SNP Piney Ridge Trail and AT Loop (Moderately Difficult)

• Rating: Moderately Difficult
• Pace: 2.25 – 2.50 mph
• Length: 10.5mi
• Elevation Gain: 2,290ft
• “Feels Like”: 13 miles
• Estimated hiking time: 5.5hrs
• Maximum Group Size: 8 hikers

Description
Embark on a great hike with the PATC along this 10.5-mile loop trail near Shenandoah National Park’s Thornton Gap Entrance! Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, this challenging route takes around 5.5 hours to complete, offering breathtaking scenery and a rewarding trek. Whether you're into backpacking, birdwatching, or camping, this trail has something for everyone.
Winding through peaceful stretches of the Appalachian Trail, you'll cross Skyline Drive, trek through Piney Ridge and Fork Mountain trails, and navigate serene forest paths before looping back to a scenic picnic area. Best explored from March through November, this hike promises a mix of solitude and adventure—so lace up your boots and get ready to hit the trail!
Notes

• When you RSVP, you are taking one of the slots. It is understood that plans change and people’s tolerance to weather differs, so if you aren’t going to be able to attend, please update your RSVP as early as possible.
• If you have no-showed on a previous hike, you may be moved to the Waitlist until the end, allowing others to join first.
• The PATC requires each hiker to sign a liability waiver, which will be available at the trailhead.
• Please check Meetup the night before. I will cancel a hike due to unsafe conditions.
• Attendance is limited at the discretion of our hike leaders. PATC rules do not permit children under 18 years to participate in a hike without a parent or guardian present.
• Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Club volunteers maintain over 1000 miles of trails in Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia, including 240 miles of AT (and the section we will hike!). For more information about PATC, please visit https://www.patc.net/

Hike Route & Info
We will follow the AllTrails hike, AllTrails Link.
Meeting Times, Location & Parking

• 8:15am, meet everyone & sign the PATC waiver. Please be punctual as my hikes begin on time.
• 8:30am, Begin Hiking

We will meet at the trailhead in Elkwallow Picnic Area, near the restroom. (This is just South of Elkwallow Wayside, but a different parking lot entrance). There will not be any cell coverage.

• GPS: 38.74106, -78.31198
• Google Maps: Link to Google Maps

Questions
David M (“Square Feet”) is leading this hike and is one of PATC’s certified Hike Leaders and a member of PATC Trail Patrol. David is also certified in Wilderness First Aid. David’s goal is to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, so if you have any questions or need assistance along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out!