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 JULY HIKES, WORK TRIPS, & ACTIVITIES
Trail Maintenance Assist Request – Volunteer Opportunity
The SSVC is responsible for maintaining two miles of the Appalachian Trail (from Ivy Creek Overlook to Pinefield Gap).
The months of June and July are the most labor-intensive for our section of the AT. If you could lend a hand trimming back the vegetation, We are searching for someone to take over organizing work trips on this section. Contact Pam Heinrich ([email protected] or 540-290-5595) if interested.
Sunday, July 7th: Hidden Rocks
This 2.5-3 mile out-and-back lollipop trail in Hone Quarry Recreation Area is moderately challenging. There are a few water crossings and a small waterfall, but the real beauty is in the rhododendron tunnel and the big destination viewpoint atop tall rock faces hidden in the forest. We may even see rock climbers rappelling.
If you want to hike more after that, you can try Cliff Trail, Hone Quarry Waterfall, or another hike in the Hone Quarry area.
Contact hike leader Angela Lawrence, [email protected], 913-850-4357.
Saturday, July 13th -- Otter Creek & James River Visitor Center Trails
This is the fourth 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 Staunton. Otter Creek parallels the Blue Ridge Parkway and flows into the James River where the National Park Service has a Visitors Center. This hike will be at least a 7.0 mile out and back though there are some short loop trails around the Visitors Center we will want to explore too after lunch on the river!
Inclement weather will cancel. The hike is limited to 10 participants and dogs are OK -- to register please e-mail [email protected]
Saturday, July 13: Trail Patrol Information and Training
Do you love hiking and might be interested in using that as a way to volunteer? Come join us to learn more about becoming part of PATC’s Trail Patrol. Training consists of instruction on topics such as land navigation, leave no trace, reporting procedures, patrol planning and equipment, and light trail maintenance. Come get started on being one of PATC’s trail ambassadors.
Meet at Big Meadows Amphitheater at 9:00 AM.
Training will include hiking a section of the AT including the Lewis Falls Loop; 3-4 hours overall. Contact Pam Heinrich ([email protected] or 540-290-5595) if interested.
Saturday, July 20: Full Moon Hike – SNP Two-fer with Full Moon
Hike One: Rapidan Camp Hike
4-mile out/back, 870-foot elevation gain.
Meet at Milam Gap (mile 52.4 on the Skyline Drive) at 4:30pm. We will use the Mill Prong Trail to visit Rapidan Camp and return the same route. We plan to break for dinner on the porch of the Brown House (pack your own food). We will travel by car to our next hike.
Hike Two: Bearfence
Meet at Bearfence Parking at 7:30pm (mile 56.4). Approximately 1-Mile out/back. We will use the AT and Bearfence trail to enjoy the view at the summit. We will watch the moonrise and sunset (approximately 8:30).
Join us for one of both.
Contact Pam Heinrich for more information and to join. 540-290-5595 or pamheinrich13@ gmail.com
Wednesday, July 31: Love Gap trail.
Easy in and out hike for a total of 3 1/2 miles. This trail has the needed canopy for a summer hike. Contact Mike and Karen Waterman if you would like the hike details and to join in with us: 540 290 8304 or [email protected]
Other Activities and Future Hikes & Work Trips
Sunday, August 11: 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. 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. More information about planned hikes, activities and picnic information coming soon.
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.