Hike Schedule
Hikes, Work Trips, Other Activities
Good News!
SSVC is partnering with the Charlottesville Chapter Meetup site. SSVC hikes will continue to be listed here. Please visit Charlottesville-Southern Shenandoah Valley meetup site for information on additional hikes.
Link: https://www.meetup.com/charlottesville-patc-hiking-and-trail-love/
Friday, April 3rd: Special Edition, AT South District
3.9 miles, moderate. Shuttle hike
This is a special edition of my series of AT hikes in the South District. I’m offering this one to help our friend, Bill Jones finish the AT in the south district. Join us to celebrate his accomplishment.
Meet at Sawmill Run Overlook at 8:45. We will shuttle to Wildcat Ridge parking to begin our hike.
Contact Pam Heinrich (540-290-5595 or [email protected]) for details.
Sunday, April 5th Three Ridges- Mau-Har Lollipop Loop Hike
13+ miles, 3000+ elevation gain, difficult and strenuous.
We will start at Reids Gap and hike over Three Ridges and down to the Mau-Har trail, then hike back to Reids Gap. Please note, this is a very difficult, strenuous hike. Don't sign up unless you are sure you can complete the hike.
Shuttle option. We can meet at Food Lion in Stuart's Draft and shuttle from there.
Contact info. Lavern Beachy 540-280-5675, or check out this event on Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/charlottesville-patc-hiking-and-trail-love/events/314025671/
Tuesday, April 7th: Hightop Lollipop Hike
8-9 miles
This eight-mile hike will start from Hightop parking lot to the Snow Mountain Rd and looping back. We will be look at the early spring wildflowers and perhaps visit the old cemetery lost in the woods. Meet at the entrance of Swift Run Gap at 9:00 am. Contact Michael Seth ([email protected] 540 746 0605)
Saturday, April 11th: Paine Run and Trayfoot Mountain Loop in Shenandoah National Park.
Moderately strenuous spring hike, 9-mile loop.
Meet at the Food Lion Parking Lot in Grottoes on US 340 at 9:30. Leader plans to do this 9-mile loop from the valley floor on the west side of the park, ascending the Paine Run trail to the AT then north to Blackrock then west on Trayfoot Mountain trail down to the trail head. Limited parking at the trailhead so we must carpool.
Contact John L. Kolp for additional information and to register: [email protected] 917-288-2622
Tuesday, April 14th: South River Falls Hike
5-6 miles.
This is a great hike for early spring wildflowers. We will walk to the base of the falls and then do the loop back. Meet at the South River Falls at 9:00 am. Michael Seth ([email protected] 540 746 0605)
Thursday, April 16th: Film and Program - “Beyond the Tree Line"
Harrisonburg Appalachian Trail Community event.
Court Square Theater will again host our film and program promoting the Appalachian Trail. We are delighted to announce that the documentary “Beyond the Tree Line” will be shown telling the experience of a couple from Lynchburg and their then 4-5 year old son who thru-hiked the trail as a family.
The father and son, as well as the film director, will be attending and available for a presentation and questions following the film. The doors will open at 5:30 pm with the program and film starting at 6pm.
Sunday, April 19: Humpback Mountain T-28 Plane Crash Shuttle Hike
A moderate 4 mile, 1000 foot elevation gain hike with a small bushwhack to the crash site.
Let's meet at the Humpback Rocks parking area at 9:00. We will shuttle over to the Humpback Rocks picnic area to begin the hike. We will follow the AT north up to Humpback Mountain and then bushwhack several hundred yards to the crash site. We will then follow the AT north to Humpback Rocks and probably eat lunch there. Then it's back to our vehicles at the Humpback Rocks parking area.
Contact: Lavern Beachy 540-280-5675 or Meetup @ https://www.meetup.com/charlottesville-patc-hiking-and-trail-love/events/314140622/?eventOrigin=group_upcoming_events&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=event_card_savedevents_share_modal&utm_source=link&utm_version=v2
Thursday, April 23rd: Mau-Har Trail
7 miles
This is our annual hike at one of the best trails in our area for wildflowers. It is an out-and-back from the parking area on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Love Gap to Campbell Falls. We will meet at the parking lot at Love Gap milepost 13.7 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Contact Michael Seth ([email protected] 540 746 0605)
Saturday, April 25th: Earth Day Staunton 2026
Our chapter will host a table at Earth Day Staunton.
