Hike: AT, Frogtown to Ashby Gap, VA

(Bus hike) Enjoy the beauty of a winter hike on the famous Roller Coaster section of the AT and the expansive view of the surrounding countryside from Bear Den Rocks. This hike follows the AT from Morgans Mill Road to Snickers Gap as it makes seven ascents and descents, passes Sam Moore Shelter, and takes in the view at Bear Den Rocks. Long hikers begin at the junction of routes 605 and 649 and follow Morgan Mill Road to the AT. Long hikers go right on the AT and follow it to Piney Ridge where they turn around and head north, and follow the AT as it crosses Morgan Mill Road, passes Buzzard Hill and its slightly obscured views of the surrounding area, and arrives at Sam Moore shelter, where they can enjoy lunch with moderate hikers. Moderate hikers start at the parking lot at Snickers Gap where they take the blue blazed connecting trail to the AT and go left (south) and ascend the AT to Bear Den Rocks and its striking wintertime view of the area. After enjoying the view, moderate hikers continue on the AT as they cross Sprout Run creek on their way to Sam Moore shelter where they can join long hikers for lunch. All hikers then head north on the AT to the views at Bears Den and the bus at Snickers Gap. There are numerous ways to make this hike longer or shorter by turning around either after or before the designated turn around points. The shortest hike could be 2 miles and include Bears Den Rocks. A very long hike, given sufficient interest, of 14 miles is possible from Ashby Gap to Snickers Gap. Est.: 11.5 miles, 3200’ and 7.5 miles, 2,300'. PATC Map 7. Fare: $33.

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 am.
• 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. Park at 9486 Virginia Center Blvd, Vienna, VA 22181
• Caution: 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 that passes the fare gates 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