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 MAY HIKES, WORK TRIPS, & ACTIVITIES
Thursday, May 2nd: Neighbor Mountain- Jeremys Run
A strenuous shuttle hike of about 11 miles and 2000' elevation gain and loss using the Neighbor Mountain and Jeremy's Run Trails in the Northern Section of the SNP. We will hike across Neighbor Mountain before a steep descent to Jeremy Run. Then a lovely hike up Jeremys Run Trail with numerous stream crossings before returning to our cars at Elkwallow,
Hike limited to 10 participants.
Sorry, No Dogs for this hike.
To register contact Howard Davis hsdhiker@gmail.com
Friday, May 3: Lost River State Park
Approximately 8 miles, moderate/strenuous
We will explore trails in Lost River State Park located in Mathias, WV. Some of the trails are quite the climb but the views are beautiful. We will enjoy the view at Cranny Crow and visit a cabin and fire tower on the ridge. We will see signs of recent wildfire along the trails.
Contact hike leader Pam Heinrich, pamheinrich13@gmail.com or 540-290-5595.
Friday, May 3 - Sunday, May 5: Women's Weekend
PATC is hosting a Women's Weekend!
Join PATC for a weekend of hiking, camping, yoga, and most importantly, s'mores! This event is open to all women/femme identifying folks who are current PATC members. We will also offer a select number of spots for people who would only like to join on a day hike Saturday. Register and find more info at:
https://potomactrailclub.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/potomactrailclub/event.jsp?event=3&
Kristine Villatoro: outreachsup@patc.net, Supervisor of Outreach
Saturday, May 4th:The Southern Shenandoah Valley Chapter (SSVC) of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) Spring Trail Workday
We'll meet at the Ivy Creek Overlook parking area (just south of mile
marker 77 on Skyline Drive) from 10 AM to 2 PM on Saturday, 4 May. A custom map of our trail is available on request. We'll have an orientation and mandatory safety briefing, so please be on time or call (540 421-9275 or 540 246-9294) to let us know if you are running late. We expect to commence trail maintenance by 10:15. We should be done by 2 PM. Sturdy shoes, long-sleeved shirts and long pants are needed for this event.
Participants should bring their own eye protection, hand clippers, snacks/lunch, water, whistle, and protective gear. Work helmets and trail tools will be provided. Good info on other gear is available at https://www.ssvc.org/favorite-tools.html. Our primary task will be clearing waterbars (>50 of them!).
Secondary tasks are clipping vegetation and removing rocks embedded in the trail (near the south trailhead). All volunteers will need to have completed a National Park Service Volunteer Service Agreement (VSA). VSA's are available on request (via email).
Be sure to check the Park's website (https://www.nps.gov/shen/ planyourvisit/conditions.htm ) the morning of the workday to see if there are any park status updates.
Please let us know if you can help by emailing Jeff (jbIndr@hotmail.com) by Thursday, 2 May. Thanks!
Tuesday May 7: Kaylor Knob Massanutten Wildflower Hike
5.5 miles 1200' elevation.
This is an easy out-and-back hike. The Turkey beards and Pink lady slippers, both of which are usually abundant on this trail should be at their peak bloom. We should also many irises, lupines and Chrysogonums (Green-and-golds).
Contact Michael Seth sethmj@jmu.edu (540 7460605) for meeting time and place.
Wednesday, May 8 (Rain Date May 15): Cowbane Prairie Natural Area Preserve Educational Walk-and-Talk.
Virginia Greene (Natural Heritage steward) works on managing the preserves in the Shenandoah Valley Region. She will do an educational walk-and-talk of the natural area in Stuarts Draft. This preserve consists of 156 acres with outstanding examples of the prairie plants that were once common in this area: mesic and wet prairie habitats, spring-fed marsh, rare plants, and two watch-listed freshwater mussel species in the South River. There will be information on the history, current status and future goals of this special area.
The limit will be 15 participants.
Contact Mike/Karen Waterman to sign up for this activity and receive more details: karenswaterman@gmail.com or 540 290 8304.
Saturday, May 11: Trail Magic Day
South River Falls Picnic Area
In partnership with the Harrisonburg AT community
SSVC is holding a Trail Magic Day on Saturday, May 11th. We will be working with the Harrisonburg AT Trail Community group to set up some magic at South River Falls Picnic Area in SNP. We are looking for both volunteers to help out at the event and donations of food or drinks for thru-hikers. The tables will be set up for hikers from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. SSVC usually covers the morning shift with the Harrisonburg group coming in around 11:00, but we can use volunteers anytime during the day for however long you can stay.
