Hike: Buck Ridge/ Nicholson Hollow, SNP, VA

This hike explores the Hazel County region of SNP, which was well-populated before the park was created and which provides evidence of the lifestyle of the mountain people who lived there. Long hikers start at Rte. 211, ascend the challenging Buck Ridge Trail to wonderful viewpoints of the Blue Ridge to the west. Ascending further, hikers turn onto the Hazel Mountain Trail and the Hot-Short Mountain Trail to Nicholson Hollow Trail to the Nethers (Old Rag) parking area. Moderate hikers take the Hazel Mountain Trail from Skyline Drive and then follow the same route as the long hikers. Est.: 11.5 miles, 2200' elevation and 9 miles, 650' elevation. PATC Map 10. Fare: $33 plus park pass or fee.

VA Hikes

• DC: Near 17th and K St. NW downtown (east side of Farragut Square). Bus leaves at 8 a.m. SHARP, so it's essential to arrive well before 8.
• Vienna Metro: NORTH parking lot, last bus shelter (Nutley St. Exit off Interstate 66 on North/Vienna side of I-66) at approximately 8:25 a.m. Note: The "south" parking lot also has bus shelters. If by 8:15, you're not with a group of Wanderbirds hikers, you may be in the south lot. There's a walkway over I-66 to the north lot.

RESERVATIONS
Wanderbirds Hiking Club is a 501(c)(7) non-profit, and the public is invited on all hiking trips. Reservations are accepted as late as Saturday, but reserving as early in the week as possible helps ensure your spot and prevent cancellation of the hike due to low sign-ups. RSVP through Meetup and pay through PayPal. Please be sure your RSVP gives your full name and phone number and where you'll be boarding the bus.
FIRST-TIME HIKERS
If you're a first-time hiker with us, please notify the leaders in advance so they can make sure you have the info you need. Hikers must be able to keep a 2-mph pace. New hikers are required to first complete a moderate hike.
Liability Waiver: Many of our hikes take place in remote wilderness areas where cell phone service is not available. Any person participating in any Club activity is responsible for their own safety, health and welfare, and must assume all risks and liabilities related to all Club activities. The Club, its hike leaders, hike sweeps, officers, and other representatives are not liable for any injuries, losses, or damage to persons, children, pets, and/or property, arising from any trips or activities of the Club. You are responsible for bringing enough water, food, and first aid supplies, including those for your personal medical conditions.
CANCELLATION POLICY
To cancel and receive a full bus hike refund, less a $5 processing fee, you must change your RSVP to "No" on Meetup before NOON on the Friday before the hike. If you change your RSVP after noon on the Friday before the hike, no refunds will be issued.
Cancellations to Metro/carpool/trailhead hikes will not issue a financial refund, but hiker must change their Meetup RSVP to NO so that leaders do not wait for them at the trailhead.
COVID PRECAUTIONS
Anyone experiencing symptoms of upper respiratory illness should not attend the event.
MORE DETAILS -- SEE THE FAQS ON OUR WEBSITE