Chimney Top via North Fork Mountain Trail + Box Office Brewery

## Details

This is a very popular out-and-back hike in West Virginia and features neat rock formations that look like chimneys at the top, some of which can be climbed. This hike will be packed with really nice views.

We will meet at Vienna Metro at 7AM and carpool to the North Fork Mountain Trail Trailhead Parking Lot. Drive time is about 2 hour and 15 mins.

Please post a comment below if you are willing to drive. The trailhead only accomodates about 6-7 cars, so we will need to get there early and try to use as few cars as possible.

## Trail Facts

• Difficulty Level: Moderate to Hard
• Length: 5 Miles
• Duration: 4 hours
• Elevation Gain: 2,000 Feet
• Parking: Vienna Metro Station (South)
• Dogs: Allowed
• Trailhead Coordinates: 38.9815, -79.23109
• AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/west-virginia/north-fork-mountain-trail-to-chimney-top

Trail Details:
This is a moderate to hard hike where elevation gain starts at the beginning of the trail. The hike starts at the North Fork Mountain Trail Trailhead on Smoke Hole Road in Cabins, WV. We continue on this trail for the majority of the ascent (2.2 miles) and make our way onto a ridge that takes us to near the top. We will take a sharp right on a well marked but unnamed trail that will take us to Chimney top (0.3 miles). After spending time taking in the sights, climbing the "chimneys", and enjoying a lunch break, we'll make our way down the same way we came up. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash.

We are leaving the DC area at 7am, so if you plan to meet us at the trailhead please be there no later than 9:30am. Parking at the trailhead is limited, but there are parking spots and road parking available on Smoke Hole Road. Bring plenty of water (at least 2 liters) as well as lunch, snacks, and electrolytes (i.e. Gatorade). Please be sure to have appropriate gear, including hiking shoes or trail runners, hiking poles if you need them, moisture-wicking clothes, and appropriate layers given the weather conditions.

After the hike, we'll stop at Box Office Brewery in Strasburg, VA for food and drinks. Address is 177 E King St, Strasburg, VA 22657.

LIABILITY NOTICE:
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're also not experts or 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 events. Be sure to choose to attend hikes only within your own physical abilities and hiking knowledge; take maps, suitable clothing, equipment, provisions (at least two liters of water plus any food or medical supplies you might require), and act responsibly and safely at all times. 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
Organizers and members shall not be liable for any injuries, loss, or damage to persons or property, direct or consequential, arising from any aspect this group’s activities. By attending this event ("Activity"), you represent that you agree to personally assume any and all risks associated with the Activity. You further agree to hold group organizers harmless from any and all claims, loss or damage to personal property, liabilities and costs, including attorney’s fees, as a result of my participation in this Activity, including travel to and from the Activity or any events incidental to this Activity.