Pinnacles Picnic Ground to Mary's Rock (Rating: B)
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.
7.5 miles with 1,400 feet elevation gain.
This is an out-and-back hike along the Appalachian Trail in the central district of Shenandoah National Park. Starting at the Pinnacles Picnic Ground, we'll hike the A.T. northbound, crossing over The Pinnacle, third highest peak in the park. We'll pass Byrd's Nest #3 shelter and on to Mary's Rock where we'll pause for a snack. Then we'll retrace our route back to the cars.
The pace will be about 2.0 to 2.5 mph.
Bring water/hydration, snacks, and sturdy hiking shoes since there are some rocky areas and tree roots. There are no stream crossings.
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Leader: Gail Markulin (703) 402-5902 (C)
Carpools: Meet at the Centreville Park and Ride at 7:30 am. Suggested carpool fee is $9. The leader will be at the carpool location. GPS Coordinates: 38.836038, -77.455371, https://goo.gl/maps/hc3LRG7Hsy2wMJs18
Driving time from carpool location is ~ 1 1/2 hours.
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.
Trail Head Meeting Instructions:
Mile Marker 36.7 on Skyline Drive about 5 miles south of Thornton Gap entrance station.
We are meeting in the parking lot at the far end,
Meet at the trailhead parking lot 15 minutes early to allow everyone to be signed in and get ready to hike at 9:30 am.
Fee: $30.00 park entrance fee (no fee for Park Pass holders).
AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/marys-rock-via-pinnacle-picnic-grounds
You must be experienced in hikes of this distance and elevation gain.