- Ice Queen’s Redemption = Trail Magic + Car Camp + HikingHog Camp Gap, Virginia, VA
Ice Queen’s Redemption is back!!! SO MUCH FUN!!
Fabulous weekend to kick off your summer! Beautiful weather, sunsets/sunrises, eclectic food and drinks, trail magic for the thru-hikers, car camping, day hikes and campfire dance moves…with the most amazing group of people. This weekend is ALL yours – customize your own itinerary to do as much or as little as you like - whatever makes you happy. No pressure!!***************************************
CAVEAT – ONLY ONE REQUIRED ELEMENT FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS...
TRAIL MAGIC CONTRIBUTIONS of FOOD AND/OR DRINK.What is Trail Magic?
Acts of generosity in this wild and primitive setting of the Appalachian Trail – where basic amenities of civilization are intentionally absent – are often received in a heightened sense of wonder and gratitude by hikers. These acts of generosity are referred to as “trail magic”.When is Trail Magic? ALL DAY SATURDAY
40+ very hungry thru hikers served in 2023...What "trail magic" should I bring?
▪ Food that is fresh, cold, heavy...anything homemade...think beyond traditional, lightweight backpacking foods that are easily accessible via hiker resupply. Instead focus on items that might be hard to come by, spoil without refrigeration, or be too heavy to carry.
▪ Cold beverages, flavored beverages, soda, alcohol, water that is already filtered.
▪ Canopies, tables, camp chairs, coolers with ice – whatever you might have.Serving the Trail Magic
Once we are set up with food and gear, serving is pretty easy and just requires a few people. It is really fun to just hang out and visit with the thru hikers - some grab a quick bite and keep moving, others stay for hours, and a few might join us for an overnight. But no pressure to stay behind if you want to hike instead!!***************************************
HOG CAMP GAP AREA LAYOUTPARKING
***▪ Look for Cole Mountain loop Trailhead Parking on Google Maps ***where the AT crosses Wiggins Spring Rd...closest option to our camping/trail magic area. Additional parking available along the side of the road as you head east on Wiggins Springs Rd. Avoid parking at the Mt. Pleasant Trailhead – it is too far away from our camping area.CAMPSITE LOCATIONS/OPTIONS (from the Cole Mountain parking area)
▪ Main campsite (party zone), west of the AT – head north on AT, then turn left at the “water” sign...the most people, noise and activity.
▪ Trail Magic area – somewhere between the main campsite and the AT “water” sign = canopies, tables, chairs, coolers.
▪ Campsites north of cars, east of the AT – head north on AT, then turn right at the “water” sign for quiet choices. Keep heading east along the water trail for more options.
▪ Campsites closest to the cars, east of the AT – quickest and easiest to get to, but the least private...frequent foot traffic and car noise from the road.
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OTHER STUFF▪ Arrive and set up camp ANYTIME. Tent and hammock friendly, no fees or reservations required.
▪ Primitive camping = NO amenities whatsoever. Other than being close to our cars, we are camping like crazy people in the woods, in the middle of nowhere. No electricity, bring your own water, and your bathroom is the woods.
▪ Car camping creature comforts are welcome…because life is short & sometimes you are just tired of using a spreadsheet to track the ounces in your pack. No shame, no judgement. Pam's trail name is "Boujee", so she has high standards and expectations to uphold!!!
▪ Set aside your own small stash of food and drinks that doesn’t get consumed by Trail Magic (speaking from experience lol).
▪ Firelogs and bundled firewood welcome.
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HIKE OPTIONS - ANYTIMETar Jacket Ridge out/back ** amazing at sunrise
1.7 miles, 367 ft. elevation gain
Trail rating = EASY
▪ MAP: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/tar-jacket-ridge-from-hog-camp-gap-9103820?u=iCole Mountain loop ** Cole Mountain bald is great for Sunset
5.9 miles, 1286 ft. elevation gain
Trail rating = MODERATE
▪ MAP: https://www.hikingupward.com/gwnf/coldmountain/Mount Pleasant loop
6.3 miles, 1322 ft. elevation gain
Trail rating = MODERATE
▪ MAP: https://www.hikingupward.com/gwnf/mountpleasant/Mount Pleasant + Cole Mountain
12.2 miles, 2608 ft. elevation gain
Trail rating = STRENUOUS
▪ MAP: https://www.hikingupward.com/gwnf/mountpleasant/ - Camp & Hike at Douthat State Park with optional 10-mile paddle trip14239 Douthat State Park Rd, Millboro, VA
DON’T DELAY IN MAKING CAMP RESERVATION AS THESE SITES FILL UP VERY QUICKLY!!!
This event is cross-posted with We Love To Camp Over 50 Meet-up Group.
Douthat State Park has been one of the favorite campsites with our group. Obviously because of its endless options of hiking trails and its beautiful lake. This year I thought why not add on an optional 10 mile paddle trip paddling the upper Jackson River in Alleghany County.
CAMPSITE + PADDLE COST’S AND LINKS
Please see links below to register for campsite and/or kayak trip.
Douthat State Park fills up very quickly once the sites are available to book 11 months prior. I would encourage you not to delay in booking a site. If you end up not being able to go you can always sale your spot to another member or switch it out for another day and/or campsite with any VA state park or get a refund with which they charge a $10 fee.
We will be booking at the White Oaks Campground but feel free to book at any site or cabin and meet up with us.- Each site on White Oaks has electricity and allows 6 people and 2 cars.
- Your Hosts will be staying at site W015.
Alleghany Outdoors is approximately 20 miles from Douthat state park. We will be booking the 9am session for Smith Bridge to Intervale for a 10 mile paddle. Prices are $46 for kayak or canoe and shuttle to and from. $25 for shuttle if you have your own kayak or canoe.
