Name: Sky Meadows / Whiskey Hollow Shelter (Rating: A)
Start: 2025-11-30T08:30:00-05:00
End: 2025-11-30T15:00:00-05:00
Location: University Blvd Park and Ride

*You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, [https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](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 a 12-mile loop and out and back circuit with an elevation gain of approximately 2,100 feet. I plan to hike at a pace of 2.0-2.5 mph when moving.

**Route.** We’ll hike from the Sky Meadows Visitors Center up to the AT via the South Ridge Trail and a portion of the North Ridge Trail and then south on the AT to the Whiskey Hollow Shelter. We’ll plan to have lunch at the Whiskey Hollow Shelter. We’ll then retrace our path north on the AT to the Old AT, then on to the Ambassador Whitehouse Trail, down the North Ridge Trail, and down to the parking lot via the Piedmont Overlook Trail. *(Reference map in photos.)*

**Carpools**. Meet at the Park and Ride off Route 29 at GPS coordinates: **38.80136, -77.59032** no later than 8:30 AM. The meetup is **across from** the Sheetz store location which is located at 7201 New Stable Way.

The hike leader will be at the carpool location but 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.

**Driving Time**. It is about a 28 mile / 35-minute drive from the Park and Ride to the Sky Meadows visitor parking lot; take Exit 23 off Route 66.

**Those planning to meet at Sky Meadows should plan to be at the Sky Meadows visitor center parking lot by 9:15 AM**. The Park opens at 8:00 AM. The Sky Meadows State Park visitor center parking lot coordinates are: **38.991732, -77.966120**

**Fees.**

* Park Entry Fee: $10/car (free for Virginia State Parks pass holders or REI receipt.)

Note: Thanks to a partnership between Virginia State Parks and REI, REI shoppers and Co-Op members receive special discounts to Virginia State Parks. One discount includes Free Parking at a Virginia State Park with any REI purchase. To take advantage of this discount, make any purchase from REI and use the bottom of your receipt for free parking in any Virginia State Park. Provide your receipt to the contact station ranger or insert it in a self-pay envelope.

· Suggested carpool fee is $3.

**Dogs**. Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy "https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy")

Jim Hollis (703-927-7189… use text)

Jim Hollis 🥾🥾

Northern Virginia Hiking Club (NVHC)

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Sky Meadows / Whiskey Hollow Shelter (Rating: A)

University Blvd Park and Ride

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Northern Virginia Hiking Club (NVHC)

Sky Meadows / Whiskey Hollow Shelter (Rating: A)

Northern Virginia Hiking Club (NVHC)

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