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.
SSVC December Hikes
Friday, December 8, Paul State Forest
This hike is 4 miles easy. We will meet at 9:00 am. Join us for this out and back hike
located near Dayton/Bridgewater. The elevation change of less than 400 feet along an old
fire road; it makes for a pleasant walk in the woods during the winter months. Dogs on
leash allowed. Contact the hike leader for more information and to attend.
Jim Arnold: arnoldajames@gmail.com (first choice for contact) or 571-289-7457 for last
minute changes.
Saturday, December 9, Three Falls Hike
Strenuous, 9.3 miles with 2300 ft elevation gain. Located in the central district of Shenandoah National Park, we will hike to view Dark Hollow, Rose River, and Lewis Springs Falls. No dogs allowed due to SNP rules concerning dogs on Dark Hollow Falls Trail. Led by Brian and Heather Denny. Contact either Denny to register: Hmd22846@gmail.com or bwd22846@gmail.com
Saturday, December 16th,
AT from Reid's Gap to Humpback Rocks Picnic Area (or vice-versa)
A moderate near-winter afternoon hike along the west-facing side of the Blue
Ridge Parkway. We will hike for 6 miles on the AT including the Three Ridges
Overlook, Little Raven's Roost, and the wonderful expansive Cedar Cliffs. No big
elevation changes but the trail is pretty rocky but we will have plenty of afternoon
sun to keep us warm -- if it's sunny that is!
This hike requires a car shuttle and the route might have to be changed if one
cannot be arranged. Leashed dogs are allowed on this hike.
Meet at 12 Noon at the Humpback Rocks Picnic area in the
lower parking area near the blue-blazed trail. Please register with the leader,
John Kolp via e-mail at JLKolp@Yahoo.Com or call 917-288-2622.
Monday, December 18, Turk Branch Loop
7.5 miles, 1,175 ft; elevation gain, moderate.
This hike starts at the Turk Gap parking area and follows Turk Branch Trail down through the valley to South Fork of Moorman's Fire Road. We follow the road up to the AT, then follow the AT north back to Turk Gap parking area. There are a few stream crossings which should not be significant unless we get some rain or snow before the hike. Sorry, no dogs on this hike.
Contact Jean Stephens at 443-986-5649 or jtstephens12@yahoo.com to register and get meetup details.
Saturday, December 30, Staunton Walkabout
Join us on our first in our series of Winter Walkabouts. We plan to offer one walkabout a month during the winter months; each with a different theme. Participants in our first walkabout will receive a Staunton Sticker. Are you up for our Winter Walkabout Challenge?
We will meet at the Staunton Visitor Center next to the parking garage at 1:00
p.m. for an easy hike through historic Staunton (approximately 3 miles). Jim Arnold has been a Staunton resident since 1989 and will describe architectural and historic features along the route. We will walk South on New Street past the old White Star Mill, then along the Amtrak platform to the bridge connecting the Wharf Area Historic District to Sears Hill. From Sears Hill we will head West to Beverley Street (historic Main Street). Taking Augusta St. West we will pass the “urban renewal” zone that replaced historic African-American businesses with banks and franchised fast-food eateries. Turning right on Academy St. we will cross the Mary Baldwin College (now University) campus to the intersection of Statler Boulevard and East Beverley St. We will pass the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind and the T. J. Collins house before arriving at No. 310, the home of your tour guide. There you will be treated to your favorite hot or cold libation. After refreshments, a short walk will take you back to your point of departure.
Contact the hike leader for more information and to attend. Dogs on leash
allowed. Jim Arnold: arnoldajames@gmail.com (first choice for contact) or 571-289-7457
for last minute changes.
Sunday, December 31, Women’s Winter Hike - Compton Peak, West and East Hike
This hike is a chance for women to get outside together in a
safe environment. Join two of PATC's awesome Certified Hike Leaders in Shenandoah
National Park for a beautiful winter hike. 2.4-mile out/back round trip, Moderate with 855-foot elevation gain.
We will begin our hike at the Compton Gap parking area at mile 10.4 on the Skyline
Drive. We will hike the A.T. south to the intersection for Compton peak. We will explore
both the western viewpoint and the eastern view of columnar jointing. Leashed dogs are allowed on this hike. Carpooling is available from Verona and Harrisonburg.
