Stony Man, Crescent Rock, Millers Head - SNP (Rating: A)

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 hike is about 9.5 miles with an elevation gain around 1725 ft.

Description:
A very nice hike in Shenandoah National Park to three iconic overlooks with great western views of the Shenandoah Valley.

Details:
We will hike starting at Skyland Lodge parking area and connect to the Stony Man Trail to the summit of Stony Man. After enjoying the view at the summit, we will depart and connect to the Appalachian Trail and make our way over to White Oak Canyon trail, then onward to the Limberlost and Crescent Rock trails. We will stop for lunch at Crescent Rock and take in the view there. We will then begin our return toward Skyland on the AT, with a stop at the Skyland Stables then onward to Millers Head where we will have another great overlook opportunity. We'll then return back to the Skyland parking lot.

You should be in good physical condition to deal with the mileage and elevation gain. If you haven't hiked with me before, I may contact you to discuss this hike. If you have any questions about this, please contact me.

Hiking Pace:
The pace will be about 2.5 mph, slower on the uphill. Hiking time with lunch, about 4 hours.

Bring:
Adequate water/hydration (at least 2-3 liters), snacks/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes for some of the rocky areas, tree roots, and potential wet areas. Hiking poles are helpful if you usually hike with them. Recommend insect repellent and sunscreen.

Park Entrance Fee:
$30 entrance fee for Shenandoah National Park unless you have a National Park pass or a Shenandoah annual park pass. Military and Veterans are eligible for a military pass, just show your military/retired/veterans ID.

Dogs:
Dogs are not permitted on this hike due to park restrictions on Stony Man and Limberlost.

CARPOOLING: For those who are looking to carpool, meet at University Blvd - Gainesville Park and Ride and plan to leave at 7:45am to arrive at the trailhead in time to get signed in and start hiking at 9:30am.

A new Sheetz has opened in the Park & Ride, this would be a good meeting point. New Stable Way, directly across from the Sheetz store.
GPS 38.801119, -77.589532

Suggested carpool fee is $6. The hike leader will be at the carpool location. Driving time to Skyland Lodge is about 1 hour 35 minutes. Carpoolers should plan to leave the Park & Ride by 7:45am. The hike leader may leave the Park & Ride earlier than 7:45am.

**NOTE: The hike starts at the Skyland Lodge parking area 9:30am
The hike times listed above include starting from and returning to Gainesville Park & Ride.

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 they participate at their own risk.

If you are driving directly to the trailhead at Skyland, please be there a few minutes before 9:30am so we can get everyone signed in. Skyland Lodge parking is at mile marker 41.7 on Skyline Drive , GPS 38.59570, -78.38212

Optional post-hike rehydration at Skyland Lodge.

If you have not hiked with me before, please provide your full name, cell phone number, and emergency contact number. You can provide the info to me on Meetup message or text me at the number below.

Any questions? Message me on Meetup messenger or text me, 202-528-0456. If you text me, please include your name.