With the heat of the summer on us, it's a good time for blazing.
As a reminder for blazing from the Shenandoah National Park Trail Maintenance Standards:
General Standards for blazing:
1. Use 2" X 6" vertical rectangles.
2. Place at eye-level on live trees. Avoid painting rocks.
3. Use double blazes (one above the other) for sharp turns and trail junctions.
4. Blazes should be visible across an intersection with another trail, a stream, or road.
5. Where two blazes of different colors are used on the same trail, the two blazes are to be placed side-by-side.
6. Avoid over-blazing.
7. Cairns, metal diamond markers, etc. should not be used to mark trails.
Techniques for Blazing:
1. Pick prominent, large, living trees; dark-colored bark provides a better contrast for the blaze.
2. Choose trees which are prominent when foliage is out (clip away low bushes or protruding branches to clear the blaze area).
3. Scrape a 3" X 7" rectangle on thick barked trees, without cutting through the bark.
4. Rub moss and lichen off a 3" X 7" rectangle on thin barked trees.
5. Paint neatly using a small, artistic style brush (brush bristles approx 1” x 1”); avoid using too much paint (it will run down the tree).
6. Blaze in the direction you are hiking; walk back to blaze the other direction.
7. Avoid blazing rocks.
8. To avoid over-blazing, err on the side of too few blazes; more can be placed later if needed.
As a reminder for blazing from the Shenandoah National Park Trail Maintenance Standards:
General Standards for blazing:
1. Use 2" X 6" vertical rectangles.
2. Place at eye-level on live trees. Avoid painting rocks.
3. Use double blazes (one above the other) for sharp turns and trail junctions.
4. Blazes should be visible across an intersection with another trail, a stream, or road.
5. Where two blazes of different colors are used on the same trail, the two blazes are to be placed side-by-side.
6. Avoid over-blazing.
7. Cairns, metal diamond markers, etc. should not be used to mark trails.
Techniques for Blazing:
1. Pick prominent, large, living trees; dark-colored bark provides a better contrast for the blaze.
2. Choose trees which are prominent when foliage is out (clip away low bushes or protruding branches to clear the blaze area).
3. Scrape a 3" X 7" rectangle on thick barked trees, without cutting through the bark.
4. Rub moss and lichen off a 3" X 7" rectangle on thin barked trees.
5. Paint neatly using a small, artistic style brush (brush bristles approx 1” x 1”); avoid using too much paint (it will run down the tree).
6. Blaze in the direction you are hiking; walk back to blaze the other direction.
7. Avoid blazing rocks.
8. To avoid over-blazing, err on the side of too few blazes; more can be placed later if needed.
Old metal AT blaze found on the trail section north of Wildcat Ridge Trail intersection.
Shout out to South District Maintainers: Myra Robertson, Margaret Lester, Chuck Troutman and Patti McInerney along with SSVC members John Kolp and Michael Groah for their representation at the Hiker Fest in Waynesboro.
Featured Hike: Loft Amphitheater to Blackrock Gap
Pam Heinrich is leading a series of hikes this year to help others hike the AT in the South District. On June 14, the group hiked from Loft Amphitheater to Blackrock Gap. For this hike, Pam assisted in leading the hike with Rich Stowell, as part of his hike leader training. We celebrated Flag Day with our own mini-flags. We enjoyed eating raspberries along the trail, had lunch at Dundo Picnic area, and our own version of flag planting on Blackrock Summit. Hikers that joined Rich and Pam for the outing were: Roger, Gary, Laura, Michael, Andrew, Anne, Christine. Plans for the July hike are in the works.
Pam Heinrich is leading a series of hikes this year to help others hike the AT in the South District. On June 14, the group hiked from Loft Amphitheater to Blackrock Gap. For this hike, Pam assisted in leading the hike with Rich Stowell, as part of his hike leader training. We celebrated Flag Day with our own mini-flags. We enjoyed eating raspberries along the trail, had lunch at Dundo Picnic area, and our own version of flag planting on Blackrock Summit. Hikers that joined Rich and Pam for the outing were: Roger, Gary, Laura, Michael, Andrew, Anne, Christine. Plans for the July hike are in the works.
What is Talus?
The national park service defines talus as being: "an outward sloping and accumulated heap or mass of rock fragments of any size or shape (usually coarse and angular) derived from and lying at the base of a cliff or very steep, rocky slope, and formed chiefly by gravitational falling, rolling, or sliding." Talus typically consists of larger, coarse, and jagged rocks (ranging from fist-sized stones to house-sized boulders). Smaller, finer pebbles are often referred to as scree). Because the rocks sit loose and are constantly shifting underfoot, these fields are notoriously difficult to traverse. Hikers often describe crossing them as "scrambling".
Blackrock is the perfect example of talus. Where else have you seen or hiked through a talus field?
