<![CDATA[Southern Shenandoah Valley Chapter - South District News]]>Fri, 01 May 2026 03:54:27 -0400Weebly<![CDATA[May the Forest Be With You]]>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 22:05:58 GMThttps://www.ssvc.org/south-district-news/may-the-forest-be-with-you
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Welcome to May
Last month was busy with many of you out on your section of trail.  Water bars and blow downs were our main area of focus.  With warmer weather, we begin planning for the trimming of grass and control of weed growth.  Thank you for all your hard work. 

We encourage everyone to know and establish a connection with our sawyers.  If you discover a blow down on your section, please take a picture and add the GPS coordinates for each.  You may contact the sawyers directly for more assistance on the removal.  Our sawyers are:
Dave Bowen: Dbowenflyr@yahoo.com
Bruce Illusky: bruce@wbinspect.com
Jim Core: jimnsuzanne91@aol.com
Mark Perschel: Markperschel@juno.com
Kyle Brost: kjbrost@gmail.com

Finally, if you discover a project that you need some help with, contact Kevin Cwalina to add it to the list for the Flying McLeods.   trails@kevinmadeit.com 
Featured Hike: Wildcat Trail to Sawmill Run Overlook
Pam Heinrich is leading a series of hikes this year to help others hike the AT in the South District. On April 3rd, the group hiked from Wildcat Ridge Trail to Sawmill Run Overlook.  This was a special edition of our AT Hikes as we helped Bill Jones finished hiking the South District AT of Shenandoah National Park. Our group took a picture at a cool tree down along the section from Crimora Lake Overlook to Turk Gap.  Thanks to Mark Perschel for his creative sawyer work.  We celebrated at Sawmill Run Overlook with Sparkling White Grape Juice.  Hikers that  joined in on the fun were: Roger Smith, Betsy Solomon, Martha Gibbons, Barbara Martin, Diane Mayer, Brenda Uekert, Gary Forrest and Bill Jones.  

The next hike is planned for May 9 from Blackrock Gap to Wildcat Ridge Trail.  Come join us.
Phantoms From the Past:
Ghosts Shelters of the Southern Shenandoah
By: Roger Smith
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In his 1921 essay in The Journal of The American Institute of Architects, where he first proposed the Appalachian Trail, Benton MacKaye wrote about the need for a series of Shelter Camps which he described as the “usual accompaniments of the trails”.  He wrote: “They are the trail’s equipment for use.  They should be located at convenient distances so as to allow a comfortable day’s walk between each.  They should be equipped always for sleeping and certain of them for serving meals – after the fashion of the Swiss chalets.”

He envisioned the building of these camps to be done by volunteers, since “volunteer work is really play.”  Of course, back then, MacKaye wasn’t considering the need to maintain water bars and trying to keep up with invasives, which can be described in no uncertain terms as anything but play.

But regardless…the Camp Shelters are an integral part of MacKaye’s vision for the Trail with more than 250 of them built and maintained beginning in the 1930’s by members of the Civilian Conservation Corps along with many other volunteers including the PATC.  Most are simple, wooden three-wall lean-to buildings, though some feature more grand designs with windows, a second floor, a front porch and even showers.  

Nearly all are located near good water sources and are the natural gathering points for both thru and section hikers, just as Benton originally intended.

Some of these shelters, though, are “ghost shelters” – phantoms from the past which have been lost over time.  These are shelters which have been deconstructed and removed for a variety of reasons.  

Some because they were located in wilderness areas and had to be removed following the passing of the Federal Wilderness Act in 1964.  Some because of misuse and excessive partying during the counter-culture revolution in the 1970s (perhaps a story for another time).  Some because of limitation of resources available to monitor and maintain them.  Some, like the Mosby Shelter located between Manassas Gap and Chester Gap in Northern Virginia, were stolen by persons unknown, likely to make use of the chestnut logs that had been used in its construction.