Suggested trail magic foods/beverages include the following:
Saturday, May 11: PATC Hike Leader Class
Join PATC for a 2 hour in-person class. Open to current PATC members who are working towards their Hike Leadership Certification and have completed the required prerequisites.
https://potomactrailclub.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/potomactrailclub/event.jsp?event=8&
Sunday, May 12: North River Gorge Trail Hike
Approximately 5 miles with a few hundred feet of elevation change.
Do you like water? This hike involves eight wet river crossings. In March, water was about knee-high on a six-foot hiker. Hiking poles are a necessity to navigate the slippery rocks. This will be a one-way shuttle hike between Wild Oak Parking and North River Campground. Direction yet to be determined. The hike leader will assess water levels and weather a few days prior to hike and notify participants of conditions. Things like abnormally high water or lightning in the forecast will result in cancellation. Otherwise, this should be a fun, invigorating hike. Hiking speed will be a leisurely 1.5-2.0 MPH not counting river crossings where we’ll take our time and help each other as necessary. Plenty of time to stop and enjoy the river crossings and view wildflowers.
Contact Gary Flynn at trailgary777@gmail.com to sign up or ask questions.
Hike description and picture:
https://www.vawilderness.org/north-river-gorge-trail.html
Tuesday, May 14: Hightop Mountain Appalachian Trail Work Hike
Join us for reconstructing and restoring water bars and some vegetation cutback on this heavily used section of the Appalachian Trail. 9am to 1pm. We will meet at the Hightop Mountain Parking Area just South of the Swift Run Gap Entrance Station on Skyline Drive. Bring appropriate clothing, work gloves, water, and lunch. Tools will be provided. All levels of experience are welcome. After we finish there will be an opportunity to hike to the Hightop Mountain Vista if interested. (3 1/2 mile round trip). A carpool will be organized from Charlottesville.
For additional information and to register contact Howard Davis hsdhiker@gmail.com
Thursday, May 16 - Sunday, May 19: Damascus Trail Days
Pam has booked an Airbnb near Damascus from Thursday, May 16 through Sunday, May 19. Plans are to hike some of the AT south of Damascus (AT in TN) and go to trail days. It might be crazy times, but we want to see it at least once!!
Space is limited and participants must be willing to pay their part of the rental. House has 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths.
Contact Pam for more information and to join (pamheinrich13@gmail.com or 540-290-5595).
Wednesday, May 22 - Monthly Shenandoah Mountain Trail Crew Work Trip in Ramsey’s Draft Wilderness
This work trip will be in the NW corner of Ramsey’s Draft Wilderness Area, which will limit us to 10 volunteers. This will be a longer day and longer hike than our typical work trips: an 8-mile hike, plus a 6-mile shuttle, with a focus on brushing the upper, 0.8-mile leg of Ramsey’s Draft Trail (#440). We’re likely to be rewarded with some special native plants, like the Painted Trillium and Fly-Poison.
We’ll start our hike where the Shenandoah Mountain Trail (#447) intersects with FS Road #95 (North River) and finish via the Springhouse Ridge Trail (#776) at Camp Todd.
We’ll meet at Churchville’s Riverside Plaza at 8 am to carpool to start, leaving a car at Camp Todd for the shuttle. We aim to be heading back to Churchville from Camp Todd around 5 pm.
Please contact Judy to RSVP or ask questions (bartlettjudy@gmail.com or 505-639-1717).
Thursday, May 23 - Tuesday, May 28: AT in Pennsylvania
Hike the northernmost miles of the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania. We will arrive Thursday to settle in and make our hiking plans for the next few days. We will hike Friday through Tuesday, leaving for home after Tuesday's hike. Accommodation plans are still being made between camping at Evergreen Lake Campground and renting an Airbnb near Saylorsburg, PA. Participants can help decide. Hikes can be completed in any order but are listed below from south to north. 1) Lehigh Gap to Little Gap = 4.9 miles
2) Little Gap to Smith Gap = 7.3 miles
3) Smith Gap to Wind Gap = 8.1 miles
4) Wind Gap to Fox Gap = 8.1 miles
5) Fox Gap to Delaware Water Gap (New Jersey line) = 7.2 miles
Join us for all or some of the hike.