The national park service defines talus as being: "an outward sloping and accumulated heap or mass of rock fragments of any size or shape (usually coarse and angular) derived from and lying at the base of a cliff or very steep, rocky slope, and formed chiefly by gravitational falling, rolling, or sliding." Talus typically consists of larger, coarse, and jagged rocks (ranging from fist-sized stones to house-sized boulders). Smaller, finer pebbles are often referred to as scree). Because the rocks sit loose and are constantly shifting underfoot, these fields are notoriously difficult to traverse. Hikers often describe crossing them as "scrambling".
Blackrock is the perfect example of talus. Where else have you seen or hiked through a talus field?
New Trail Maintainers
This month, we welcome two new maintainers:
Laura Longley and Jacob Webb.
Laura Longley
Laura first joined the PATC in March 2024 after retiring as a nurse at UVA. Growing up in Massachuetts, Laura gained experience while being a part of the Appalachian Mountain Club and hiking in the White Mountains. She also enjoyed backpacking while stationed in California with the Navy. The Sierra Mountains were one of her favorite spots then.
Laura also has an interest in horses and had a horse of her own. After the loss of her horse, she began looking for something to volunteer her time. An internet search lead her to find the PATC and the Charlottesville/Southern Shenandoah Meetup group. Her first outing was to help out on a trail work group with both Howard Davis (Hightop section) and Mark Pershel (Turk Gap). Laura has also helped with maintenance in the North River District area (Lynn Cameron, District Manager) and became a trail maintainer for the Bear Draft Trail.
Laura is a very active with PATC activities. She is a member of the Flying McLeods, Trail Patrol and a hike leader. Laura's favorite hike is to Hanging Rock on Three Ridges. She said that it's a great workout with a great view as payoff.
After joining on a few hikes to complete the South District AT, Laura agreed to join Pam Heinrich and Jean Stephens to help out on the section from Sawmill Run Overlook to Turk Gap.
Jacob Webb
Jacob was born and raised in Richmond, where he still lives. When he’s not out on the trail, he works in construction installing computer network cabling —which means he knows a thing or two about getting things connected. Fortunately for us, he’s now connected to PATC and helping care for the AT.
Jacob joined PATC just a few months ago and currently maintains the section of the AT from Smith Roach Gap to Hightop Hut. He joined the club because of his deep love of nature, along with the chance to meet people who share similar interests and make some new friends along the way.
Although Jacob is new to trail maintenance, he is definitely not new to hiking. Growing up, he often visited Shenandoah National Park with his dad, and those hikes helped spark his love of the outdoors. Today, he enjoys studying plants, spending time in nature, and exploring the trails whenever he can. Even though he lives in Richmond, Jacob can be found in the park most weekends.
Jacob first learned about PATC through the maps he purchased for his hikes. He is a serious map enthusiast. He enjoys studying maps, learning how they are made, and even creating his own using ArcGIS and other online mapping tools.
And that’s not his only creative interest. Jacob enjoys photography and often brings his Nikon camera with him to the park. He is also an artist who enjoys graphic design and colored-pencil drawing, especially realism, geometric shapes, and detailed designs.
Welcome
When you get a chance — whether you meet them out on their section or at a future Flying McLeods event — please be sure to say hello to Jacob and Laura. We are glad to have them join our group of maintainers.
This month, we welcome two new maintainers:
Laura Longley and Jacob Webb.
Laura Longley
Laura first joined the PATC in March 2024 after retiring as a nurse at UVA. Growing up in Massachuetts, Laura gained experience while being a part of the Appalachian Mountain Club and hiking in the White Mountains. She also enjoyed backpacking while stationed in California with the Navy. The Sierra Mountains were one of her favorite spots then.
Laura also has an interest in horses and had a horse of her own. After the loss of her horse, she began looking for something to volunteer her time. An internet search lead her to find the PATC and the Charlottesville/Southern Shenandoah Meetup group. Her first outing was to help out on a trail work group with both Howard Davis (Hightop section) and Mark Pershel (Turk Gap). Laura has also helped with maintenance in the North River District area (Lynn Cameron, District Manager) and became a trail maintainer for the Bear Draft Trail.
Laura is a very active with PATC activities. She is a member of the Flying McLeods, Trail Patrol and a hike leader. Laura's favorite hike is to Hanging Rock on Three Ridges. She said that it's a great workout with a great view as payoff.
After joining on a few hikes to complete the South District AT, Laura agreed to join Pam Heinrich and Jean Stephens to help out on the section from Sawmill Run Overlook to Turk Gap.
Jacob Webb
Jacob was born and raised in Richmond, where he still lives. When he’s not out on the trail, he works in construction installing computer network cabling —which means he knows a thing or two about getting things connected. Fortunately for us, he’s now connected to PATC and helping care for the AT.
Jacob joined PATC just a few months ago and currently maintains the section of the AT from Smith Roach Gap to Hightop Hut. He joined the club because of his deep love of nature, along with the chance to meet people who share similar interests and make some new friends along the way.
Although Jacob is new to trail maintenance, he is definitely not new to hiking. Growing up, he often visited Shenandoah National Park with his dad, and those hikes helped spark his love of the outdoors. Today, he enjoys studying plants, spending time in nature, and exploring the trails whenever he can. Even though he lives in Richmond, Jacob can be found in the park most weekends.