There are several ghost shelters that used to reside in Shenandoah National Park.  One such shelter was at Sawmill Run.

Sawmill Run Shelter
Sawmill Run Shelter was built in 1941.  Grandma Gatewood stayed here during her historic thru-hike of the AT in 1955.  Like other shelters of its generation, it was a simple, three-wall log or timber lean-to shelter located near a reliable water source (Sawmill Run).  

While the exact date of its deconstruction isn’t known, the National Park Service (NPS) History indicates it was removed between 1970 and 1980 due to overuse.  However, in some ways this shelter lives on as its remains were used when PATC built Calf Mountain Shelter in 1984

The shelter was accessed from a side trail which is no longer maintained but can still be seen today, especially in the Winter months when there is less foliage.  You can find it near the first, sharp right turn as you make your way northbound on the AT from Sawmill Run Overlook toward Turk Gap.  

While no remnants of the old shelter remain, there is a flat spot with a fire pit where it used to reside.  If you’re interested in visiting the site, Jeff Monroe wrote an excellent article describing his visit to the site several years ago along with some excellent pictures. Jeff’s article can be found at Wandering Virginia: Shenandoah National Park: Former A.T. Sawmill Run Shelter Site.  

​Other Ghost Shelters in the Southern Shenandoah include Bigflat Mountain Shelter and South River Shelter.  An interesting exhibit is available on Professor Mills Kelly’s Appalachian Trail History site found at Appalachian Trail Histories | Ghost Shelters · Trail Shelters.
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Figure 1 - Undated Photo of Sawmill Run Shelter from the PATC Archives, courtesy of Jeff Monroe.
Invasive of the month- Wavyleaf Basketgrass
By: Ruth Stornetta

Wavyleaf basketgrass (Oplismenus undulatifolius) is an invasive perennial grass that was first detected in the park in 2005. It thrives in shady areas but can also grow in partial shade along trails. There are sightings of wavyleaf in iNaturalist near Simmons Gap and Pinefield Gap in the South District and it is likely in other areas now. If you spot this plant, please take a photo and report your observation on iNaturalist, as well as to Jake Hughes (Jake_Hughes@nps.gov). Wavyleaf basketgrass is known for its shade tolerance, rapid growth, and sprawling nature, which allow it to outcompete native plants. It can take over and blanket an area-worse than stiltgrass! The grass produces numerous seeds with sticky awns (long, pointed bristles) that readily cling to boots, clothing, or animal fur, enabling easy spread through infested zones. Seeds quickly reach new locations on trails, forming dense patches via creeping above-ground roots called stolons.
You can hand pull it now if it’s a small infestation. Be sure to get all the stolons (roots) and bag it- the roots can resprout if left on the ground. This is a very dangerous invasive plant and has been devastating in Maryland- please help protect SNP from this
relatively new threat. Don’t let it spread!​
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Featured Flower: Red Trillium
There is one special place in Shenandoah National Park where you can see Red Trillium (Trillium erectum).  We are lucky that this spot is on the AT leading to Hightop Summit.  From Hightop Summit Parking, head south towards the summit.  The Red Trillium bloomed a little early year and were seen around mid-April.  

History and Legends: 
This flower is also called "wake robin."  This name was given to it because the red hue of the flowers was said to mirror both in appearance and timing the red breast of the American robin.

Red Trillium is also called "beth root" which is from "birth root." The root was thought to assist in childbirth as root teas were made to help induce childbirth and aid in labor. Native Americans also created the whole plat into a poultice and used it to treat tumors, inflammation and ulcers.
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]]><![CDATA[April--Not for Fools]]>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.ssvc.org/south-district-news/april-not-for-fools
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Spring has officially arrived and the flowers are popping.
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April is a great time to clean our water bars and start planning for the growth of vegetation along your trail. Hike your section and report any blowdowns that you find.  
Meet Flying McLeods Crew Leader: Kevin Cwalina
​​When the request was sent out for someone to help organize the revival of the Flying McLeods trail crew, Kevin Cwalina quickly said yes! 