Earth Day Staunton is held at Gypsy Hill Park from 11 AM to 3 PM.
We will spread awareness about the PATC, our work on local trails, and encourage participants to enjoy the outdoors nearby. Also, we are planning a children's activity as we expect many to stop by the event. We need people to help at our table. All you need is knowledge of our chapter/the PATC and a willingness to share.
Contact John Kolp to help ([email protected] or 917-288-2622). He will set the table up and can stay there until 1 PM when he has to leave to attend a wedding. We need a volunteer to take over at 1 PM and pack up when the event ends at 3 PM and take the Club's materials home. John will pick them up during the following week.
Saturday, April 25th: Work Trip - Flying McLeods Trail Crew
We’re excited to introduce the Flying McLeods, a new South District Trail Crew modeled after the North District Hoodlums. We meet on the 4th Saturday of each month to support maintainers with trail work on their sections. Our first work trip & potluck is on April 25th, and we’d love for you to be part of it!
We’re happy to assist with a wide variety of tasks, including:
Please email Kevin at [email protected]
Sunday, April 26: Bother Knob, Shenandoah Mountain Trail Loop Hike
A moderate 6 mile, 1000 foot elevation gain hike.
This loop hike involves various forest roads and trails around the Bother Knob area. The highlight of the hike will be the ridge walk on the Shenandoah Mountain Trail. Hike will start at the junction of FS 85 and FS 85-4. Actual meetup location for this hike, to be determined. If you have suggestions, let me know.
Contact: Lavern Beachy 540-280-5675 or Meetup @ https://www.meetup.com/charlottesville-patc-hiking-and-trail-love/events/314141132/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=share-btn_savedevents_share_modal&utm_source=link&utm_version=v2
Wednesday, April 29th: Garlic Mustard Pull at Hone Quarry Picnic Area
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m
Who should come: Anyone who wants to help with stewardship of the proposed Shenandoah Mountain National Scenic Area.
On April 29, Friends of Shenandoah Mountain and several other groups will join forces to protect the Hone Quarry Day Use Area, one of Shenandoah Mountain's premier wildflower sites, from being overtaken by Garlic mustard. For the past two years, we have pulled all the garlic mustard we could find well before it went to seed. Each year we find less of it, and this year we expect to find even less. This invasive plant crowds out native spring wildflowers and poisons the soil.
Beginning at 10 a.m., participants will meet at the Hone Quarry Picnic Shelter, divide into small groups, pull Garlic mustard in assigned sites, and then gather at the Picnic Shelter at noon to eat our packed lunches and share our experiences
Learn more and register at Friends of Shenandoah Mountain: www.friendsofshenandoahmountain.org/garlic-mustard-at-hone-quarry2026.html
Friday, May 1st to Sunday May 3rd: WFA & CPR Course Announcement
ATC is sponsoring a Wilderness First Aid and CPR course May 1 – 3 at Konnarock Basecamp. The course is free to active club maintainers. There are only16 free slots available. Slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis for those who submit a complete application packet. There will be a wait list for later applications.
Based on demand, there may be an opportunity for additional slots, however, participants must pay themselves. Individual course costs: CPR $80.00 WFA: $335.00
Course Schedule:
Friday, May 1st CPR 1800 to 2200 Optional for those needing CPR.
Saturday May 2nd: WFA 800 to 1700
Sunday May 3rd: WFA 800 to 1700
Note: Do not plan an early departure, you must be present the entire time.
Anyone in SSVC who is interested in this class offering should contact Jean Stephens ([email protected]) for the registration form and information.
Saturday, May 2 - Hike Leader Training (in-person) at Bears Den.
Starts at 9:00 a.m.
Tuesday, May 5 - Hike Leader Training
(virtual) 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
To register for either of these training, go to https://patc.net, click on the Get Involved tab, then click on the Events Calendar. If you click on the training you are interested in, more information will come up along with the link to register.
Tuesday, May 5th: Cinco de Mayo Hike to Kaylor Knob and Beyond
6 miles.
We will should catch the peak blooms for Turkey Beard and Lady Slippers. Stop at a Mexican Restaurant for a late lunch or snack. Meet at the Park and Ride next to Mt Olivet Church on 33 across the main entrance of the Massanutten Resort at 9:00.
Contact Michael Seth ([email protected] 540 746 0605)
Good News!
