Dark Hollow Falls from the Bottom (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.
This is an A+ hike due to distance and elevation. PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE POST BEFORE RSVPING.
PLEASE NOTE: **** This hike is only suitable for those who have recent experience hiking this distance and elevation gain. If 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”. *** There are 2 stream crossings, one potentially tricky depending on the water level, but towards the end of the hike. Shoe covers are advised given all the rain we've had and what's expected this week.
************* THE GOOD STUFF **************************
Join me on a different version of a hike to get to Dark Hollow Falls, from the bottom, which will give you about 13 miles and about 2,200 feet of elevation gain. This is a pretty easy A+ hike on a very scenic and untraveled route until we get to the falls. If you’ve never done an A+ hike, this would be a good one to try. There is one potetnially tricky stream crossing , but the entire hike is really pretty and hopefully, the falls should be flowing with water.
We will start the hike from the very end of Old Blue Ridge Turnpike (Route 670), which ends in a cul-de-sac with very limited parking. I'm therefore limiting the number of people on the hike. We’ll head up the Rose River Fire Road, which is more of a trail than a fire road, all the way to lower Dark Hollow Falls. We’ll then head back down that fire road to the Stony Mountain Trail to the Rapidan Fire Road to the Upper Dark Hollow Trail and back to the Rose River Fire Road to the cars. There’s a nice area to stop and get our feet wet before we get to the cars.
*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 30 minutes (with no stop). Please arrive at the Park and Ride before 6:30 AM to form carpools so all cars can leave by 6:30 AM. I WILL BE MEETING EVERYONE AT THE TRAILHEAD.
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. Suggested carpool fee: $9.00 per rider.
Need-to-know info:
- CARPOOLING: See above. Parking is limited so carpooling is advised.
- Parking lot trailhead coordinates: 38.51434,-78.36591
- Park entry fee: $0 – this hike starts outside the park
- Trailhead meetup time: NLT 8:15. Hike starts: 8:30 A.M SHARP
- Pace: 2.25 – 2.75 when moving. We will take short breaks at intersections and a regular lunch break.
- Distance: 13ish miles
- Elevation: About 2,200 feet
- Terrain: Some steep areas and some slightly rocky areas.
- Bring: Lunch/snacks, adequate hydration, electrolytes, rain gear/sunglasses/hat depending on the forecast; basic first aid kit, sunscreen, tick spray, and a great attitude.
- No complainers allowed! :-)
AllTrails Map:[ https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/afternoon-hike-41ccc97-437 ](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/afternoon-hike-41ccc97-437)
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 HAVE BEEN PROVIDED.
AND FINALLY!
- Avoid the most severe, unspeakable bad karma by CHANGING YOUR RSVP if you're not able to attend within a reasonable time
Any questions? Message or call the Hike Leader:
Susan M (703) 963-8939