Hike Schedule
Upcoming Events
Our upcoming schedule is below. We have separated our schedule to include hikes and worktrips in one section and extended trip in another. More hikes and work trips may be added as our leaders finalize their plans. Watch your email for upcoming hikes for the week.
Our upcoming schedule is below. We have separated our schedule to include hikes and worktrips in one section and extended trip in another. More hikes and work trips may be added as our leaders finalize their plans. Watch your email for upcoming hikes for the week.
Volunteers need for National Public Lands Day, September 23
Jess LaPollo, PATC communications coordinator, has been coordinating with Shenandoah National Park to set up a small event for National Public Lands Day on September 23. They decided the best place to hold the event is Big Meadows Visitor Center and are currently wanting to host a couple of hikes from there. Hike ideas include the following: Dark Hollow Falls, Lewis falls, Story of the Forest or a short hike into the meadows. They are in need of volunteers to lead hikes. Jess has stated that as long as you are an experienced hiker, she would appreciate your help. You do not need to have completed the hike leader training. If you are interested in helping with this event, email Jess at CommsCoordinator@patc.net
Jess LaPollo, PATC communications coordinator, has been coordinating with Shenandoah National Park to set up a small event for National Public Lands Day on September 23. They decided the best place to hold the event is Big Meadows Visitor Center and are currently wanting to host a couple of hikes from there. Hike ideas include the following: Dark Hollow Falls, Lewis falls, Story of the Forest or a short hike into the meadows. They are in need of volunteers to lead hikes. Jess has stated that as long as you are an experienced hiker, she would appreciate your help. You do not need to have completed the hike leader training. If you are interested in helping with this event, email Jess at CommsCoordinator@patc.net
Sunday, September 3: Kaylor Knob Work Trip
We will walk the 0.7 miles on the Massanutten Trail then 1.9 miles on the Second Mountain Trail to cut back vegetation on the way up, then walk down. All that is needed is a pair of hand clippers. Not very strenuous but a lot of clipping is needed. We will stop at the swimming hole at the end. Meet at the Park and Ride next to the Olivet Christian Church across from the entrance to Massanutten Resort on 33 at 9:00. Contact Hike Leader Michael Seth
(sthmj@jmu.edu; 540-746-0605) to sign up and for additional information.
Monday, September 4th Appalachian Trail: Hog Camp Gap to Long Mountain Wayside
This will be a Moderately Strenuous 6.5 mile shuttle hike that features the wonderful views from Cold Mountain and finishes with a 2000 ft decent back to US 60. We will meet at Long Mountain Wayside ( 17 Miles west of Amherst, VA on US 60) before setting up our 30 minute shuttle to Hog Camp Gap. Hike limit is 10 with no dogs. To register and receive additional information contact Howard Davis hsdhiker@gmail.com
Wednesday, September 6: Milam Gap-AT hike.
Come join us for this 4 mile, in/out hike; it is easy/moderate. Yes it is another of Karen's favorite hikes. Contact Mike or Karen Waterman, home phone 540-337-1273 or karenswaterman@gmail.com if you plan on hiking with us.
Tuesday September 12: GWNF Wild Oak Trail - Horse Trough Hollow Section
Moderate hike of 6-7 miles up and back. Climbs a little over 1900 feet at a steady 12-15% grade. We’ll meet at Camp Todd at 9AM and proceed up the trail at a leisurely pace (~1.5MPH) to a series of scenic ridge overlooks 0.5 miles shy of Little Bald Knob. If it is clear and you have good eyes, you might be able to see Shenandoah NP. The ridge has numerous chestnut saplings rising from the roots of those killed by the blight. Footing is relatively easy with a few narrow, rocky parts. Shrubbery crowds the trail but does not cover it. In some places it makes a picturesque corridor with pine needle carpeting. Contact Gary Flynn at trailgary777@gmail.com for information or to sign up.
