Hike Schedule
Upcoming Events
Our upcoming schedule is below. We have separated our schedule to include hikes and worktrips in one section and and other activities and later events in another.
Headings are now color-coded:
Hikes
Work Trips
Other activities
SSVC SEPTEMBER HIKES, WORK TRIPS, & ACTIVITIES
October 2-4: Dolly Sods Backpacking Trip
Wednesday backpack 3-4 miles and set campsite.
Thursday 8-10 mile day hike in the "Sods". Then break camp on Friday and hike back to Trailhead and cars. (Tuesday night camping at Red Creek Campground option).
Hike limited to 10 participants and no dogs.
If interested contact Howard Davis [email protected] He will need to review trip plans and needs before final approval for participation.
Wednesday, October 9: Shenandoah Mountain Hike
This hike will be an in/out for a total of 4 miles.
This Confederate Breastworks trail is an easy and moderate section; it should be especially beautiful this time of year.
Contact Karen or Mike Waterman: [email protected] or 540 290 8304 for hike details. There will be a limit of 10 hikers.
Monday October 14: Big & Little House Mountain
A strenuous hike of 10.7 miles and 3200' of elevation gain with spectacular overlooks and vistas from two adjacent mountains located near Lexington, Va. Leaving the parking area, we will hike to the saddle between the two mountains before hiking up Big House Mountain. After enjoying these vistas, we will hike back down to the Saddle before hiking up Little House Mountain. (There will be an option to skip the hike up Little House Mountain which shortens the hike by 3 miles). Updates will be sent to participants including necessary carpooling information. For detailed trail information; visit gohikevirginia.com/house-mountain-hike or alltrails.
Hike is limited to 12 experienced hikers. Sorry no dogs.
To register or for additional information contact Howard Davis at hsdhiker@gmail.com
October 21-24: Trout Pond Recreation Area Camping Trip
An outdoor camping and day hiking opportunity during a beautiful time of the year. Our day hikes will be in the Great North Mountain Trail System which include Big Schloss and Half Moon Mountain. We will stay at the USFS Campground located at the Trout Pond Recreation Area near Lost City, WV. This campground has hot showers and a mix of Reserve and First Come Sites with some having electricity .I have reserved Site 42. You can reserve a site now but given our dates there should be some First Come Sites that stay available. And you may be able to share a campsite or tent with someone. Visit the George Washington National Forest website to learn more. https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/gwj/recarea/?recid=73999
Participation is set at 12 with no dogs. Updates along the way.
For information and to register contact Howard Davis at [email protected]
Saturday, October 26th: Staunton High School Nature Trail Work Day
Rain date, if needed, Saturday Nov. 2nd.
We will be clearing a new section of trail from the lower practice field to the stream, creating a loop that includes the current trail. This new section will be akin to single track in width and manner, so major clearing will not be necessary. We will also be hanging trail markers that are currently being designed and created by SHS students. If time/attendance allows, we will do some light maintenance on the current section of trial. For those of you who attended our previous spring workday, it will not be as intensive as that.
Contact Nate Lawrence, Science Teacher, Staunton High School for additional information or to register.
Other Activities and Future Hikes & Work Trips
November 8-11, 2024 - PATC Fall TrailFest - Save the Date!
Plans are in the works for the first PATC Fall TrailFest at Caroline Furnace Lutheran Camp. It will be a weekend packed with hikes, trail maintenance, demonstrations from PATC crews, and fun activities for all ages. The PATC annual meeting will be held on Saturday evening. So plan to come out and enjoy a weekend of fun!
Wednesday, November 13th: Wintergreen Overlook Hike
This easy to moderate hike is a little over 3 miles total. It begins and ends in the Humpback Rock Picnic Area. On a clear day the view overlooking Wintergreen and surrounding areas is spectacular. Contact Karen or Mike Waterman: [email protected] or 540 290 8304 for hike details. There will be a limit of 10 hikers.
November 14-18: Prince William Forest Camping
Up to four nights camping in the Prince William Forest's Oak Ridge Campground.
Campsites will have to be reserved in advance. I have reserved site B-16 and there seems to be some good sites near there. You may be able to share a campsite or tent with someone else. And you are welcome to stay as many nights as meets your schedule. The campground has heated bathrooms with flush toilets and showers. Visit https://www.nps.gov/prwi/index.htm for Park information.
On Thursday Nov 14th there will be a scheduled day hike of the park trails. Then depending on the interest of the campers there are other activities and hikes available such as visiting Arlington Cemetery, the Washington Mall, the Marine Museum, and Mount Vernon. Or hikes such as Great Falls, Mason Neck State Park, or Crow's Nest Preserve. This activity is limited to 12 participants and each vehicle will need to have a Park Pass or pay an online entrance fee. Updates as we get closer to the date.
To register or for additional information, contact Howard Davis, [email protected]
Our upcoming schedule is below. We have separated our schedule to include hikes and worktrips in one section and and other activities and later events in another.
