Catlett Mountain 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.
Hike Description: This is a "lollipop" hike, about 10 miles long with an elevation gain of 2,050 feet, in the Shenandoah National Park. It begins from the Old Rag Parking Area Upper Lot (the one designated for buses/trailers). From the upper lot we'll walk on the road to the Nicholson Hollow trailhead, and quickly come upon 2 water crossings (with large rocks to hop they shouldn't be difficult). We follow Nicholson Hollow Trail along the Hughes River for about 2 miles until we reach the intersection with Hannah Run Trail, where we will turn right and continue a gentle ascent. After about 1.7 miles, we will make a short descent to cross Hannah Run, followed by a short but very steep climb up to the ridge. At the top of the ridge, the Hannah Run Trail will wind through a plateau on Catlett Mountain for about a half mile and will turn right onto the Catlett Mountain Trail, which we will follow as it descends into a hollow, past a campsite and creek, and gently climb to the intersection of the Hazel Mountain Trail, where we'll turn right. We will then follow it for about a half mile to the intersection of the Hot-Short Mountain Trail, where we will turn right and descend somewhat steeply for about 2 miles back to the Nicholson Hollow Trail, where we'll turn left and follow it back to the parking area.
Leader: Randy Wood (703-475-8334)
Rating: A
Pace: Between 2.5 and 3 mph
Pets: No dogs on this hike as there are numerous stream crossings.
Carpools: Meet at the Centreville Park and Ride in time to depart no later than 7:30am. Suggested carpool fee is $8. The leader will not be at the carpool location. Driving time to trail head from the carpool location is about 75 minutes. Feel free to post a comment if you can offer a ride or need a ride.
Centreville Park & Ride, 14700 Lee Hwy. Centreville, VA
https://maps.app.goo.gl/b2UHNkwWYnMyR52d6
GPS Coordinates: 38.83613014358188, -77.45523134440845
Trailhead: Old Rag Parking (Upper Lot designated for buses/trailers)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/BCzG3Nd236YSjQ3t5
Hike Start Time: 9AM
Park Entry Fee: $30 or National Park Pass
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.
You must be experienced in hikes of this distance, pace and elevation gain.