SSVC is partnering with the Charlottesville Chapter Meetup site. SSVC hikes will continue to be listed here. Please visit Charlottesville-Southern Shenandoah Valley meetup site for information on additional hikes.
Link: https://www.meetup.com/charlottesville-patc-hiking-and-trail-love/
Friday, April 3rd: Special Edition, AT South District
3.9 miles, moderate. Shuttle hike
This is a special edition of my series of AT hikes in the South District. I’m offering this one to help our friend, Bill Jones finish the AT in the south district. Join us to celebrate his accomplishment.
Meet at Sawmill Run Overlook at 8:45. We will shuttle to Wildcat Ridge parking to begin our hike.
Contact Pam Heinrich (540-290-5595 or [email protected]) for details.
Sunday, April 5th Three Ridges- Mau-Har Lollipop Loop Hike
13+ miles, 3000+ elevation gain, difficult and strenuous.
We will start at Reids Gap and hike over Three Ridges and down to the Mau-Har trail, then hike back to Reids Gap. Please note, this is a very difficult, strenuous hike. Don't sign up unless you are sure you can complete the hike.
Shuttle option. We can meet at Food Lion in Stuart's Draft and shuttle from there.
Contact info. Lavern Beachy 540-280-5675, or check out this event on Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/charlottesville-patc-hiking-and-trail-love/events/314025671/
Tuesday, April 7th: Hightop Lollipop Hike
8-9 miles
This eight-mile hike will start from Hightop parking lot to the Snow Mountain Rd and looping back. We will be look at the early spring wildflowers and perhaps visit the old cemetery lost in the woods. Meet at the entrance of Swift Run Gap at 9:00 am. Contact Michael Seth ([email protected] 540 746 0605)
Saturday, April 11th: Paine Run and Trayfoot Mountain Loop in Shenandoah National Park.
Moderately strenuous spring hike, 9-mile loop.
Meet at the Food Lion Parking Lot in Grottoes on US 340 at 9:30. Leader plans to do this 9-mile loop from the valley floor on the west side of the park, ascending the Paine Run trail to the AT then north to Blackrock then west on Trayfoot Mountain trail down to the trail head. Limited parking at the trailhead so we must carpool.
Contact John L. Kolp for additional information and to register: [email protected] 917-288-2622
Tuesday, April 14th: South River Falls Hike
5-6 miles.
This is a great hike for early spring wildflowers. We will walk to the base of the falls and then do the loop back. Meet at the South River Falls at 9:00 am. Michael Seth ([email protected] 540 746 0605)
Thursday, April 16th: Film and Program - “Beyond the Tree Line"
Harrisonburg Appalachian Trail Community event.
Court Square Theater will again host our film and program promoting the Appalachian Trail. We are delighted to announce that the documentary “Beyond the Tree Line” will be shown telling the experience of a couple from Lynchburg and their then 4-5 year old son who thru-hiked the trail as a family.
The father and son, as well as the film director, will be attending and available for a presentation and questions following the film. The doors will open at 5:30 pm with the program and film starting at 6pm.
Sunday, April 19: Humpback Mountain T-28 Plane Crash Shuttle Hike
A moderate 4 mile, 1000 foot elevation gain hike with a small bushwhack to the crash site.
Let's meet at the Humpback Rocks parking area at 9:00. We will shuttle over to the Humpback Rocks picnic area to begin the hike. We will follow the AT north up to Humpback Mountain and then bushwhack several hundred yards to the crash site. We will then follow the AT north to Humpback Rocks and probably eat lunch there. Then it's back to our vehicles at the Humpback Rocks parking area.
Contact: Lavern Beachy 540-280-5675 or Meetup @ https://www.meetup.com/charlottesville-patc-hiking-and-trail-love/events/314140622/?eventOrigin=group_upcoming_events&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=event_card_savedevents_share_modal&utm_source=link&utm_version=v2
Thursday, April 23rd: Mau-Har Trail
7 miles
This is our annual hike at one of the best trails in our area for wildflowers. It is an out-and-back from the parking area on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Love Gap to Campbell Falls. We will meet at the parking lot at Love Gap milepost 13.7 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Contact Michael Seth ([email protected] 540 746 0605)
Saturday, April 25th: Earth Day Staunton 2026
Our chapter will host a table at Earth Day Staunton.
Earth Day Staunton is held at Gypsy Hill Park from 11 AM to 3 PM.