Jacob first learned about PATC through the maps he purchased for his hikes. He is a serious map enthusiast. He enjoys studying maps, learning how they are made, and even creating his own using ArcGIS and other online mapping tools.
And that’s not his only creative interest. Jacob enjoys photography and often brings his Nikon camera with him to the park. He is also an artist who enjoys graphic design and colored-pencil drawing, especially realism, geometric shapes, and detailed designs.
Welcome
When you get a chance — whether you meet them out on their section or at a future Flying McLeods event — please be sure to say hello to Jacob and Laura. We are glad to have them join our group of maintainers.
Cool Hikes for Hot Days: Doyles River Falls
By: Roger Smith
When the summer heat settles into the valley, there are few better excuses to head for Shenandoah National Park than a waterfall hike. The park’s overlooks give us big skies, distant ridgelines and panoramic views of the mountains. Waterfalls offer something a little different. They lead hikers down into a more intimate setting that features cool hollows, flowing streams, mossy rocks, and shaded forest.
Spring is usually the best time for visiting waterfalls as the seasonal rains can dramatically get the water flowing. But early summer is still a great time to visit, especially after a good rain shower and before the dry late summer period when some falls can shrink to a trickle.
Shenandoah Nation Park offers more than a dozen named waterfalls. Overall Run Falls is the tallest at over 93 feet, while Dark Hollow Falls is considered the most visited because of its easy access from Skyline Drive. Other popular falls include Whiteoak Canyon Falls, Rose River Falls, and South River Falls.
Closer to home here in the southern section of the park, we’re lucky to have a few wonderful waterfalls of our own. One of the prettiest is Doyle’s River Falls, reached from the blue blaze Doyle’s River Trail near Skyline Drive milepost 81.
Doyle’s River Falls offers not just one but two significant waterfalls on a relatively short route. The out-and-back hike is roughly 3.3 miles round trip with one stream crossing and roughly 1,100 feet of elevation gain on the return. Along the way, you’ll pass the access trail for Doyle’s River Cabin and Browns Gap Road, before coming across trail posts that mark both falls. Upper Doyle’s River Falls drops approximately 28 feet and Lower Doyle’s River Falls drops approximately 63 feet.
If you don’t want to retrace your steps and are up for a longer outing, you can continue beyond the lower falls to the Jones Run Trail for a slightly more strenuous loop of 7.7 miles with roughly 2,200 feet of elevation gain. A trail post marks the end of Doyle’s River Trail and the beginning of Jones Run Trail. From there, follow Jones River Trail until it crosses the Appalachian Trail, turn right and continue northbound until you get back to Doyle’s River Parking.
So, as the mercury rises, consider trading the wide open overlooks for a shady hollow, the beautiful sounds of a fast-flowing stream, and two of southern Shenandoah’s prettiest waterfalls.
By: Roger Smith
When the summer heat settles into the valley, there are few better excuses to head for Shenandoah National Park than a waterfall hike. The park’s overlooks give us big skies, distant ridgelines and panoramic views of the mountains. Waterfalls offer something a little different. They lead hikers down into a more intimate setting that features cool hollows, flowing streams, mossy rocks, and shaded forest.
Spring is usually the best time for visiting waterfalls as the seasonal rains can dramatically get the water flowing. But early summer is still a great time to visit, especially after a good rain shower and before the dry late summer period when some falls can shrink to a trickle.
Shenandoah Nation Park offers more than a dozen named waterfalls. Overall Run Falls is the tallest at over 93 feet, while Dark Hollow Falls is considered the most visited because of its easy access from Skyline Drive. Other popular falls include Whiteoak Canyon Falls, Rose River Falls, and South River Falls.
Closer to home here in the southern section of the park, we’re lucky to have a few wonderful waterfalls of our own. One of the prettiest is Doyle’s River Falls, reached from the blue blaze Doyle’s River Trail near Skyline Drive milepost 81.
Doyle’s River Falls offers not just one but two significant waterfalls on a relatively short route. The out-and-back hike is roughly 3.3 miles round trip with one stream crossing and roughly 1,100 feet of elevation gain on the return. Along the way, you’ll pass the access trail for Doyle’s River Cabin and Browns Gap Road, before coming across trail posts that mark both falls. Upper Doyle’s River Falls drops approximately 28 feet and Lower Doyle’s River Falls drops approximately 63 feet.
If you don’t want to retrace your steps and are up for a longer outing, you can continue beyond the lower falls to the Jones Run Trail for a slightly more strenuous loop of 7.7 miles with roughly 2,200 feet of elevation gain. A trail post marks the end of Doyle’s River Trail and the beginning of Jones Run Trail. From there, follow Jones River Trail until it crosses the Appalachian Trail, turn right and continue northbound until you get back to Doyle’s River Parking.
So, as the mercury rises, consider trading the wide open overlooks for a shady hollow, the beautiful sounds of a fast-flowing stream, and two of southern Shenandoah’s prettiest waterfalls.
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