Outdoors

Join Social Sips & Bites for our Wednesday Happy Hour. Great drinks, easy conversation, new faces, familiar faces, and that signature SSB energy that turns a simple night out into something memorable.

Join Social Sips & Bites for our Wednesday Happy Hour. Great drinks, easy conversation, new faces, familiar faces, and that signature SSB energy that turns a simple night out into something memorable. https://m.ruthschris.com/home/tysons-corner/7341

This Shenandoah National Park out-and-back hike starts at the Dickey Ridge Trailhead before reaching the North Entrance pay station. A pretty stream runs parallel with the trail for about a mile until we begin an ascent to our turn around point where the trail again intersects with Skyline Drive. At this time of year, we should see early spring flowers! Sections of the trail are rocky, and there are several very small “rock hop” water crossings. Elevation gain is about 600 ft. We typically hike about 2 mph; however, we leave no one behind and will move at a pace that is comfortable for all. Breaking for flower photos is encouraged! **Group Size:** 20 hikers **Time to Meet:** Please meet 15-20 minutes prior to hike start for introductions and liability waiver sign in. If you can't make the hike, please edit your RSVP by 6 pm the night before to open a spot for anotherr hiker. **Meeting Location/Parking:** 17065 Skyline Drive, Front Royal, VA There is ample shoulder parking on both sides of Skyline Drive adjacent to the marked Dickey Ridge Trailhead although carpooling is encouraged to conserve spots. Heading south on Skyline Drive, the trailhead is on the right BEFORE the Front Royal/North Entrance Pay Station. **Facilities:** No restroom is available at the trailhead. **Admission:** Park fee or pass. https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/fees.htm **Contact Information**: Please use the comments feature for comments and questions. The hike leader is Lisa Peterson. **Cancellation**: In the event that the hike needs to be cancelled, hikers will be notified through comments on this posting. Please check Meetup for updates. **What to Bring:** Water at least two liters, emergency contact information, personal first aid kit and medications, snacks/meal, sunscreen/protection from weather, insect repellant, trekking poles if you use them (highly recommended for hikes with water crossings), sturdy hiking footwear. Please leave pets at home. Thanks! **Notes:** * RSVP to register for this hike. If your plans change, update your RSVP. * To find out more about PATC, [click here](https://www.patc.net/). * Consider becoming a member of PATC. To join, [click here](https://www.patc.net/membership). 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.

Let's continue exploring the historic lockhouses along the C&O Canal, this time staying in a primitive one -- Pennyfield Lock, located by Lock 22. As this is a primitive lockhouse there are NO modern amenities (running water, electricity, heat, or kitchen), and so you will need to bring everything you need to stay comfortable during this one-night stay. We can enjoy some easy hikes along the towpath and through the nearby Blockhouse Point Conservation Park durig our visit. Due to the location of the lockhouse, a carpooling spot has not been established. A WhatsApp group will be created closer to the event and will be used to coordinate rides and other event logistics. We will plan to meet at the lockhouse at 11:00 AM on Saturday morning. ## **Trail Facts** * **Difficulty Level:** Moderate * **Length:** 14.2 Miles * **Duration:** 4.5-5.5 hrs * **Elevation Gain:** 506 Feet * **Permits:** Juanatán will provide overnight parking permits to drivers. * **Parking:** Carpooling will be coordinated via WhatsApp. * **Dogs:** Not allowed inside the lockhouse, sorry. * **Trailhead Coordinates:** 39.05497688136813, -77.29032396969912 * **AllTrails Maps**: * https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-af4793c?u=i&sh=kucj8c * https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-9e94313?u=i&sh=kucj8c **Trail Details:** We will arrive at the parking lot near the lockhouse at 11:00 AM on Saturday morning. We won't be able to check in, so we will go on a hike to Seneca Quarry, where we can explore some old structures that used to be part of the canal system. We will take a slightly different route back through Blockhouse Point Conservation Park. By then we will be ready to check in to the lockhouse. Everyone will need to carry their gear 0.1 miles from the parking lot to the lockhouse. There is no kitchen inside and no running water, so keep that in mind when planning dinner. We can all relax, perhaps play some games, and check out the lockhouse. Closer to nightfall we will go on a short 3-mile hike to Swains Lock where we can enjoy a nice view of the sunset. We will then hike 3 miles back in the dark to the lockhouse and perhaps play games or enjoy a fire before bed. The next morning everyone is on their own for breakfast. Keep in mind that we need to clean up and be out of the lockhouse no later than 10:00 AM. The maximum capacity of the lockhouse is eight people. Depending on who signs up it may be necessary to rearrange the provided trundle beds or bring sleeping pads so we can spread out and make sure everyone has a comfortable sleeping arrangement. You can learn more about the lockhouse [here](https://www.canaltrust.org/lockhouse-22/). Since this is a rustic lockhouse, I will only need $10 from each participant to cover the cost of the reservation. I accept PayPal, Venmo, and cash. :) I'm looking forward to this relaxing trip. Please let me know if you have any questions. **Saturday Itinerary:** * 11:00 AM: Meet at the trailhead, start hiking. * 3:00 PM: Check into the lockhouse, get set up, eat, play games, etc. * 6:00 PM: Hike to Swains Lock, enjoy the sunset, hike back. * 9:00 PM: Potentially enjoy a fire or simply go to bed. **Sunday Itinerary:** * Everyone can get up whenever they want to, keeping in mind that we need to clean up and check out of the lockhouse no later than 10:00 AM. **LIABILITY NOTICE:** Please remember that this group operates under the common adventurer model. We are a group of friends and volunteers organizing trips for fun and shared experience. Participants are expected to be familiar with best hiking practices and choose hikes that align with their physical abilities and experience. Organizers and members are not liable for any injuries, loss, or damage to persons or property arising from group activities. By attending this event, you agree to assume all risks associated with the activity.​ For more information on the common adventurer model, please see [Ron Watters' definition](https://www.ronwatters.com/CADefine.htm).​ If you believe you may be lost during the hike, follow the advice of the [US Forest Service](https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/if-you-get-lost).​ See you on the trail! **[Featured Image Source](https://www.canaltrust.org/lockhouse-22/)**