Raven Rocks Plus (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.
Hike Overview: The Raven Rocks Plus Hike is a strenuous 10 mile hike with 2,356 feet elevation gain. We will hike out and back on the infamous "Roller Coaster" section of the AT traveling from Virginia into West Virginia. The hike includes at least 4 tough ascents and steep descents on a very rocky trail with uneven footing. On the way out, we will stop for a short break on the scenic cliffs of Raven Rocks and enjoy the views of Virginia. We will continue to climb up to a ridge where we will stop for lunch around 5.3 miles. After lunch, we will retrace our steps and take a short break at Raven Rocks on the way back.

This is a hard A hike on challenging terrain for experienced hikers who have recent experience on hikes with similar mileage and elevation gain. We will hike at a moderately fast pace of 2.0 to 2.5 mph.

Please contact Jennifer at 571-236-2668 if you have not done a hard A hike before, or if you have not hiked with either Jim or Jennifer before.

Here is a link to the All Trails trace:
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/at-raven-rocks-plus-10-5-miles-f9300f3?u=i&sh=3ltcr0

Carpools: Meet at the University Blvd Park and Ride at GPS coordinates: 38.80136, -77.59032 no later than 7:30 AM. The meetup location is across from (not at) the new Sheetz store located at 7201 New Stable Way. The leaders will be at the carpool location but neither the Club nor the hike leaders are responsible for coordinating transportation to/from the trailhead.

It's about 50 minute, 32 mile drive from the carpool location to the Snickers Gap parking lot. NOTE: Jim has a light colored (“silver”) Subaru Outback and parks at the far end of the lot away from the commuter parking.

Carpool fee: The suggested carpool fee is $3.00

Hike Starting Point: Harry Byrd Hwy Parking Lot on Route 7, GPS Coordinates 39.115526, -77.846934. This is the large parking lot at the intersection of Rte. 7 and Blue Ridge mountain road on the South side of Rte. 7 across the highway from the trailhead.

Please be at the Harry Byrd Hwy Parking lot no later than 8:45 AM. We will do a roll call and headcount at the parking lot before proceeding down Route 7 to cross the road to the Raven Rocks trailhead.

Trailhead parking fee: No charge.

Bring: The usual: hiking boots/hiking shoes, layers of warm but breathable clothing, a rainjacket, hat and gloves, 2 liters of fluids, snacks and lunch, and a personal first aid kit. Poles recommended.

Pets: No dogs are allowed due to the narrow, sharp, and rocky terrain.

Hike Leaders: Jennifer Hine (571-236-2668) and Jim Hollis (703-927-7189)