMH organizers and members shall not be liable for any injuries, loss or damage to persons or property, direct or consequential, arising out of any aspect of LMH activities. By attending this event, you represent that you have read, understand, and agree to the contents of our waiver of liability in the following link (https://www.meetup.com/Late-Morning-DC-Hikers-25-45/pages/12710332/Waiver_of_Liability/)