Contact Pam Heinrich if interested (pamheinrich13@gmail.com or 540-290-5595)
Saturday, May 25th: Mount Pleasant
This is the third in a series of hikes in the Jefferson National Forest in an area of the Blue Ridge Mountains about an hour or more south of Stanton. “Given the stunning views from Mount Pleasant and the relative ease of reaching its summit, this hike may well offer one of the best payoffs in the Shenandoah Valley.” This hike will be a 6.5-mile round trip with 1,781 feet of elevation gain as described in the Appalachian Mountain Club publication Best Day Hikes in the Shenandoah Valley (trip #45). Inclement weather will cancel. The hike is limited to 10 participants and dogs are OK. To register please e-mail jlkolp@yahoo.com.
May 27-31: Grayson Highlands State Park Camping
Great time of year to visit Grayson Highlands and the Mt Rogers Recreation Area. Spring flowers, bird migration, and day hikes. Or create your own biking and other adventures. Group campsite has been reserved with the cost to be determined by # of campers, Arrival is set for Monday, May 27th and departure on Friday, May 31st. Or you can also reserve your own individual site (Limited) or rent a cabin and join us during the day. And OK to stay fewer nights if needed. Limit of 12 with no dogs on this trip.
For additional information and to check on availability contact Howard Davis no later than May 10th at hsdhiker@gmail.com.
Other Activities and Future Hikes & Work Trips
Saturday, June 1st: National Trails Day
SSVC will host a table and offer hikes at Loft Mountain in Shenandoah National Park on June 1 for National Trail Day. More details will be shared as the day gets closer. Contact Pam Henrich, pamheinrich13@gmail.com or John Kolp jlkolp@yahoo.com to volunteer or get involved.
Saturday, June 1st: Hankey Mountain Work Trip
Save the Date to battle Mile-a-Minute weed.
Pull invasive, liberate natives!
Saturday, June 8th: City of Waynesboro Hikerfest
The City of Waynesboro VA is hosting its Hikerfest on June 8th, 2024. More information to come regarding the event and possible opportunity for SSVC to share an information booth with the Old Dominion ATC.
Saturday, June 15th: Introduction to Trail Maintenance Workshop
https://www.meetup.com/PATCVolunteerEvents/events/298913287/?_xtd=gatlbWFpbF9jbGlja9oAJDY0NTlkMzAzLTFmN2UtNDY4Mi05NWI3LTdhNmRlNGEwMWNkMQ%253D%253D
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!
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 MAY HIKES, WORK TRIPS, & ACTIVITIES
Thursday, May 2nd: Neighbor Mountain- Jeremys Run
A strenuous shuttle hike of about 11 miles and 2000' elevation gain and loss using the Neighbor Mountain and Jeremy's Run Trails in the Northern Section of the SNP. We will hike across Neighbor Mountain before a steep descent to Jeremy Run. Then a lovely hike up Jeremys Run Trail with numerous stream crossings before returning to our cars at Elkwallow,
Hike limited to 10 participants.
Sorry, No Dogs for this hike.
To register contact Howard Davis hsdhiker@gmail.com
Friday, May 3: Lost River State Park
Approximately 8 miles, moderate/strenuous
We will explore trails in Lost River State Park located in Mathias, WV. Some of the trails are quite the climb but the views are beautiful. We will enjoy the view at Cranny Crow and visit a cabin and fire tower on the ridge. We will see signs of recent wildfire along the trails.
Contact hike leader Pam Heinrich, pamheinrich13@gmail.com or 540-290-5595.
Friday, May 3 - Sunday, May 5: Women's Weekend
PATC is hosting a Women's Weekend!
Join PATC for a weekend of hiking, camping, yoga, and most importantly, s'mores! This event is open to all women/femme identifying folks who are current PATC members. We will also offer a select number of spots for people who would only like to join on a day hike Saturday. Register and find more info at:
https://potomactrailclub.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/potomactrailclub/event.jsp?event=3&
Kristine Villatoro: outreachsup@patc.net, Supervisor of Outreach
Saturday, May 4th:The Southern Shenandoah Valley Chapter (SSVC) of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) Spring Trail Workday
We'll meet at the Ivy Creek Overlook parking area (just south of mile
marker 77 on Skyline Drive) from 10 AM to 2 PM on Saturday, 4 May. A custom map of our trail is available on request. We'll have an orientation and mandatory safety briefing, so please be on time or call (540 421-9275 or 540 246-9294) to let us know if you are running late. We expect to commence trail maintenance by 10:15. We should be done by 2 PM. Sturdy shoes, long-sleeved shirts and long pants are needed for this event.
Participants should bring their own eye protection, hand clippers, snacks/lunch, water, whistle, and protective gear. Work helmets and trail tools will be provided. Good info on other gear is available at https://www.ssvc.org/favorite-tools.html. Our primary task will be clearing waterbars (>50 of them!).