Headings are now color-coded:
Hikes
Work Trips
Other activities
SSVC SEPTEMBER HIKES, WORK TRIPS, & ACTIVITIES
October 2-4: Dolly Sods Backpacking Trip
Wednesday backpack 3-4 miles and set campsite.
Thursday 8-10 mile day hike in the "Sods". Then break camp on Friday and hike back to Trailhead and cars. (Tuesday night camping at Red Creek Campground option).
Hike limited to 10 participants and no dogs.
If interested contact Howard Davis [email protected] He will need to review trip plans and needs before final approval for participation.
Wednesday, October 9: Shenandoah Mountain Hike
This hike will be an in/out for a total of 4 miles.
This Confederate Breastworks trail is an easy and moderate section; it should be especially beautiful this time of year.
Contact Karen or Mike Waterman: [email protected] or 540 290 8304 for hike details. There will be a limit of 10 hikers.
Monday October 14: Big & Little House Mountain
A strenuous hike of 10.7 miles and 3200' of elevation gain with spectacular overlooks and vistas from two adjacent mountains located near Lexington, Va. Leaving the parking area, we will hike to the saddle between the two mountains before hiking up Big House Mountain. After enjoying these vistas, we will hike back down to the Saddle before hiking up Little House Mountain. (There will be an option to skip the hike up Little House Mountain which shortens the hike by 3 miles). Updates will be sent to participants including necessary carpooling information. For detailed trail information; visit gohikevirginia.com/house-mountain-hike or alltrails.
Hike is limited to 12 experienced hikers. Sorry no dogs.
To register or for additional information contact Howard Davis at hsdhiker@gmail.com
October 21-24: Trout Pond Recreation Area Camping Trip
An outdoor camping and day hiking opportunity during a beautiful time of the year. Our day hikes will be in the Great North Mountain Trail System which include Big Schloss and Half Moon Mountain. We will stay at the USFS Campground located at the Trout Pond Recreation Area near Lost City, WV. This campground has hot showers and a mix of Reserve and First Come Sites with some having electricity .I have reserved Site 42. You can reserve a site now but given our dates there should be some First Come Sites that stay available. And you may be able to share a campsite or tent with someone. Visit the George Washington National Forest website to learn more. https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/gwj/recarea/?recid=73999
Participation is set at 12 with no dogs. Updates along the way.
For information and to register contact Howard Davis at [email protected]
Saturday, October 26th: Staunton High School Nature Trail Work Day
Rain date, if needed, Saturday Nov. 2nd.
We will be clearing a new section of trail from the lower practice field to the stream, creating a loop that includes the current trail. This new section will be akin to single track in width and manner, so major clearing will not be necessary. We will also be hanging trail markers that are currently being designed and created by SHS students. If time/attendance allows, we will do some light maintenance on the current section of trial. For those of you who attended our previous spring workday, it will not be as intensive as that.
Contact Nate Lawrence, Science Teacher, Staunton High School for additional information or to register.
Other Activities and Future Hikes & Work Trips
November 8-11, 2024 - PATC Fall TrailFest - Save the Date!
Plans are in the works for the first PATC Fall TrailFest at Caroline Furnace Lutheran Camp. It will be a weekend packed with hikes, trail maintenance, demonstrations from PATC crews, and fun activities for all ages. The PATC annual meeting will be held on Saturday evening. So plan to come out and enjoy a weekend of fun!
Wednesday, November 13th: Wintergreen Overlook Hike
This easy to moderate hike is a little over 3 miles total. It begins and ends in the Humpback Rock Picnic Area. On a clear day the view overlooking Wintergreen and surrounding areas is spectacular. Contact Karen or Mike Waterman: [email protected] or 540 290 8304 for hike details. There will be a limit of 10 hikers.
November 14-18: Prince William Forest Camping
Up to four nights camping in the Prince William Forest's Oak Ridge Campground.
Campsites will have to be reserved in advance. I have reserved site B-16 and there seems to be some good sites near there. You may be able to share a campsite or tent with someone else. And you are welcome to stay as many nights as meets your schedule. The campground has heated bathrooms with flush toilets and showers. Visit https://www.nps.gov/prwi/index.htm for Park information.
On Thursday Nov 14th there will be a scheduled day hike of the park trails. Then depending on the interest of the campers there are other activities and hikes available such as visiting Arlington Cemetery, the Washington Mall, the Marine Museum, and Mount Vernon. Or hikes such as Great Falls, Mason Neck State Park, or Crow's Nest Preserve. This activity is limited to 12 participants and each vehicle will need to have a Park Pass or pay an online entrance fee. Updates as we get closer to the date.
To register or for additional information, contact Howard Davis, [email protected]
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 allowed on our chapter hikes only when noted in the hike description.
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 allowed on our chapter hikes only when noted in the hike description.