Having first become inspired by reading the book, Wilderness Ethics, Kevin started his trail maintenance by joining vacation trail crews in Maine and Vermont.  After helping there for a couple summers, he took a section of his own on the Fahnestock Trail in New York.  

After a break for a few years and settling in Virginia, Kevin began learning more about care of the trail by participating in the course provided by the PATC Hoodlum Crew as well as completing the "Train the Trainer Course" taught by Robert Fina. Now, Kevin is the proud maintainer of the AT section from Beagle Gap to McCormick Gap.

When he's not working on the trail, Kevin enjoys wood working, amateur radio, and bird watching.  He likes to take long hikes  and recently began creating "Sound Scapes."  He takes time to sit quietly for 15 minutes and record the sounds around him.  For Kevin, this is a time for meditation, listening to the surroundings, and learning about your environment.

The first work day for the Flying McLeods is scheduled for Saturday, April 25.  Kevin is busy inspecting sections and meeting with fellow maintainers to select a project.  Hope everyone can join the crew that day.

Contact Kevin for more information: trails@kevinmadeit.com 
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Featured Hike: Sawmill Run Overlook to Beagle Gap
Pam Heinrich is leading a series of hikes this year to help others hike the AT in the South District. On March 14, the group hiked from Sawmill Run Overlook to Beagle Gap and included a celebration of Pi Day at Calf Mountain Shelter.  Fifteen hikers joined in on the fun: Laura Longley, Myra Robertson, Jocelyn Prostko, Barbara Martin, Hadley Jenner, Lee Legard, Callen Garrett, Theresa Fessler, Peggy Shy, Betsy Solomon, Roger Smith, Michael Seth, Kathy Schwartz, Gary Forrest and Bill Jones.  

​On April 3, Pam is hosting a special edition of the South District AT Hike Series.  We will be hiking from Wildcat Ridge Trail to Sawmill Run Overlook to help Bill Jones complete the AT in the South District.  Join us to celebrate if you're free.
Have You Seen These Trees?
There are a couple special trees along the AT in the South District that everyone should make a point to visit and take a picture.

1) Old Knobby is located on Bucks Elbow Trail near its intersection of the AT at Jarman Gap.  If you hike east on Bucks Elbow Trail, this tree will be on the right just past the AT crossing.
2) Lucy's Tree is located between Calf Mountain Shelter and Calf Mountain Summit.  If you are hiking north on the AT beyond the summit, it will be on the right side of the trail.  

Take time to hug them both.  
What do you know about Jarman Gap?
Jarman Gap was first called Woods Gap. Michael Woods and his family were the first to cross the Blue Ridge there.  They came up from the Shenandoah Valley in 1734, the first known settlers on this mountain. Around 1800, Thomas Jarman bought land, and since then people have called it Jarman’s or Jarman Gap.

Three years after Woods settled on the land, the county court issued him an order to clear a road. His stretch of road was intended to be part of a route linking Staunton with Richmond. Because it was marked by notches on trees along the way, it became known as Three Notched Road.

During the Revolutionary War, thousands of British and Hessians captured at the Battle of Saratoga were marched to a prison camp near Charlottesville. When the British army approached the city in 1789, the prisoners were evacuated via the Three Notched Road.

The original plan was to have Shenandoah National Park end at Jarman Gap; the Skyline Drive would dead end here.  In August, 1933, Franklin Delano Roosevelt approved the construction of the Blue Ridge Parkway to connect the Skyline Drive with the proposed Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This meant that the federal government would take responsibility for obtaining the remainder of the park south of Jarman Gap.

Government officials negotiated with the Scott family and reached an agreement where the Skyline Drive would be moved to the west side of Scott Mountain away from their home (Scott's Castle).  The Scotts gave an easement covering 400 feet on either side of the roadway, all the way to Rockfish Gap.

