Nicholson Hollow, Pinnacles, Hot Short (Rating A+)

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.

**** This is an A+ hike due to distance and elevation and is ONLY suitable for those who have recent experience hiking this distance and elevation gain. Participation will be screened. If you have NEVER been on one of my A+ hikes and/or 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”. ****

Join me on this strenuous hike of about about 12.8 miles and about 2,800 feet of elevation gain.

We will start from the Old Rag parking lot and get on the Nicholson Hollow Trail. We will then get on the VERY tough Hannah Run Trail, where we will eventually encounter, "The Wall". We will continue to the Pinnacles Overlook, which will be the end of our climbing, where we'll have lunch. Then we head back down Hannah Run to the Catlett Mountain Trail to the Hazel Mountain Trail. We will then get on the Hot Short Trail for our journey the rest of the way down, until we run back into the Nicholson Hollow Trail, where we'll retrace our steps back to the cars. PLEASE NOTE: There are at least 3 water crossings (two of which are at the very beginning at at the very end), which should be manageable, but with the expected rain out here Friday and Saturday, it could be tricky. I will be bringing boot covers and would suggest you do the same....just in case, or water shoes.

Need to know details:

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 25 minutes with no stop. Please arrive at the Park and Ride a few minutes before 6:30 AM to form carpools so all cars can leave by 6:35 AM. I WILL BE MEETING EVERYONE AT THE TRAILHEAD. Carpool Fee: $8.00

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.

************* THE GOOD STUFF **************************

• Trailhead meetup time: parking lot 8:15 A.M.
• Parking Coordinates: 38.57173,-78.29420
• Hike starts: 8:30 A.M. SHARP
• Park entry fee: $30.00, free with National Park Pass
• Pace: 2.25-2.75 mph when moving
• Terrain: Rocky in part, Very steep in parts, Smooth and gentle in other parts.
• Bring: Adequate water, food/snacks, hat, layers, basic first aid kit, map, hiking poles, hiking boots, rain gear, boot covers
• Pets: Not 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 ARE PROVIDED BELOW.

All Trails MAP: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/afternoon-hike-d959e8f?sh=susan-monaco-1&unfurl=false&showMemory=true

AND FINALLY!

1. Don't come if you’re not feeling well.
2. 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.
3. No Complainers allowed :-)

Any questions? Message the Hike Leader:
Susan M (703) 963-8939