Roller Coaster—Bears Den to Buzzard Hill via the Appalachian Trail (Rating: A)
Details
REQUIRED: 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.
Let's hike the Roller Coaster section of the AT from Bear Den to Buzzard Hill. This is a challenging, out-and-back hike on the section of the AT known for its tall, repetitive rolling hills. The total length of the hike will be about 10 miles with 3300 feet elevation gain. The pace will be reasonable at 2.0-2.5 mph and we will make the necessary stops to keep everyone rested and make the the trip fun.
While this is rated as an A hike, the significant hills make it A+ difficulty, and you must be experienced in hikes of this distance and elevation gain. This hike is suitable for experienced, fit hikers who have done similar ones in the recent past. Please contact me with your hiking experience if we have not hiked together in the past. I reserve the right to move you to Not Going if I have any doubt about your ability to complete this hike.
We meet at Snickers Gap Appalachian Trailhead parking lot (39.115718588736115, -77.84674599970691). It’s at the intersection of Rt.7 and Blue Ridge mountain road. If you are driving towards west on Rt.7, the parking lot is on your left (south side of road). Refer the parking lot coordinate in the map below. The typical driving time from the Arlington area is about 45 minutes.
The hike will start at 8:30 AM after introductions and a brief chat about the hike. Please arrive 15 minutes in advance so you can get all your gear sorted out and we can get hiking as close as possible to 8:30 am. Please bring at least 1 liter of water, snacks/lunch, and respect the need for hydration. Dress appropriately for the weather and wear hiking shoes or other rugged footwear. While there are no meaningful stream crossings, poles are a good idea on the rocky terrain. The hike will be weather dependent – no rain.
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Neither the Club nor the hike leaders are responsible for coordinating transportation to/from the trailhead. Carpooling is organized by the participants and they participate at their own risk.
Map for hike: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/bear-den-park-to-buzzard-hill-via-the-appalachian-trail
Leader: Scott H (703-431-3010)