Day Hike - Riprap Loop (9.4 Miles) + Far Gohn Brewing
Details
Classic Shenandoah hike with some fall colors.
We will meet at Vienna Metro at 9AM and carpool to the trailhead. Drive time is about 2 hour and 45 mins - Please post a comment below if you are willing to drive. Carpooling saves the environment and makes friends.
## Trail Facts
- Difficulty Level: Hard
- Length: 9.4 Miles
- Duration: 4-5 hrs
- Elevation Gain: 2,122 Feet
- Permits: Shenandoah Park or America The Beautiful Pass
- Parking: Vienna Metro Station South
- Dogs: Allowed
- Trailhead Coordinates: 38.153075, -78.772705
- AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/riprap-trail
Trail Details:
This loop trail has a little bit of everthing Shenandoah has to offer. We will enjoy spectacular views, cross a few streams, and even swim in a watering hole if it's warm enough.
With over 2k feet in elevation gain, this hike definitely can be steep, but it's more gradual than some of Shenandoah's hardest ascents. The hike will start from the Wildcat Ridge Parking area on Skyline drive and follow the Wildcat Ridge trail about 2 miles until we turn onto Riprap trail. We will follow the route clockwise, which will save some of the vistas (like Chimney Rock) for the latter half of the hike. Dogs are allowed on this trail (please use a leash).
On the way back, I plan to stop at Far Gohn Brewing in Culpeper - a brewery that is said to have excellent pizza. The address is 301 S East St, Culpeper, VA 22701.
PERMIT INFO: Shenandoah requires visitors to pay an entrance fee per vehicle. Many in the group already have the America The Beautiful pass, but more info can be found here: https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/fees.htm
LIABILITY NOTICE:
Please remember that this group operates under the common adventurer model. We are a group of friends and volunteers organizing trips for fun and shared experience. Participants are expected to be familiar with best hiking practices and choose hikes that align with their physical abilities and experience. Organizers and members are not liable for any injuries, loss, or damage to persons or property arising from group activities. By attending this event, you agree to assume all risks associated with the activity.
For more information on the common adventurer model, please see Ron Watters' definition.
If you believe you may be lost during the hike, follow the advice of the US Forest Service.
See you on the trail!
Day Hike - Riprap Loop (9.4 Miles) + Far Gohn Brewing