Sources:
Wandering Virginia
Southern Shenandoah
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College Outreach Projects
Special thanks to Chuck Troutman for working with the UVA Forestry Club on his section from Blackrock Gap to Trayfoot Mountain Trail.
Special thanks to Dave Bowen, Pam Heinrich and Roger Smith for working with the JMU Environmental Management Club on Dave and Patti's section from Hightop Parking to Swift Run Gap.
Final Winter Social Outing
Special thanks to Chuck Troutman for hosting our winter social outings.  The last one was held on Sunday, March 22 at Deli Up in Waynesboro.  Hopefully, we can plan for gatherings outside now that the weather is warmer.  
]]><![CDATA[March 2026]]>Sun, 01 Mar 2026 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.ssvc.org/south-district-news/march-2026Snow kept us from the trail most of February but we made some progress for future plans.  March should bring warmer temperatures and the start of spring flowers.
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Flying McLeods Crew to Soar Again
We had a great turn out for our initial planning meeting at Crozet Pizza. It is great to see so much interest in the reformation of a South District trail crew. We ate great pizza, laughed, and talked though the details of how to get our crew off the ground and "Flying". 

Schedule: We agreed to hold work trips monthly on 4th Saturday of the month, starting April 25th and ending for the season on October 24th. 

Getting Work: Our biggest topic was how to go about finding projects for the Flying McLeods to work on. I have created a spreadsheet to start logging potential projects. For now if you have a project you would like to suggest, email me at trails@kevinmadeit.com to add it to the list. 

Below are some of the ideas that came up in the discussion. If you have additional ideas please let us know. 
  • Ridgerunner, Trail Patrol, and Maintainer Reports
  • Emails from Maintainers
  • Announcement in the PA
  • Shenandoah National Park Hikers Facebook Group 
We would also like to add, word of mouth. As you are talking to other maintainers mention the Flying McLeods and talk about how we could help...
  • Clean out, repair, or build water bars and grade dips
  • Trim weeds / Mowing
  • Blow down removal
  • Invasive removal
  • Blazing
  • Rock Stairs, check dams
  • Help when you are on vacation or recovering from an injury
We want to have a wide variety of projects to attract the most amount of people. IE, some people will not want to move big rocks, but would love to weed or paint blazes. We also want to have extra projects on the books so if we get a large group one weekend we have backup plans to be able to split up the group. 

Once we have a list of projects, we will meet again and work out scheduling the projects and assigning leaders. The general idea is that we would start by asking the maintainer of the section to be worked if they would like to lead the group and if not we would assign someone from our group to lead with the maintainers input. 

Publicity: Directly related to getting work, we discussed publicity and how important getting word out will be to let people know how to find us and  for making people feel welcome and part of the team. A big hand to Ruth Stornetta for offering to help with this effort and write an article for the PA announcing the formation of the crew to the greater PATC community. 

Potluck: As we where all sitting around eating pizza and having a good time, we all felt that having a potluck after each work trip was a great way to embrace having fun while doing hard work together.

Something that both the Cadillac Crew and the Hoodlums do with their potlucks is have a monthly theme for the potluck. If you are interested in putting together the list of themes for our 7 work trips, let us know and we can coordinate how to get the message out. 

We also talked about safety, Volunteer Service Agreements, T-Shirts, Stickers, and other technical aspects of the start up. 

At this point the biggest next step is getting word out and asking people to submit project ideas to our group. 
Looking forward to April! 
-Kevin Cwalina
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History of the Flying McLeods
Flying McLeods South District Trail Crew 20?? To 2021

Origin story: I was on a work trip in the early 2000s. It might have been a storm cleanup.  Then-Supervisor of Trails John Hedrick approached me and asked me if I’d like to lead a trail crew.  Al Dahler was standing nearby and, before I could respond, he said,” I’ll be your assistant.” So that was it. I carried a black Moleskin notebook, now held together with duct tape, to record work trip information. Earliest date in the notebook is 2008 so that may be the “beginning.”  The club provided me with ten McLeods and five Pulaskis. I painted each handle with a band of orange, brown and green to identify my crew’s tools. Trail crews need cute, catchy names.  Bartenders was already taken, so I came up with the Flying McLeods. District Manager Don White procured t-shirts with a literal flying McLeod on the back.