Saturday September 16: Introduction to Trail Maintenance Workshop
9:00 AM - 3:30PM If you or someone you know is interested in trails and their maintenance there will be an introductory workshop in the George Washington National Forest. Attendees do NOT need to be a members of PATC. Get details and reserve your spot on the PATC Volunteers Meetup group: https://www.meetup.com/patcvolunteerevents/events/295748423
Saturday, September 16: SSVC's Family and Friends Day at Sherando Lake
Invite your family and friends to join us for a day of hiking, swimming and picnicking at Sherando Lake. Sherando Lake Recreation Area will be open from 8:00am - 7:30pm. Feel free to join us at any time during the day. You can also enjoy time at the beach area throughout the day. We have the Williams Branch Picnic Area for the day. There is a large parking area near the shelter. There will be bathrooms available at the picnic area and beach house. We are sponsoring the following events:
10:00 am--White Rock Falls, Moderate 5.2 mile hike. Meet at the White Rock Falls parking lot (which is located just south of Mile Marker 18) on the Blue Ridge Parkway. We will visit Sherando after hiking. John Kolp is our leader.
10:00 am--Upper Lake Loop, 1 mile easy. Meet at Williams Branch Picnic Area. We will caravan to the start of the hike. James Arnold will be our leader for this hike with Pam Heinrich assisting.
12:00 pm---Blue Loop Trail, approximately 4 miles moderate -has some rocky sections. Meet at Williams Branch Picnic Area. We will use Cliff Trail to connect to the Blue Loop trail. The Blue Loop will ascend to join Torry Ridge Trail. We will walk along the ridge until we meet the Blue trail again and descend back to Sherando Lake. Millie Davis will be our leader for this hike.
1:00 pm---Sherando Lake Loop, 1.8 miles easy/moderate. Meet at Williams Branch Picnic Area. We will use Cliff Trail and Lakeside Trail to make a loop around the lake. James Arnold will be our leader for this hike with Pam Heinrich assisting.
3:00 pm---Gathering for Games and Picnic. We will get together at the picnic area for games and our picnic. There is a large shelter with picnic tables inside as well as other picnic tables outside the shelter. Our chapter will provide hamburgers, veggie burgers and hot dogs. Let us know how many of each you would like. Please bring a side dish to share. Bring your own drink (no food sharing). If you would like to grill anything else for yourself , there are lots of small grills in the area and you will need to bring your own charcoal and aluminum foil.
*Other items to consider: 1)if you have any "yard games" to share for the day, bring them along 2)chairs are optional: there are lots of picnic tables at the shelter. You may want one for the beach. 3) you will need to bring your own items/equipment for time at the beach
Contact Pam Heinrich (pamheinrich13@gmail.com or 540-290-5595) to attend any event for the day. Let us know 1) any hike that you would like to attend and 2) number of hot dogs, veggie burgers or hamburgers you would like.
Wednesday, October 11: Shenandoah Mountain Hike
Hike will be about 4 miles, in/out; it is easy/moderate. Of course it is another one of Karen's favorite places to hike. It will be a beautiful time of year to look out over the colors of fall. Contact Mike or Karen at home phone 540 337 1273 or karenswaterman@gmail.com if you would like to hike this trail with us.
Friday October 20: Blackrock Summit from Madison Run Fire road near Grottoes
Challenging hike of 8 miles up and back. Climbs almost 2000 feet with some steep sections. Blackrock Summit is one of the jewels of Shenandoah Park especially with sunlit autumn colors. We’ll park at the fire road, cross Madison Run, and proceed up Furnace and Trayfoot Mountain Trails at a leisurely pace (~1.5MPH) to Blackrock where we’ll stop for lunch. The trail has a lot of loose rock and some talus fields. Some sections may have overgrown vegetation. Contact Gary Flynn at trailgary777@gmail.com for information or to sign up.
Camping Opportunities and Other Activities
September 1-4: AT trip to PA
Pam Heinrich is planning a trip to hike sections of the AT in Pennsylvania over Labor Day weekend. I am camping at Camp Swatara in Bethel, PA (https://www.campswatara.org/). I have one site reserved and can fit another tent there. More camper and tent sites were available at that time. I plan to arrive Thursday evening and hike Friday through Monday. There are several day hike/sections in that area from which we can pick. I plan to do a shorter hike on Monday before heading home. If you are interested in joining for any of the weekend, contact me (pamheinrich13@gmail.com or 540-290-5595).