We will spread awareness about the PATC, our work on local trails, and encourage participants to enjoy the outdoors nearby. Also, we are planning a children's activity as we expect many to stop by the event. We need people to help at our table. All you need is knowledge of our chapter/the PATC and a willingness to share.
Contact John Kolp to help ([email protected] or 917-288-2622). He will set the table up and can stay there until 1 PM when he has to leave to attend a wedding. We need a volunteer to take over at 1 PM and pack up when the event ends at 3 PM and take the Club's materials home. John will pick them up during the following week.
Saturday, April 25th: Work Trip - Flying McLeods Trail Crew
We’re excited to introduce the Flying McLeods, a new South District Trail Crew modeled after the North District Hoodlums. We meet on the 4th Saturday of each month to support maintainers with trail work on their sections. Our first work trip & potluck is on April 25th, and we’d love for you to be part of it!
We’re happy to assist with a wide variety of tasks, including:
- Cleaning or constructing water bars and grade dips
- Installing check dams or steps
- Invasive species removal
- Blazing and mowing
- Routine maintenance
Please email Kevin at [email protected]
Sunday, April 26: Bother Knob, Shenandoah Mountain Trail Loop Hike
A moderate 6 mile, 1000 foot elevation gain hike.
This loop hike involves various forest roads and trails around the Bother Knob area. The highlight of the hike will be the ridge walk on the Shenandoah Mountain Trail. Hike will start at the junction of FS 85 and FS 85-4. Actual meetup location for this hike, to be determined. If you have suggestions, let me know.
Contact: Lavern Beachy 540-280-5675 or Meetup @ https://www.meetup.com/charlottesville-patc-hiking-and-trail-love/events/314141132/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=share-btn_savedevents_share_modal&utm_source=link&utm_version=v2
Wednesday, April 29th: Garlic Mustard Pull at Hone Quarry Picnic Area
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m
Who should come: Anyone who wants to help with stewardship of the proposed Shenandoah Mountain National Scenic Area.
On April 29, Friends of Shenandoah Mountain and several other groups will join forces to protect the Hone Quarry Day Use Area, one of Shenandoah Mountain's premier wildflower sites, from being overtaken by Garlic mustard. For the past two years, we have pulled all the garlic mustard we could find well before it went to seed. Each year we find less of it, and this year we expect to find even less. This invasive plant crowds out native spring wildflowers and poisons the soil.
Beginning at 10 a.m., participants will meet at the Hone Quarry Picnic Shelter, divide into small groups, pull Garlic mustard in assigned sites, and then gather at the Picnic Shelter at noon to eat our packed lunches and share our experiences
Learn more and register at Friends of Shenandoah Mountain: www.friendsofshenandoahmountain.org/garlic-mustard-at-hone-quarry2026.html
Friday, May 1st to Sunday May 3rd: WFA & CPR Course Announcement
ATC is sponsoring a Wilderness First Aid and CPR course May 1 – 3 at Konnarock Basecamp. The course is free to active club maintainers. There are only16 free slots available. Slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis for those who submit a complete application packet. There will be a wait list for later applications.
Based on demand, there may be an opportunity for additional slots, however, participants must pay themselves. Individual course costs: CPR $80.00 WFA: $335.00
Course Schedule:
Friday, May 1st CPR 1800 to 2200 Optional for those needing CPR.
Saturday May 2nd: WFA 800 to 1700
Sunday May 3rd: WFA 800 to 1700
Note: Do not plan an early departure, you must be present the entire time.
Anyone in SSVC who is interested in this class offering should contact Jean Stephens ([email protected]) for the registration form and information.
Saturday, May 2 - Hike Leader Training (in-person) at Bears Den.
Starts at 9:00 a.m.
Tuesday, May 5 - Hike Leader Training
(virtual) 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
To register for either of these training, go to https://patc.net, click on the Get Involved tab, then click on the Events Calendar. If you click on the training you are interested in, more information will come up along with the link to register.
Tuesday, May 5th: Cinco de Mayo Hike to Kaylor Knob and Beyond
6 miles.
We will should catch the peak blooms for Turkey Beard and Lady Slippers. Stop at a Mexican Restaurant for a late lunch or snack. Meet at the Park and Ride next to Mt Olivet Church on 33 across the main entrance of the Massanutten Resort at 9:00.
Contact Michael Seth ([email protected] 540 746 0605)
Notice for all hikes
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. Contact hike leader concerning bringing your dog.
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. Contact hike leader concerning bringing your dog.