Hughes River Dip! (Moderately Strenuous 8.2 miles, 1300' Gain, SWIMMING HOLE)

Hiya!

If I don't jump in a river, lake, pond, puddle, SOMETHING this summer, I'm gonna melt before fall!

Even as temperatures have been very pleasant the last two weeks, August's oven is probably going to roar back to broiling in the next week or so. Save yourself some sweat and anguish by jumping in a SWIMMING HOLE!!!

This hike is a moderately strenuous 8.2 mile traipse through the woods with about 1300' of elevation gain. The hike begins at the Old Rag OVERFLOW Parking lot (not the new lot by the Old Rag trailhead! We are at the overflow lot specifically. Coordinates here: 38°34'14.9"N 78°17'13.1"W, can also search for "Old Rag Parking and Fee Station" in Google Maps). From here, we cross the road and hike up the Nicholson Hollow Trail; this actually the only trail we'll use, since the hike is a simple out-and-back. The midpoint is 4.1 miles in at Corbin Cabin, where we'll break for lunch before returning back the way we came.

Now here's the best part: about 1 mile from the beginning/end is a swimming hole beneath a small waterfall in the Hughes River. We'll jump in and cool off at the end, before hiking the last mile back to the car. Please bring a minimum of 2 liters of water to handle the heat. We'll move at the usual 2 mph pace and take lots of breaks for rest and water, finishing at about 4 PM. Afterwards, we're going to Veditz Brewery in Sperryville for drinks and games: https://veditzandcompany.com/

We hope to see you on the trail!

HIKE, SWIMMING, AND BREWERY INFO:

The hike is in Shenandoah National Park and a day pass is required to park at the overflow lot. Day passes can be purchased at the ranger station at the new parking lot, but we recommend getting a pass in advance.

The swimming hole is about 20 feet wide, slightly less than chest-deep in the middle, and about 50 feet off the Nicholson Hollow Trail (so remember to check for ticks when you get home!).

Veditz Brewery is deaf-owned and uses American Sign Language. The beer menu has signs for each brew and shows you how to order!

CARPOOLING:

We encourage those with cars to carpool others to the trailhead - you're the ones who make LMH great!

If you're a driver that 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 7:50 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.

BACKGROUNG INFO ABOUT LMH: Please remember that this group is an informal group of friends and volunteers intitiating 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 careful to choose hikes only within your own physical abilities 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://docs.google.com/document/d/1pQ0dedcqlyjc_Aib3TEbTX4gQRQt4C7FeCmsAPyTxd4/edit?tab=t.0)