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NOTE - Max group size is 10 for this wilderness area. If you are not 100% committed please do not RSVP.

**Due to low mileage and modest difficulty, this would be a good trip if you are a first time backpacker and want to try it out.**

This trip heads into the Saint Mary's Wilderness in the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest for an easy-access overnighter to St. Mary's Falls, a 15-foot waterfall with a deep plunge pool that's one of the most popular swimming holes in central Virginia.

The route sits inside the Saint Mary's River gorge, which was heavily mined for iron ore and manganese from the early 1900s until the mines were abandoned in the 1950s — you can still spot old tailings piles, flattened mining-road benches, and concrete foundation remnants along the way (Mine Bank Creek, Mine Bank Mountain, and the trail itself are all named for the old mining operations).

Expect multiple creek crossings, some rock-hopping, and possibly wet feet, so trekking poles and a change of socks are strongly recommended.

## Trail Facts

Trail Details:
We will meet at The Vienna Metro station on Saturday morning at 9 am and drive to the Mine Bank Trailhead parking lot (off Blue Ridge Pkwy).
The drive is about 3 hours. I will drive and am happy to have others carpool with me - but please note, I will have my small black labrador in the back seat.

Day 1
After we park, we will hike about 4 miles (mostly downhill) to our campsite. Option A for camp is a large site situated where the St Mary's and Sugartree Branch rivers meet. Depending on how crowded it is, we may need to choose a secondary campsite, but will adjust as needed. After we drop our bags and set up camp, we will day hike to the falls where we can relax, swim, or even cliff jump!

Day 2
The second day is just the reverse of the first day - so expect a 4 mile hile back uphill to the car. On the drive home, I plan to stop at 2 Silos Brewing Co in Manassas for food/drinks (9925 Discovery Blvd, Manassas, VA 20109).

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
  • Water bottles or hydration system (capacity for at least 2 liters)​
  • Water filter or purification tablets​
  • Headlamp with extra batteries​
  • Rain gear
  • Dry bags or pack cover​
  • Warm clothing layers (non-cotton)
  • Trowel for 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 enterainment
  • Gaiters​
  • Sunscreen, lip balm, insect repellent​​

CARPOOL: Don't forget if you want a ride or are willing to offer a ride – be a friend to the environment, save money, and make friends. If you carpool, please offer to throw in for gas.

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.
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See you on the trail!

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