Our mission: Don has an archive of historical information on the Appalachian Trail in the south district SNP. He had a vision of returning the tread to its early conditions. So that was our mission: to regrade “cupped” sections, remove slough and berm, repair waterbars. We also converted some grade dips to broad-based grade dips, that’s popular now under a different name.  The work we did was beyond the scope of section maintainers. We also worked on some blue-blaze trails when maintainers asked for help.

Signature project: The AT going north from Beagle Gap went up a steep, gravelly, easily-eroded section. We did two repair projects on that section, including carrying black locust logs up from the gap to build new waterbars. It all blew out in a month. Don had long advocated for a relocation of the AT which would go over the summit of Little Calf Mountain and not exceed 10% grade. We worked with our trails contact at SNP, Shawn Green, to scout and flag a reroute. Over many work days, we completed the relocation and had a grand opening in August 2012. Because of its gentle grades and the picnic view at the summit, the relocation is very popular with families introducing young children to hiking.

Finally, health issues starting in 2021 forced me to turn in my tools. I put everything in an empty fire toolbox in the Simmons Gap tool room. I don’t know what became of them after that.
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Mark Gatewood
27 Feb 2026
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Historic photos of the AT relocation over Calf Mountain
To read more about the history of the Calf Mountain Project, you can use this link: Calf Mountain Project

February: Social Outing
​Thanks to Chuck Troutman for organizing and hosting the February social outing at Elkton Brewery.  Nine other maintainers and friends joined him for a good time of fellowship.  We enjoyed sharing stories, sampling the beers named after local interest and listening to the band  The final winter social outing will be held Sunday, March 22nd. at Delly Up located in downtown Waynesboro from 3:00-5:00 pm.  
UVA Forestry Club Helps Out
On February 21st, the UVA Forestry Club worked on clipping back mountain laurel on the section of the AT from Turk Gap to Sawmill Run Overlook. We divided into three groups: two groups working from each end and one group worked on clearing the overlook. Led by William Brooks, these students were well organized, enthusiastic and hardworking helpers.  Special thanks to Joel Brown, Roger Smith, and Pam Heinrich for assisting the group.

On Saturday, March 28, Environmental Management Club from
JMU will help clip vegetation on the section from Swift Run to Hightop Parking.  Thanks to Patti McInerney and Dave Bowen for allowing them to help on their section.
]]><![CDATA[February 2026]]>Sun, 01 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.ssvc.org/south-district-news/february-2026
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Working Together

On January 3, Kate Hoffmeyer and Bev Carver planned a workday for their sections of the AT.  Word spread to other maintainers that may want to help out.  Roger Smith and Kevin Cwalina joined Kate to help clear waterbars from Ivy Creek Hut to Frazier Discovery Trail.  Pat Doyle, former president of the ODATC joined Bev from Frazier Discovery Trail to Loft Mountain Campstore.  Michael Durland received news of the plans and contacted his co-maintainer, Heather Warren.  Michael and his wife Kim, along with Heather worked on their area from Loft Mountain Campstore to Loft Mountain Amphitheater.  

It was a Lofty party !!  There were enough helpers to divide up the tasks and get all the trails cleared-waterbars cleaned out in this area. 

Kate and Bev have another work day planned for February 7.  Let's have more people join in.
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Awesome teamwork everyone!!
Award Winning Shelter Maintainer

​Chuck Troutman began his caretaking of AT shelters when he noticed a help wanted ad for Blackrock Hut.  Retired and looking for a way to get involved, the shelter was close to his home in Staunton and a great beginning. As things seem to happen when you volunteer, one thing leads to another and he stacked on a few more responsibilities: the trail leading to Blackrock Hut, AT from Horsehead Overlook to Blackrock Gap, and finally Ivy Creek Shelter. 