Douthat State Park:
https://reservevaparks.com/web/Facilities/SearchViewUnitAvailabity.aspx
Paddle Trip – Alleghany Outdoors
https://alleghanyoutdoors.com/paddle-trips/smith-bridge-to-intervale/
FRIDAY NIGHT POT LUCK AND SOCIAL
Since all the pot lucks in the past have been extremely successful let’s plan another. If you are open to sharing please bring a dish to share. We will hang out socialize, eat, drink and be merry.
Potluck will be held at 6:30 pm but arrive whenever you can.
Everyone should bring their own beverage, plate/bowl, eating utensil, and napkins
HIKING
Your hosts will have some coordinated hikes for anyone wanting to hike. Details to come on hike specifics. - Camping, Hiking, Playing on The Beach, and Paddle with The Dolphins Tour2500 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA
DON’T DELAY IN MAKING CAMP RESERVATION AS FIRST LANDING IS THE MOST VISITED AND LARGEST STATE PARK IN VIRGINIA AND THE SITES FILL UP QUICKLY!!!!
We will be booking in Collier Loop B
https://reservevaparks.com/web/#!park/10
Stacy and Debdeb have booked campsite #68
This trip is being cross posted with We Love to Camp Over 50
The park has cabins, yurts, water and electric hook-up campsites, tent campsites, picnic area, boat ramps and a camp store.
Join us as we camp at First Landing State Park and then on Saturday enjoy a guided paddle tour and have an Incredible Bay Experience in Virginia Where You’ll See Dolphins, Birds, And More. These guided tours launch from the beautiful First Landing State Park into Broad Bay, where the waters are much calmer, making for an ideal paddle experience.
New to kayaking? No problem! No experience is required, and your knowledgeable guide will ensure your trip is fun and safe. All paddlers should know how to swim, though.
Reservations required. Each tour is 2 hours.
There are 3 different time slots. 9am 12pm 6pm. Your hosts have booked the 9am time slot. Feel free to book the same time slot or choose another.- The site will tell you to call for September bookings but it is confirmed we can do it online. It will also tell you that you need at least 2 people to book. Just put N/A in the 2nd person slot if you are booking only 1 slot.
https://www.gokayakvb.com/dolphin-watching-in-virginia-beach.html
FRIDAY NIGHT POT LUCK AND SOCIAL
Since all the pot lucks in the past have been extremely successful let’s plan another. If you are open to sharing please bring a dish to share. We will hang out socialize, eat, drink and be merry.
Potluck will be held at 6:30 pm but arrive whenever you can.
Everyone should bring their own beverage, plate/bowl, eating utensil, and napkins
HIKING
First Landing State Park draws in people looking to enjoy the amazing trails, boating, and historical activities within its boundaries. It truly is the location for the best day hikes in Virginia Beach (without a doubt)!
As Virginia's most-visited state park, it's an oasis within urban Virginia Beach. The park has 20 miles of trails and 1.5 miles of sandy Chesapeake Bay beach frontage.
Your hosts will have some coordinated hikes for anyone wanting to hike. Details to come on hike specifics.
If you have any questions, please contact one of us.- Debdeb 804-920-6340
- Stacy 804-937-3943
- FALL COLORS AT PRINCE WILLIAM FOREST WITH CAMPING AND HIKING18170 Park Entrance Rd, Triangle, VA
SPACE IS AVAILABLE BUT WAITLIST IS IN PLACE UNTIL CAMPING FEE PAID. READ ON FOR MORE DETAILS….
This event is cross-posted with we love to camp over 50 meet-up group.
We can’t think of a better way to enjoy nature than camping, hiking and/or biking in beautiful Northern Virginia at Prince William Forest Park.
CAMPSITE COST
The Turkey Run group campsites H&I have been reserved for 2 nights and hold 50 people between the two group campsites which are right next to each other. The cost for the campsite is $15 per person for both nights.
Everyone signing up for the trip will be placed on a waitlist until payment is made.
Once you have paid for your spot message me how you paid and I will move you to going.
$15 per person
Payable to your host Debora Mahan aka Debdeb “Mama Mayhem” via app of your choice.
PayPal – 804-920-6340 or debandwilmahan@gmail.com
Zelle – 804-920-6340 or debandwilmahan@gmail.com
Cash App - $Debora MahanVA07
No refunds, if you are unable to attend you will need to find someone to take your slot.
FRIDAY NIGHT POT LUCK AND SOCIAL
Since all the potlucks in the past have been extremely successful let’s plan another. If you are open to sharing please bring a dish to share. We will hang out socialize, eat, drink and be merry. Pot Luck will start at 600pm. Arrive when you can.
ACTIVITIES
There are 37 miles of hiking trails meander through the 15,000 acre Prince William Forest Park. Although we will not be covering all 37 miles we will be planning a coordinated hike on Saturday and Sunday to tackle some of those miles.Maps can be downloaded:
https://www.nps.gov/prwi/planyourvisit/maps.htmOn and Off road biking is available if that’s your jam. Definitely not Debdeb’s jam I need to keep me feet planted firmly on the ground.
ENTRANCE FEES AND PASSES
Entrance fees and valid 'America the Beautiful' passes, Federal Recreation Lands pass or Prince William Forest Park annual passes are required to enter the park. Entrance fees are not included in campground rental fees and must be paid upon entry. They can be paid at the entrance station when entering the park, at the visitor center when the entrance station is closed, or online at recreation.gov. Fee is $20 per car.If looking to carpool you can start a discussion in the chat box and what area you are wanting to carpool from.
Sadly, no pets are allowed at Turkey Run Campground.