REVERSE Bear Church Rock (Rating: A+)
Details
You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike.
This is an A+ hike due to distance and elevation. PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE POST BEFORE RSVPING.
PLEASE NOTE: **** This hike is only suitable for those who have recent experience hiking this distance and elevation gain. If I don’t know you, you MUST message me within 24 hours of signing up with a recent A+ hike you have done or a hike leader who can vouch for you. Otherwise, you will be moved to “Not Going”. *** There is a potentially tricky water crossing depending on the water level. Shoe covers are advised.
************* THE GOOD STUFF **************************
This is a new twist on the classic lollipop hike of 12.8ish miles and about 3,100 feet of elevation gain. We will be doing this hike in the opposite direction from what everyone knows, which means we’ll hit Bear Church Rock in the afternoon rather than in the morning.
We will start the hike on the Graves Mill Trail then take the Staunton River Trail to the Fork Mountain Fire Road to the Jones Mountain Trail, where we’ll eventually hit Bear Church Rock, then back to the Staunton River Trail and Graves Mill Trail to the cars.
*For those wishing to CARPOOL, the suggested carpool location is at the Centreville Park and Ride, 14700 Lee Highway, Centreville, VA. The driving time from there to the trailhead is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes (with no stop). Please arrive at the Park and Ride before 6:00 AM to form carpools so all cars can leave at 6:00 AM sharp. I WILL BE MEETING EVERYONE AT THE TRAILHEAD.
PLEASE NOTE: Neither the Club nor the hike leaders are responsible for coordinating transportation to/from the trailhead. Hikers are not guaranteed to get a ride to the trailhead from the carpool location. Carpooling is organized by the participants and participation is at your own risk. Suggested carpool fee: $8.00 per rider.
Need-to-know info:
- CARPOOLING: See above. Parking is limited so carpooling is advised.
- Distance: 12.8ish miles
- Elevation gain: 3,100ish ft.
- Pace: 2.25 - 2.75 mph overall
- Trailhead meetup time: 7:45 A.M. Hike starts at 8:00 A.M. SHARP.
- Parking Coordinates: 38.43714,-78.36709
- Park Entry fee: $0
- Carpool Fee: $8
- Pace: 2.25-2.75 mph when moving.
- Terrain: Somewhat rocky, steep and gentle grades, three stream crossings
- Bring: Adequate water, lunch/snacks, hat, tick/bug spray, basic first aid kit, map, rain gear (depending), hiking poles, hiking shoes, boot covers for the stream crossing (just to be prepared) and a good attitude.
- Pets: Allowed per NVHC guidelines. Must be leashed
- NO complainers allowed! :-)
PLEASE PRINT OUT ANY MAPS THAT YOU MAY NEED AS I DO NOT PROVIDE COPIES OF MAPS. ALL THE LINKS AND COORDINATES YOU WILL NEED HAVE BEEN PROVIDED.
AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/reverse-bear-church-rock-de03bef
AND FINALLY!
- Don't come if you’re not feeling well.
- Avoid the most severe, unspeakable bad karma by CHANGING YOUR RSVP if you're not able to attend within a reasonable time - not hours before - so someone on the wait list can have your spot.
Any questions? Message or call the Hike Leader:
Susan M (703) 963-8939