Emerald Pond + Chips/BBQ (Rating : B + Fun)

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 a 3-part event. By signing up, you must be able to complete the first part (the hike) at a relatively fast pace so those opting for part 2 will have time for the full experience.

Part 1: The Hike
This 8.5 mile with 1,600 feet elevation gain in the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests. We begin at the now closed and torn down Massanutten Visitor Center parking lot at New Market Gap and then utilize the Massanutten South and Bird Knob trails. A small pond about midway provides a pretty spot for a brief admiration.

We need to complete this hike no later than noon, so the hiking speed will be about 3 mph when moving. This is not as fast as my normal hikes but still considered a relatively faster B-level hike.
You must be experienced in hikes of this distance, elevation gain and speed.

Part2 (optional): Route 11 potato chip factory
After the hike, those interested will carpool to the Route 11 chip factory (about 15-20 minutes drive). We will get there when they are cooking so we will see chip making in action as well as sample some chips. Hopefully they will have the seasonal sweet potato chips for sample/purchase at this time.

Part3 (optional): Triple Crown BBQ
After returning from the potato chip factory and getting back to the cars at the trailhead, we will head back to Luray (which is on the way going back to Northern Virginia) and make a stop at the little BBQ trailer to have lunch or pack some delicious meat to go for later to enjoy with the potato chips.

Leader: Xiaobin 857-408-1070
The hike leader will meet at the trailhead at 8:30AM.

For those wishing to carpool, the suggested carpool location is at the Centerville P&R. The driving time from there to the trailhead is about 1 hour 30 minutes. Please arrive at the Park and Ride a few minutes before 7:00AM to form carpool so all cars can leave at 7:00AM.
Suggested carpool fee is $10.
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: The old Massanutten Visitor Center (now torn down) at 8:30AM
GPS Coordinates: 38.642621, -78.611218 https://goo.gl/maps/GFpkeLKNkshFMxv4A

Park Entry Fee: $0
Rating: B

Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy

Hiking Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/bird-knob-emerald-pond-shorter-version-da40657?u=i&sh=7cs7ov