Compton Peak, Shenandoah National Park (12.2 miles, 2,474 ft, Strenuous)

For this hike, we'll be exploring Shenandoah's Compton Peak. We'll meet at the 4-H Educational Center's hiker parking lot (600 4h Center Drive, Front Royal, VA 22630). Parking is plentiful and free but you must register your car in advance here: https://www.nova4h.com/facilities/hiker-parking/

We rate this a strenuous hike due to the length and overall elevation gain (meaning that this hike is generally not recommended for an unconditioned or infrequent hiker).
Please consider your current hiking abilities and reach out to the hosts with any questions or concerns. We intend to keep an average pace of about 2.5 mph while moving with a few breaks throughout the day.

POST-HIKE FOOD/DRINK:
If we have the energy, we'll stop at the The Farm Brewery at Broad Run for food and drinks on the way home: https://www.thefarmbreweryatbroadrun.com/

GEAR:
Everyone is required to bring sturdy hiking shoes, two liters of water, and a raincoat. It’s always better to overdress. You can always shed layers on the trail or leave them in the car.
Please also bring food and whatever snacks you'll want for our lunch break and over the course of the hike. We recommend that hikers bring a copy of the map with them (see the AllTrails link below).

MAP: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/uploaded-route-c70a4b2

HIKE ROUTE:
From the parking lot, we'll hike the Appalachian Trail (AT) for approximately 6 miles to arrive at Compton Peak. Once there, hikers will have the option to head straight to the Compton Peak west overlook to take in the sweeping view and enjoy lunch OR hike an additional quarter mile (each way) to see a large natural display of columnar jointing, an exciting and unique geologic feature within the Park, before retracing steps to rejoin the group already at the overlook for lunch. After that, the full group will hike the remaining approximate 6 miles back to the cars, retracing our steps on a portion of the AT followed by hiking short segments of the Dickey Ridge Trail, Hickerson Hollow Trail, and Route 600. We'll also take in a natural spring and possibly see horses along the day's route.

The base hike is approximately 12.2 miles with 2,474 ft elevation. For those who opt-in for the optional side hike to see the columnar jointing, the hike will be approximately 12.7 miles with decent amount of additional elevation.

CARPOOLING:
We encourage those with cars to be willing to carpool - 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

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.
By signing up for this event, you acknowledge and agree that Late Morning Hikers, its volunteer organizers, and drivers who volunteer to carpool are not responsible or liable for accidents, injuries, damage, or losses that may occur while traveling to or from the hike. Late Morning Hikers does not condone or encourage impaired driving. Drivers are expected to follow applicable laws and make responsible transportation choices.

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.htm). 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://docs.google.com/document/d/1pQ0dedcqlyjc_Aib3TEbTX4gQRQt4C7FeCmsAPyTxd4/edit?tab=t.0)