September 10-14: Grayson Highlands State Park Camping
Group Camping with Day Hikes on the AT and other area trails in the Mount Rogers Recreation Area. (Or set up your own biking, etc). Group Campsite has been Reserved with cost to be determined by # of Campers. Ok to stay fewer nights if needed. Limit of 12 with no dogs on this trip. For additional Information and to register contact Howard Davis at hsdhiker@gmail.com
September 22nd-24th: Catoctin Hollow Lodge
Join us for a weekend stay at Catoctin Hollow Lodge near Thurmont, Maryland.
https://www.patc.net/PATC/Cabins/Individual_Cabins/Catoctin%20Hollow%20Lodge.aspx
This modern, three-bedroom, log cabin adjoins Cunningham State Falls Park. It includes a great room with a 22-foot ceiling, loft, and stone fireplace. Complete with two full bathrooms, a kitchen, 2 double beds, and 4 twin beds, this air-conditioned cabin offers all the amenities of home with a wilderness view from the sunroom. Accessed by a 0.7 mile moderately easy, but rocky hike-in, Catoctin has emerged as one of the most popular PATC cabins. A hike-in after dark is not recommended. We will plan hikes along the Catoctin Trail and/or within Cunningham State Falls Park and Catoctin Mountain Park. Please note that pets are prohibited. Cost will be $50/person for the weekend. Group breakfast and dinners will be planned. Email or text Angela Lawrence, angavgr@gmail.com, 913-850-4357, if you are interested - indicating who would like to come and what type of bed/room you would like.
We currently have space for 2 couples or 2 individuals.
October 6th-9th: Greenbrier State Park, Boonsboro MD
Three night camping trip in Greenbrier State Park in Maryland. (https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/western/greenbrier.aspx). We will arrive on Friday and leave Monday. We have three sites reserved and can share sites. Plans include exploring the C&O near Williamsport Maryland (biking options available), hikes on the AT (Washington Monument and Annapolis Rocks are two suggestions), and a visit to Antietam National Battlefield. Other ideas are welcomed. So far, Angela Lawrence, Heather Denny and Pam Heinrich plan to go. Contact Pam if you would like to join us or have any questions (pamheinrich13@gmail.com or 540-290-5595).
October 18th-21st: Trout Pond Recreation Area, West Virginia
Three night tent or RV camping at a Full Facility Campground located in the Lee Ranger District of the George Washington National Forest near Wardensville, WV. Local Day Hikes in the Great North Mountain Area including Big Schloss. You will need to make your own Campsite Reservation either on arrival or through Recreation.gov. Participation limit is 12. If interested, contact Howard Davis to receive additional information hsdhiker@gmail.com
We will walk the 0.7 miles on the Massanutten Trail then 1.9 miles on the Second Mountain Trail to cut back vegetation on the way up, then walk down. All that is needed is a pair of hand clippers. Not very strenuous but a lot of clipping is needed. We will stop at the swimming hole at the end. Meet at the Park and Ride next to the Olivet Christian Church across from the entrance to Massanutten Resort on 33 at 9:00. Contact Hike Leader Michael Seth
(sthmj@jmu.edu; 540-746-0605) to sign up and for additional information.
Monday, September 4th Appalachian Trail: Hog Camp Gap to Long Mountain Wayside
This will be a Moderately Strenuous 6.5 mile shuttle hike that features the wonderful views from Cold Mountain and finishes with a 2000 ft decent back to US 60. We will meet at Long Mountain Wayside ( 17 Miles west of Amherst, VA on US 60) before setting up our 30 minute shuttle to Hog Camp Gap. Hike limit is 10 with no dogs. To register and receive additional information contact Howard Davis hsdhiker@gmail.com
Wednesday, September 6: Milam Gap-AT hike.
Come join us for this 4 mile, in/out hike; it is easy/moderate. Yes it is another of Karen's favorite hikes. Contact Mike or Karen Waterman, home phone 540-337-1273 or karenswaterman@gmail.com if you plan on hiking with us.
