Buck Hollow - Mary's Rock - Buck Ridge (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.

Just for a change, let's do this hike backwards. Instead of climbing the 600 steps on the Buck Ridge trail, we'll descend them! You'll still get 9 miles and about 2,600' of elevation gain. Thanks to Caroline for this route.

The trailhead parking area off Rt. 211 is limited, so please try to carpool with someone.

Pace: 2 to 2.5 mph.

Map: AllTrails: Buck Hollow - Mary's Rock - Buck Ridge

Dogs: Dogs are welcome in accordance with the NVHC dog policy: https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy

Trail Notes: Starting at the Buck Hollow trailhead on Rt. 211, we'll cross the Thornton River, then climb along a stream up the mountain on the Buck Hollow trail. Upon reaching Skyline Drive, we'll pick up the Meadow Spring Trail to the Appalachian Trail. The AT northbound will take us to Mary's Rock, where we'll stop to rest and have a snack as we enjoy the panoramic view. Then we'll retrace our steps to the Meadow Spring parking area where we'll pick up the Hazel Mountain trail and finally the Buck Ridge trail back to the trailhead.

Carpools: Feel free to arrange carpools in the comments below.
Driving time from the Centreville Park & Ride is about 1 hour and 5 minutes. Please arrive at the Park and Ride by 7:05 to allow drivers to leave by 7:10. 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. Suggested carpool fee is $8.

Entry Fees: $30 per vehicle or park pass
From the SNP website: "You are required to pay an entrance fee in order to access Shenandoah National Park, whether you're driving on Skyline Drive or hiking in from the boundary."
Shenandoah N.P. fees and passes

Leader: Steve Wiley, cell 571-345-6441

Trailhead: Please arrive by 8:15 so we can get everyone checked in and start hiking at 8:30.
Coordinates: 38.6581, -78.2819