Contact leader Michele Cook (cookpichler@yahoo.com or 717-495-1187 ). Michele will
be assisted by Pam Heinrich ( pamheinrich13@gmail.com or 540-290-5595 ).
Monday, January 1, New Year’s Day Bradley Pond Hikes
Start the New Year off with a hike from Braley Pond. All hikes begin at Braley Pond at 9:00 a.m.
Lynn and Malcolm Cameron will lead hike to Bald Ridge Overlook, 7.5 miles,
moderate, out/back. To participate in this hike, contact Lynn and Malcolm (540-830-4524
or slynncameron@gmail.com ).
Shorter hike at Braley's Pond. Hike either 2 1/2 miles (easy with some gradual
elevation gains) or 3 1/2 with the addition of a more moderate trail. Karen and
Mike will scout out the trail and make final decision based on how much water is
on the trail. If an alternative hike is necessary due to trail conditions, the Watermans will contact you with the new details. To participate in this hike, contact Karen and Mike , home 540-337-1273 or karenswaterman@gmail.com for details. Sorry, no dogs allowed on either New Year hike.
Other Activities
Saturday, December 2: Trail Maintenance Opportunity
We’ll meet at the Ivy Creek Overlook parking area (just south of mile marker 77 on the Skyline Drive) from 10 AM to 2 PM. A custom map of our trail is available on request (email jblndr@hotmail.com). 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 noon. Sturdy shoes, long sleeve shirts and long pants are needed for this event. Participants should bring their own eye protection, handclippers, snacks/lunch, water, whistle, and protective gear. Work helmets and trail tools will be provided. Good info on other gear is available at http://www.ssvc.org/favorite-tools.html Our primary task will be cleaning out waterbars. Please let us know by Thursday, 30 November if you plan to join us.
Saturday, December 9: Hike Leader Training Course (In-person)
Interested in leading hikes with PATC? Join us on December 9th at the Old Rag Cabin. Learn More .
Friday, December 8, Paul State Forest
This hike is 4 miles easy. We will meet at 9:00 am. Join us for this out and back hike
located near Dayton/Bridgewater. The elevation change of less than 400 feet along an old
fire road; it makes for a pleasant walk in the woods during the winter months. Dogs on
leash allowed. Contact the hike leader for more information and to attend.
Jim Arnold: arnoldajames@gmail.com (first choice for contact) or 571-289-7457 for last
minute changes.
Saturday, December 9, Three Falls Hike
Strenuous, 9.3 miles with 2300 ft elevation gain. Located in the central district of Shenandoah National Park, we will hike to view Dark Hollow, Rose River, and Lewis Springs Falls. No dogs allowed due to SNP rules concerning dogs on Dark Hollow Falls Trail. Led by Brian and Heather Denny. Contact either Denny to register: Hmd22846@gmail.com or bwd22846@gmail.com
Saturday, December 16th,
AT from Reid's Gap to Humpback Rocks Picnic Area (or vice-versa)
A moderate near-winter afternoon hike along the west-facing side of the Blue
Ridge Parkway. We will hike for 6 miles on the AT including the Three Ridges
Overlook, Little Raven's Roost, and the wonderful expansive Cedar Cliffs. No big
elevation changes but the trail is pretty rocky but we will have plenty of afternoon
sun to keep us warm -- if it's sunny that is!
This hike requires a car shuttle and the route might have to be changed if one
cannot be arranged. Leashed dogs are allowed on this hike.
Meet at 12 Noon at the Humpback Rocks Picnic area in the
lower parking area near the blue-blazed trail. Please register with the leader,
John Kolp via e-mail at JLKolp@Yahoo.Com or call 917-288-2622.
Monday, December 18, Turk Branch Loop
7.5 miles, 1,175 ft; elevation gain, moderate.
This hike starts at the Turk Gap parking area and follows Turk Branch Trail down through the valley to South Fork of Moorman's Fire Road. We follow the road up to the AT, then follow the AT north back to Turk Gap parking area. There are a few stream crossings which should not be significant unless we get some rain or snow before the hike. Sorry, no dogs on this hike.