Secondary tasks are clipping vegetation and removing rocks embedded in the trail (near the south trailhead). All volunteers will need to have completed a National Park Service Volunteer Service Agreement (VSA). VSA's are available on request (via email).
Be sure to check the Park's website (https://www.nps.gov/shen/ planyourvisit/conditions.htm ) the morning of the workday to see if there are any park status updates.
Please let us know if you can help by emailing Jeff (jbIndr@hotmail.com) by Thursday, 2 May. Thanks!
Tuesday May 7: Kaylor Knob Massanutten Wildflower Hike
5.5 miles 1200' elevation.
This is an easy out-and-back hike. The Turkey beards and Pink lady slippers, both of which are usually abundant on this trail should be at their peak bloom. We should also many irises, lupines and Chrysogonums (Green-and-golds).
Contact Michael Seth sethmj@jmu.edu (540 7460605) for meeting time and place.
Wednesday, May 8 (Rain Date May 15): Cowbane Prairie Natural Area Preserve Educational Walk-and-Talk.
Virginia Greene (Natural Heritage steward) works on managing the preserves in the Shenandoah Valley Region. She will do an educational walk-and-talk of the natural area in Stuarts Draft. This preserve consists of 156 acres with outstanding examples of the prairie plants that were once common in this area: mesic and wet prairie habitats, spring-fed marsh, rare plants, and two watch-listed freshwater mussel species in the South River. There will be information on the history, current status and future goals of this special area.
The limit will be 15 participants.
Contact Mike/Karen Waterman to sign up for this activity and receive more details: karenswaterman@gmail.com or 540 290 8304.
Saturday, May 11: Trail Magic Day
South River Falls Picnic Area
In partnership with the Harrisonburg AT community
SSVC is holding a Trail Magic Day on Saturday, May 11th. We will be working with the Harrisonburg AT Trail Community group to set up some magic at South River Falls Picnic Area in SNP. We are looking for both volunteers to help out at the event and donations of food or drinks for thru-hikers. The tables will be set up for hikers from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. SSVC usually covers the morning shift with the Harrisonburg group coming in around 11:00, but we can use volunteers anytime during the day for however long you can stay.
Suggested trail magic foods/beverages include the following:
- soda or Gatorade
- fruit (grapes, apples, bananas)
- deviled or hard-boiled eggs
- carrots, celery, etc.
- protein bars
- cookies/brownies/doughnuts
- ham and cheese sliders
- mixed nuts
- coffee (to include creamers and sugars)/teabags/hot chocolate
Saturday, May 11: PATC Hike Leader Class
Join PATC for a 2 hour in-person class. Open to current PATC members who are working towards their Hike Leadership Certification and have completed the required prerequisites.
https://potomactrailclub.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/potomactrailclub/event.jsp?event=8&
Sunday, May 12: North River Gorge Trail Hike
Approximately 5 miles with a few hundred feet of elevation change.
Do you like water? This hike involves eight wet river crossings. In March, water was about knee-high on a six-foot hiker. Hiking poles are a necessity to navigate the slippery rocks. This will be a one-way shuttle hike between Wild Oak Parking and North River Campground. Direction yet to be determined. The hike leader will assess water levels and weather a few days prior to hike and notify participants of conditions. Things like abnormally high water or lightning in the forecast will result in cancellation. Otherwise, this should be a fun, invigorating hike. Hiking speed will be a leisurely 1.5-2.0 MPH not counting river crossings where we’ll take our time and help each other as necessary. Plenty of time to stop and enjoy the river crossings and view wildflowers.
Contact Gary Flynn at trailgary777@gmail.com to sign up or ask questions.
Hike description and picture:
https://www.vawilderness.org/north-river-gorge-trail.html
Tuesday, May 14: Hightop Mountain Appalachian Trail Work Hike
Join us for reconstructing and restoring water bars and some vegetation cutback on this heavily used section of the Appalachian Trail. 9am to 1pm. We will meet at the Hightop Mountain Parking Area just South of the Swift Run Gap Entrance Station on Skyline Drive. Bring appropriate clothing, work gloves, water, and lunch. Tools will be provided. All levels of experience are welcome. After we finish there will be an opportunity to hike to the Hightop Mountain Vista if interested. (3 1/2 mile round trip). A carpool will be organized from Charlottesville.
For additional information and to register contact Howard Davis hsdhiker@gmail.com
Thursday, May 16 - Sunday, May 19: Damascus Trail Days
Pam has booked an Airbnb near Damascus from Thursday, May 16 through Sunday, May 19. Plans are to hike some of the AT south of Damascus (AT in TN) and go to trail days. It might be crazy times, but we want to see it at least once!!