When he first took over Ivy Creek, it had many briars around it.  The road leading to the shelter was about the only thing in good shape.  The most interesting experience at the shelter occurred when Chuck was asked to investigate potential vandalism at the privy.  Upon seeing the damage, he instantly knew it was not caused by a human.  Chuck stated "I worked at a rec center.  I know what vandalism looks like!" He put in many hours of work at the shelter clearing overgrown vegetation, cleaning up inside, and fixing privy destruction by a bear.  He has more projects in mind:  trying to find a solution to the fireplace flue and rework the outside fire pit.  

Helped by his partner, Margaret, it is easy to see why Chuck was the winner of the Hawksbill award from both the SNP District Cabins and Crapper Crew.

We are lucky to have Chuck and Margaret among our crew.​
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Welcome New Maintainers

Since last month, we have welcomed three new maintainers. 

*Andrew Summers joins Lisa Swales and Linda Beights​​ to co-maintain the section from Riprap Trail to Hairpin Switchback.  After retiring from a career in law enforcement, Andrew was looking for a way to get involved as he loves using the trails.  One of his favorite adventures was a section hike from Front Royal to Swift Run Gap.  His interest in trail maintenance began when he helped on a worktrip organized by Mark Perschel and Marit Anderson to paint blazes on their section from Crimora Lake Overlook to Turk Gap.  That trip brought him to join us as a co-maintainer.  Andrew's girlfriend, Emilie Eckart plans to help occasionally as well.  

Beth Bowers and Julie Liskey are sisters and also long-time friends with Chuck Troutman.  Both retired, Julie worked as nurse and Beth, an educator and administrator.   On a trip to Europe, they decided that they wanted a way to stay in shape as well as give back to help the environment.  They enjoyed visiting Shenandoah National Park and knew about Chuck's work on the trail.  They asked to help and their training began.  Chuck will turn the section from Blackrock Gap to Horsehead Overlook over to them in the spring.  Beth and Julie's family will help them out too.  What a great way to pass along the love of the trail to family and friends!!

South District AT Hike #1
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​Pam Heinrich is leading a series of hikes this year to help others hike the AT in the South District.  On January 11th, twelve other hikers joined her for a shuttle hike from Beagle Gap to Rockfish Gap.  Even with a chilly wind and snow squall at the finale, the group enjoyed the outing and fellowship.   Hikers that joined the fun were: Laura Longley, Peggy Shy, James Downes, Karen Ballen, John Ballen, Lane Quarles, Michael Groah, Kathy Schwartz, Sidney Rabon, Betsy Solomon, Gary Forrest and William Jones.  
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Also to be noted, William is 78 years old and working on hiking all the trails in Shenandoah National Park.  We are excited to help out with part of his accomplishments.  
What do you know about Bear Den Mountain?

​Have you ever wondered who put the old tractor seats on top of Bear Den Mountain?

The shortest route to reach the summit of Bear Den and see the tractor seats is to begin at Beagle Gap (Mile 99.5 on the Skyline Drive) and hike south approximately 0.5 Miles.  The history of the tractor seats has been passed down as spot for the family that owned this property to have picnics, cookouts and bonfires.  It supposedly made a great viewing area to watch the fireworks on July 4th. 

The family that owned the property was identified as the Bocock family, and were major shareholders in Royal Orchard, bordering Shenandoah National Park.  Eventually, they sold their property on Bears Den Mountain to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy/Appalachian National Scenic Trail.