Tuesday September 12: GWNF Wild Oak Trail - Horse Trough Hollow Section
Moderate hike of 6-7 miles up and back. Climbs a little over 1900 feet at a steady 12-15% grade. We’ll meet at Camp Todd at 9AM and proceed up the trail at a leisurely pace (~1.5MPH) to a series of scenic ridge overlooks 0.5 miles shy of Little Bald Knob. If it is clear and you have good eyes, you might be able to see Shenandoah NP. The ridge has numerous chestnut saplings rising from the roots of those killed by the blight. Footing is relatively easy with a few narrow, rocky parts. Shrubbery crowds the trail but does not cover it. In some places it makes a picturesque corridor with pine needle carpeting. Contact Gary Flynn at trailgary777@gmail.com for information or to sign up.
Saturday September 16: Introduction to Trail Maintenance Workshop
9:00 AM - 3:30PM If you or someone you know is interested in trails and their maintenance there will be an introductory workshop in the George Washington National Forest. Attendees do NOT need to be a members of PATC. Get details and reserve your spot on the PATC Volunteers Meetup group: https://www.meetup.com/patcvolunteerevents/events/295748423
Saturday, September 16: SSVC's Family and Friends Day at Sherando Lake
Invite your family and friends to join us for a day of hiking, swimming and picnicking at Sherando Lake. Sherando Lake Recreation Area will be open from 8:00am - 7:30pm. Feel free to join us at any time during the day. You can also enjoy time at the beach area throughout the day. We have the Williams Branch Picnic Area for the day. There is a large parking area near the shelter. There will be bathrooms available at the picnic area and beach house. We are sponsoring the following events:
10:00 am--White Rock Falls, Moderate 5.2 mile hike. Meet at the White Rock Falls parking lot (which is located just south of Mile Marker 18) on the Blue Ridge Parkway. We will visit Sherando after hiking. John Kolp is our leader.
10:00 am--Upper Lake Loop, 1 mile easy. Meet at Williams Branch Picnic Area. We will caravan to the start of the hike. James Arnold will be our leader for this hike with Pam Heinrich assisting.
12:00 pm---Blue Loop Trail, approximately 4 miles moderate -has some rocky sections. Meet at Williams Branch Picnic Area. We will use Cliff Trail to connect to the Blue Loop trail. The Blue Loop will ascend to join Torry Ridge Trail. We will walk along the ridge until we meet the Blue trail again and descend back to Sherando Lake. Millie Davis will be our leader for this hike.
1:00 pm---Sherando Lake Loop, 1.8 miles easy/moderate. Meet at Williams Branch Picnic Area. We will use Cliff Trail and Lakeside Trail to make a loop around the lake. James Arnold will be our leader for this hike with Pam Heinrich assisting.
3:00 pm---Gathering for Games and Picnic. We will get together at the picnic area for games and our picnic. There is a large shelter with picnic tables inside as well as other picnic tables outside the shelter. Our chapter will provide hamburgers, veggie burgers and hot dogs. Let us know how many of each you would like. Please bring a side dish to share. Bring your own drink (no food sharing). If you would like to grill anything else for yourself , there are lots of small grills in the area and you will need to bring your own charcoal and aluminum foil.
*Other items to consider: 1)if you have any "yard games" to share for the day, bring them along 2)chairs are optional: there are lots of picnic tables at the shelter. You may want one for the beach. 3) you will need to bring your own items/equipment for time at the beach
Contact Pam Heinrich (pamheinrich13@gmail.com or 540-290-5595) to attend any event for the day. Let us know 1) any hike that you would like to attend and 2) number of hot dogs, veggie burgers or hamburgers you would like.
Wednesday, October 11: Shenandoah Mountain Hike
Hike will be about 4 miles, in/out; it is easy/moderate. Of course it is another one of Karen's favorite places to hike. It will be a beautiful time of year to look out over the colors of fall. Contact Mike or Karen at home phone 540 337 1273 or karenswaterman@gmail.com if you would like to hike this trail with us.
Friday October 20: Blackrock Summit from Madison Run Fire road near Grottoes
Challenging hike of 8 miles up and back. Climbs almost 2000 feet with some steep sections. Blackrock Summit is one of the jewels of Shenandoah Park especially with sunlit autumn colors. We’ll park at the fire road, cross Madison Run, and proceed up Furnace and Trayfoot Mountain Trails at a leisurely pace (~1.5MPH) to Blackrock where we’ll stop for lunch. The trail has a lot of loose rock and some talus fields. Some sections may have overgrown vegetation. Contact Gary Flynn at trailgary777@gmail.com for information or to sign up.