Space is limited and participants must be willing to pay their part of the rental. House has 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths.
Contact Pam for more information and to join (pamheinrich13@gmail.com or 540-290-5595).
Wednesday, May 22 - Monthly Shenandoah Mountain Trail Crew Work Trip in Ramsey’s Draft Wilderness
This work trip will be in the NW corner of Ramsey’s Draft Wilderness Area, which will limit us to 10 volunteers. This will be a longer day and longer hike than our typical work trips: an 8-mile hike, plus a 6-mile shuttle, with a focus on brushing the upper, 0.8-mile leg of Ramsey’s Draft Trail (#440). We’re likely to be rewarded with some special native plants, like the Painted Trillium and Fly-Poison.
We’ll start our hike where the Shenandoah Mountain Trail (#447) intersects with FS Road #95 (North River) and finish via the Springhouse Ridge Trail (#776) at Camp Todd.
We’ll meet at Churchville’s Riverside Plaza at 8 am to carpool to start, leaving a car at Camp Todd for the shuttle. We aim to be heading back to Churchville from Camp Todd around 5 pm.
Please contact Judy to RSVP or ask questions (bartlettjudy@gmail.com or 505-639-1717).
Thursday, May 23 - Tuesday, May 28: AT in Pennsylvania
Hike the northernmost miles of the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania. We will arrive Thursday to settle in and make our hiking plans for the next few days. We will hike Friday through Tuesday, leaving for home after Tuesday's hike. Accommodation plans are still being made between camping at Evergreen Lake Campground and renting an Airbnb near Saylorsburg, PA. Participants can help decide. Hikes can be completed in any order but are listed below from south to north. 1) Lehigh Gap to Little Gap = 4.9 miles
2) Little Gap to Smith Gap = 7.3 miles
3) Smith Gap to Wind Gap = 8.1 miles
4) Wind Gap to Fox Gap = 8.1 miles
5) Fox Gap to Delaware Water Gap (New Jersey line) = 7.2 miles
Join us for all or some of the hike.
Contact Pam Heinrich if interested (pamheinrich13@gmail.com or 540-290-5595)
Saturday, May 25th: Mount Pleasant
This is the third in a series of hikes in the Jefferson National Forest in an area of the Blue Ridge Mountains about an hour or more south of Stanton. “Given the stunning views from Mount Pleasant and the relative ease of reaching its summit, this hike may well offer one of the best payoffs in the Shenandoah Valley.” This hike will be a 6.5-mile round trip with 1,781 feet of elevation gain as described in the Appalachian Mountain Club publication Best Day Hikes in the Shenandoah Valley (trip #45). Inclement weather will cancel. The hike is limited to 10 participants and dogs are OK. To register please e-mail jlkolp@yahoo.com.
May 27-31: Grayson Highlands State Park Camping
Great time of year to visit Grayson Highlands and the Mt Rogers Recreation Area. Spring flowers, bird migration, and day hikes. Or create your own biking and other adventures. Group campsite has been reserved with the cost to be determined by # of campers, Arrival is set for Monday, May 27th and departure on Friday, May 31st. Or you can also reserve your own individual site (Limited) or rent a cabin and join us during the day. And OK to stay fewer nights if needed. Limit of 12 with no dogs on this trip.
For additional information and to check on availability contact Howard Davis no later than May 10th at hsdhiker@gmail.com.
Other Activities and Future Hikes & Work Trips
Saturday, June 1st: National Trails Day
SSVC will host a table and offer hikes at Loft Mountain in Shenandoah National Park on June 1 for National Trail Day. More details will be shared as the day gets closer. Contact Pam Henrich, pamheinrich13@gmail.com or John Kolp jlkolp@yahoo.com to volunteer or get involved.
Saturday, June 1st: Hankey Mountain Work Trip
Save the Date to battle Mile-a-Minute weed.
Pull invasive, liberate natives!
Saturday, June 8th: City of Waynesboro Hikerfest
The City of Waynesboro VA is hosting its Hikerfest on June 8th, 2024. More information to come regarding the event and possible opportunity for SSVC to share an information booth with the Old Dominion ATC.
Saturday, June 15th: Introduction to Trail Maintenance Workshop
https://www.meetup.com/PATCVolunteerEvents/events/298913287/?_xtd=gatlbWFpbF9jbGlja9oAJDY0NTlkMzAzLTFmN2UtNDY4Mi05NWI3LTdhNmRlNGEwMWNkMQ%253D%253D
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!
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.