Thanks to Jeff Monroe for the history of the tractor seats.  More information from his writings can be found here: SNP's South End
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]]><![CDATA[Happy New Year]]>Thu, 01 Jan 2026 19:41:37 GMThttps://www.ssvc.org/south-district-news/happy-new-year
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As we welcome in the New Year, we want to begin with some shout outs to our members.  
Working Together

On December 21, Annette Owens reported numerous downed trees on her section from Flattop Mountain Summit to Simmons Gap. After hearing of the need for help, Jim Fye, one of our certified crosscut sawyers contacted Eric Seaborg, section co-maintainer to organize an outing.  On December 28, Jill York joined Eric and Jim to work on the section.  After six hours of work, all the blowdowns were removed and the trail clear for hikers.  

Awesome teamwork everyone!!
Welcome New Maintainers

Over the last few months, we have welcomed four new maintainers. 
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*Rachel Setear and Warren Catlett joined our group to help with the section from Sawmill Run Overlook to Jarman Gap.  Both of them are avid hikers and were looking for a way to give back to the trail. Their first work trip included completing the 8-mile AT-Turk Branch-Moorman loop with their new 14" saw in hand.

*Michael Durland will be a co-maintainer of two sections.  He will be joining Heather Warren on the section from Loft Mountain Campstore to Loft Mountain Amphitheater. Michael will also be helping new maintainers, Warren and Rachel on the section mentioned above.  Michael is an enthusiast volunteer as he has completed training with the Hoodlum Crew and is also a member of Trail Patrol.

*Roger Smith joined our hike and open house at Ivy Creek Hut and decided that he was interested in learning more about trail maintenance.  His request was to help with a section where the current maintainers wouldn't mind that he is learning.  Pete Peterson and Mike Hammer welcomed his addition on their section from Loft Mountain Amphitheater to Doyle's River Trail.

Welcome aboard to the South District AT Team
First Day Hike

Pam Heinrich led a hike on the South District AT to kick off 2026.  Four other hikers joined her for a shuttle hike from Smith Roach to Swift Run.  Even with temperatures around 28 degrees and a brisk wind, the group warmed up quickly on their climb to the summit. They also met many other hikers on their way to Hightop.  Everyone was greeted with "Happy New Year."  Hikers that joined the fun were: Margaret Helber, Sharon Celsor-Hughes, Rosemary Eyre-Brook and Lynn Hatch. Maybe this will be the start of a New Year tradition.


What do you know about Hightop?

At 3,587 feet, Hightop is the highest peak in the southern district. It once was the site of a fire tower.  From Shenandoah National Park's administrative history regarding the tower at Hightop:
"In CCC years and for a time thereafter towers were considered necessary in forest fire detection. C.V. Bert, project superintenent of Camp NP-3 (Camp Nira) reported building "two" fire towers on Hightop just south of Swift Run Gap:
"The first one... we didn't have any material or anything. Got some big, tall chestnut trees -- four of them, you know, and put them up there, and built a house on top...with chestnut shingles and everything. The boys used to stay up there, of course, and watch for fires. I think I worked them 24 hours on and 48 off. They'd take their provisions. You know, they liked that, Of course, the fire seasons, early spring and late fall-- they had to have heat up there and a fire to cook. And a spark from the stove set the shingles on fire, and the fire tower burned down....Then after that we built a steel tower with a copper cab on top. We had to carry concrete up there--on our backs."
The date of the fire tower fire was March 17, 1939. 
In the fall of 1939, the NPS chief of forestry, on an inspection visit, mentioned the 40-foot-plus steel tower being erected.


Ode to Hightop–by Gary Forrest
Here’s to Hightop,
the second tallest mountain in the county of Greene
Named for our revolutionary savior during years that were lean.
From trillium in spring to the colors of fall
With glorious vistas, Hightop has it all.
Views of the ridge line in cobalt blue, the Massanutten slope beckons to you.
The Shenandoah Valley unfolds at your feet
And a feeling of peace makes life complete.
What secrets yet, do you still hide?
A silent cemetery on your west side
Majestic granite and a gurgling spring
Hightop, the place that makes my heart sing!

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