Elkwallow Loop (Rating: A)
Details
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.
The hike is about 10 miles with 1700 feet elevation gain in Shenandoah National Park.
The hike starts from the Elkwallow Wayside, and will incorporate seven different trails to form a circuit around Elkwallow, including the AT, Piney Branch Trail, and the Keyser Road. We can aim to have lunch at the Matthews Arm Amphitheater, which we will reach relatively late in the hike (about 8 miles in). We can stop for a snack before then.
We hike at an average pace of 2.75 mph while moving; slower on uphill and faster on flat or downhill. The group will wait at all intersections.
You must be experienced in hikes of this distance, elevation gain and pace.
Leader: Randy Wood, (703) 475-8334
For those wishing to carpool, the suggested carpool location is at the Centreville Park & Ride. The driving time from there to the trailhead is about 1 hour 30 minutes. Please arrive at the Park & Ride in time to form carpools so that all cars can leave by 7:30AM. Suggested carpool fee is $8.
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 they participate at their own risk.
Trailhead: Elkwallow Wayside at 9am. Hike begins at 9:15am.
GPS Coordinates: 38.738755084294304, -78.308623251989 https://goo.gl/maps/d57nz22J6abFWQ2i7
Park Entry Fee: $30 for 7-day pass or free with SNP or National Park annual pass
Rating: A
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Hiking Map:
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/legacy-map/map-october-1-2025-72a5628
Note: Map shows us briefly on Skyline Drive; we will stay on the AT that runs parallel to the Drive.