Camping Opportunities and Other Activities
September 1-4: AT trip to PA
Pam Heinrich is planning a trip to hike sections of the AT in Pennsylvania over Labor Day weekend. I am camping at Camp Swatara in Bethel, PA (https://www.campswatara.org/). I have one site reserved and can fit another tent there. More camper and tent sites were available at that time. I plan to arrive Thursday evening and hike Friday through Monday. There are several day hike/sections in that area from which we can pick. I plan to do a shorter hike on Monday before heading home. If you are interested in joining for any of the weekend, contact me (pamheinrich13@gmail.com or 540-290-5595).
September 10-14: Grayson Highlands State Park Camping
Group Camping with Day Hikes on the AT and other area trails in the Mount Rogers Recreation Area. (Or set up your own biking, etc). Group Campsite has been Reserved with cost to be determined by # of Campers. Ok to stay fewer nights if needed. Limit of 12 with no dogs on this trip. For additional Information and to register contact Howard Davis at hsdhiker@gmail.com
September 22nd-24th: Catoctin Hollow Lodge
Join us for a weekend stay at Catoctin Hollow Lodge near Thurmont, Maryland.
https://www.patc.net/PATC/Cabins/Individual_Cabins/Catoctin%20Hollow%20Lodge.aspx
This modern, three-bedroom, log cabin adjoins Cunningham State Falls Park. It includes a great room with a 22-foot ceiling, loft, and stone fireplace. Complete with two full bathrooms, a kitchen, 2 double beds, and 4 twin beds, this air-conditioned cabin offers all the amenities of home with a wilderness view from the sunroom. Accessed by a 0.7 mile moderately easy, but rocky hike-in, Catoctin has emerged as one of the most popular PATC cabins. A hike-in after dark is not recommended. We will plan hikes along the Catoctin Trail and/or within Cunningham State Falls Park and Catoctin Mountain Park. Please note that pets are prohibited. Cost will be $50/person for the weekend. Group breakfast and dinners will be planned. Email or text Angela Lawrence, angavgr@gmail.com, 913-850-4357, if you are interested - indicating who would like to come and what type of bed/room you would like.
We currently have space for 2 couples or 2 individuals.
October 6th-9th: Greenbrier State Park, Boonsboro MD
Three night camping trip in Greenbrier State Park in Maryland. (https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/western/greenbrier.aspx). We will arrive on Friday and leave Monday. We have three sites reserved and can share sites. Plans include exploring the C&O near Williamsport Maryland (biking options available), hikes on the AT (Washington Monument and Annapolis Rocks are two suggestions), and a visit to Antietam National Battlefield. Other ideas are welcomed. So far, Angela Lawrence, Heather Denny and Pam Heinrich plan to go. Contact Pam if you would like to join us or have any questions (pamheinrich13@gmail.com or 540-290-5595).
October 18th-21st: Trout Pond Recreation Area, West Virginia
Three night tent or RV camping at a Full Facility Campground located in the Lee Ranger District of the George Washington National Forest near Wardensville, WV. Local Day Hikes in the Great North Mountain Area including Big Schloss. You will need to make your own Campsite Reservation either on arrival or through Recreation.gov. Participation limit is 12. If interested, contact Howard Davis to receive additional information hsdhiker@gmail.com
Notice for all hikes
All SSVC hikes will follow Covid-19 guidelines. The option to offer carpooling is a decision made by each hike leader. Hikers may always meet the group at the trailhead. Attendance will be limited at the discretion of our hike leaders. Preference will be given to PATC members. PATC rules do not permit children under the age of 18 to participate in a hike without a parent or guardian present. Dogs are not allowed on our chapter hikes.
All SSVC hikes will follow Covid-19 guidelines. The option to offer carpooling is a decision made by each hike leader. Hikers may always meet the group at the trailhead. Attendance will be limited at the discretion of our hike leaders. Preference will be given to PATC members. PATC rules do not permit children under the age of 18 to participate in a hike without a parent or guardian present. Dogs are not allowed on our chapter hikes.