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Details

Make sure you pack layers - nighttime is sure to be a little cold.

## Trail Facts

Three Ridges is one of Virginia's most popular backpacking circuits. Situated in Central Virginia, just 30 miles southwest of Charlottesville, the hike has vista after vista along the Appalachian Trail, and many small waterfalls and pools on the Mau-Har Trail on Campbell Creek. The mileage on this trip isn't crazy, but the elevation gain should make for a moderately strenuous hike.

Note - many park at Reeds Gap and come south, but we will be parking near the Tye River Bridge and coming north to south.

Trail Details:
We will meet at The Vienna Metro station on Saturday morning at 8am and drive to the Priest Wilderness Parking Area at the southern end of the Three Ridges Wilderness. The drive is about 3 hours.

When we arrive at the trailhead, we will start hiking uphill almost immediately. This day will be pretty much all incline, with about 2k feet of elevation over 4 to 5 miles. There are various nice campsites along the Mau-Har trail and we will look to camp after about 5 miles on day one. Day two continues for abour 3.5 miles uphill until we reach the top of Three Ridges, which has a great view of the surrounding countryside. Afterwards, the remaining ~6 miles is mostly downhill back to the car.

I plan to stop at Grill 309 in Culpeper on the way home - address is 309 S Main St, Culpeper, VA 22701.

Gear list
Note: Make sure you pack layers, I expect night temps to be somewhat chilly.

Essential Items:

  • Tent
  • Sleeping pad​
  • Sleeping bag suitable for expected temperatures​
  • Backpack (appropriate for overnight backpacking)​
  • Backpacking stove with fuel​
  • Pot, cup, dish, and utensils​
  • Dehydrated meals​ and snacks (Saturday: snacks/dinner, Sunday: breakfast/snacks)
  • Water bottles or hydration system (3-liter capacity)​
  • Bag or canister for securely storing food and other scented items
  • Water filter or purification tablets​
  • Headlamp with extra batteries​
  • Rain gear
  • Dry bags or pack cover​
  • Warm clothing layers (non-cotton)
  • Trowel and toiletries for Leave No Trace compliance

Optional Items:

  • Personal first aid kit​
  • Map and compass or GPS device
  • Power bank or external battery
  • Trekking poles​
  • Camp shoes
  • Electrolyte supplements​
  • Alcohol​
  • Books, games, or other entertainment
  • Gaiters​
  • Sunscreen, lip balm, insect repellent​​

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!

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