Contact Jean Stephens at 443-986-5649 or jtstephens12@yahoo.com to register and get meetup details.
Saturday, December 30, Staunton Walkabout
Join us on our first in our series of Winter Walkabouts. We plan to offer one walkabout a month during the winter months; each with a different theme. Participants in our first walkabout will receive a Staunton Sticker. Are you up for our Winter Walkabout Challenge?
We will meet at the Staunton Visitor Center next to the parking garage at 1:00
p.m. for an easy hike through historic Staunton (approximately 3 miles). Jim Arnold has been a Staunton resident since 1989 and will describe architectural and historic features along the route. We will walk South on New Street past the old White Star Mill, then along the Amtrak platform to the bridge connecting the Wharf Area Historic District to Sears Hill. From Sears Hill we will head West to Beverley Street (historic Main Street). Taking Augusta St. West we will pass the “urban renewal” zone that replaced historic African-American businesses with banks and franchised fast-food eateries. Turning right on Academy St. we will cross the Mary Baldwin College (now University) campus to the intersection of Statler Boulevard and East Beverley St. We will pass the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind and the T. J. Collins house before arriving at No. 310, the home of your tour guide. There you will be treated to your favorite hot or cold libation. After refreshments, a short walk will take you back to your point of departure.
Contact the hike leader for more information and to attend. Dogs on leash
allowed. Jim Arnold: arnoldajames@gmail.com (first choice for contact) or 571-289-7457
for last minute changes.
Sunday, December 31, Women’s Winter Hike - Compton Peak, West and East Hike
This hike is a chance for women to get outside together in a
safe environment. Join two of PATC's awesome Certified Hike Leaders in Shenandoah
National Park for a beautiful winter hike. 2.4-mile out/back round trip, Moderate with 855-foot elevation gain.
We will begin our hike at the Compton Gap parking area at mile 10.4 on the Skyline
Drive. We will hike the A.T. south to the intersection for Compton peak. We will explore
both the western viewpoint and the eastern view of columnar jointing. Leashed dogs are allowed on this hike. Carpooling is available from Verona and Harrisonburg.
Contact leader Michele Cook (cookpichler@yahoo.com or 717-495-1187 ). Michele will
be assisted by Pam Heinrich ( pamheinrich13@gmail.com or 540-290-5595 ).
Monday, January 1, New Year’s Day Bradley Pond Hikes
Start the New Year off with a hike from Braley Pond. All hikes begin at Braley Pond at 9:00 a.m.
Lynn and Malcolm Cameron will lead hike to Bald Ridge Overlook, 7.5 miles,
moderate, out/back. To participate in this hike, contact Lynn and Malcolm (540-830-4524
or slynncameron@gmail.com ).
Shorter hike at Braley's Pond. Hike either 2 1/2 miles (easy with some gradual
elevation gains) or 3 1/2 with the addition of a more moderate trail. Karen and
Mike will scout out the trail and make final decision based on how much water is
on the trail. If an alternative hike is necessary due to trail conditions, the Watermans will contact you with the new details. To participate in this hike, contact Karen and Mike , home 540-337-1273 or karenswaterman@gmail.com for details. Sorry, no dogs allowed on either New Year hike.
Other Activities
Saturday, December 2: Trail Maintenance Opportunity
We’ll meet at the Ivy Creek Overlook parking area (just south of mile marker 77 on the Skyline Drive) from 10 AM to 2 PM. A custom map of our trail is available on request (email jblndr@hotmail.com). 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 noon. Sturdy shoes, long sleeve shirts and long pants are needed for this event. Participants should bring their own eye protection, handclippers, snacks/lunch, water, whistle, and protective gear. Work helmets and trail tools will be provided. Good info on other gear is available at http://www.ssvc.org/favorite-tools.html Our primary task will be cleaning out waterbars. Please let us know by Thursday, 30 November if you plan to join us.
Saturday, December 9: Hike Leader Training Course (In-person)
Interested in leading hikes with PATC? Join us on December 9th at the Old Rag Cabin. Learn More .
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.