Potomac Appalachian Trail Club

Charlottesville Chapter

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Hikes may be cancelled or changed because of weather or other factors.

Normal meeting place is in the front of Albemarle High School, Hydraulic Road, Charlottesville.

The hike leader can decide that a person will not go on a hike for factors such as inadequate equipment or supplies, physical condition inadequate for hike, behavior inconsistent with the smooth conduct of the hike.

Dogs may be allowed on hikes at the discretion of the leader, although there are a few trails ( including Old Rag, Dark Hollow Falls; see http://www.nps.gov/shen/1e2b.htm) in Shenandoah National Park where dogs are never allowed. However they must be restrained by a leash at all times in Shenandoah National Park.

We carpool to the trail head. Riders are expected to offer drivers $4 depending on distance and fuel price; however, the hike leader can determine an appropriate contribution, which may increase with fuel prices and distance driven.

Hike leaders:

Jere Bidwell 434-295 2143 jbidwell10[at domain]earthlink.net
Ruth Douglas 434-293-6538 ruthd[at domain]cstone.net
James Groves 434-977-5872 jgroves[at domain]virginia.edu
John Shannon 434-293-2953 johnsha[at domain]cstone.net
Eric Bredo 434-296-5520
Debra Fisher djfisher1312[at domain] earthlink.net
Iva Gillet 434-985-9854 cell 434-409-6203: iva3@virginia.edu


Our parent organization, PATC has activities listed on the calendar at:
http://www.potomacappalachian.org/
Sept 5: Lake Sherando, about 8 miles.
John Shannon leads this summer classic, a circuit hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains in George Washington National Forest. It features a brisk climb in the morning followed by gentle uphill and mostly downhill in the afternoon. This is the perfect summer hike, as it concludes with swimming in the lake for those so inclined. Directions: Take I-64 west to the first exit past Rockfish Gap (exit #96, Sherando Lake exit). Take SR 624 southwest 2 miles to SR 664. Take SR 664 south about 8 miles to FDR 91 (Sherando Lake Recreation Area entrance sign), and FDR 91 west about ½ mile to the entrance station. $ Warning: Whether or not you plan to swim, there’s a per-car entrance fee based on the number of people in the car (in 2009, $8 for three or more). So in addition to the car pool fee, everyone in the car will chip in to pay the entry fee. Swimming: Lake Sherando features a sandy beach with a shaded grassy area behind it. There are bathrooms with hot (or not) showers; drink and snack machines are available.

Sept. 12: Flying McLeods.
Trails done right. Meet at Albermarle High at 8:15 a.m. or Wildcat Ridge parking at 9 a.m. For more information about Flying McLeods projects, contact crew leader Mark Gatewood, 540.248.0442 or mwgatewood@gmail.com. Clear blowdowns at Wildcat Ridge, then go to Pinefield Gap to repair eroded AT. Gloves, eye protection, long pants, boots required. If you inform Mark Gatewood or John Shannon in advance, hard hats and McLeods will be provided.

Sept. 19:
Trail care on trails maintained by Charlottesville Chapter and its members
Sections are Appalachian Trail Rockfish-McCormick Gaps, Little Calf Mountain summit, AT north of Doyles River.

Sept 26: North River Gorge Trail and Picnic at Campground, 8.4 miles.
Erick Clepper and Iva Gillet lead this out-and-back hike, a rather easy walk that parallels the beautiful North River in the George Washington National Forest. The hike is not difficult, and the forest is beautiful. The trail is wide and rather flat, which will allow a nice change from hikes with heavy climbs. The hike will begin at the North River Campground. This unique spot with non-flush toilets and rocky fire pits will give us the opportunity to have some food and beverages after the hike. We will begin by crossing the North River for the first of 9 times. From there we meander down the wide trail filled with beautiful rock outcroppings and lush pine forest. As for the river crossings, the difficulty will certainly depend upon recent rainfall. There are plenty of rock crossings to help us on our way. After we turn around and return to the campground (after 18 river crossings), there will be food to be cooked and beverages to be swilled at the campground. Those who wish to stay can rest their bones by the fire and enjoy some good company. Please contact the leader if you plan to picnic to help with catering. He may also be glad of equipment for cooking over a rocky fire pit. Directions: Take I-64 West to Staunton. Go south on I-81 to the next exit and follow the signs to US-250 West. Follow U.S. 250 west from Staunton to Churchville. Continue west on U.S. 250 for 10 miles past Churchville and turn right onto State Route (S.R.) 715. (This road turns into Forest Development Road [FDR] 96.) Follow S.R. 715/FDR 96 8.5 miles to FDR 95 and turn right. Follow FDR 95 2.1 miles to the intersection with FDR 958 and turn right. North River Campground is one mile on the left. About 70 miles drive.

If Erick Clepper is unavailable Sept. 26: Road Hollow/Jerrys Run
Trails, 7.8 miles John Shannon leads this adventure in the wilderness. Features: A climb first, then a picnic area for lunch followed by plunging into Ramseys Draft Wilderness with patches of nettles (long pants help), numerous stream crossings (walking on rocks unless there is a lot of rain) and looking for the unblazed trail. There are times when we will be looking for a path. If there has been rain to put water in the rivers, sandals make life much easier. Directions: West on I- 64, then around or through Staunton and west on 250, then 15 miles past Churchville to Mountain House Picnic area.

Oct. 3: Rapidan Camp, 9 miles.
Lindsay Brown leads. Starting at Bootens Gap, we’ll follow the AT north connecting with Laurel ProngTrail and into the camp. After lunch, we’ll head out Mill Prong trail back the the AT, then south back to Bootens Gap. Directions: Take Route 29N to route 33W in Ruckersville. Take route 33W to Swift Run Gap. Go north about 10 miles on Skyline Drive to Bootens Gap parking on right. About 40 miles.

Oct. 10: Trayfoot Mountain to Paine Run, 9.5 miles.
Erick Clepper and John Shannon lead. This hike will begin at the park boundary just east of Harriston, Virginia. We’ll begin on the Paine Run trail for a short bit and branch left onto the Trayfoot Mountain Trail. This hike begins with a switchbacked climb that gains elevation rather quickly. Once on top, we will proceed to hike on the top of the mountain for about 4 miles. At the end of this trail is the beautiful Blackrock Summit, where we will stop for lunch. If you have not been there before, it features breathtaking with views of the entire valley. From there we head south on the AT and descend to the intersection with the Paine Run Trail. This horse trail provides a nice, long descent with 4 river crossings. This loop provides many of the things that we enjoy in the park: high mountains, beautiful views, and river crossings. Directions: Take I-64 West to the Afton exit for US-250 West towards Waynesboro. Take US 250 West to US 340 North in Waynesboro. Follow US 340 North about 10 miles to Harriston, and turn right on Harriston Rd, Route 778; go about 2 miles, then turn right on Horsehead Rd, Rte. 661, and go 1 mile to end of road; 43 miles total.

Oct. 17: Rockytop/Big Run Portal, 8 miles.
Erick Clepper and Iva Gillet lead. The hike begins at the Big Run Overlook, just south of the Loft Mountain Wayside. We’ll descend the Big Run Loop Trail to the Big Run Portal Trail. The Portal is unique as the trail is rather wide and flat with mountains on both sides, which lends to a unique feeling of solitude. There are about 5 river crossings across Big Run whose difficulty will depend upon rainfall conditions. We’ll follow the Big Run Portal Trail to the Rocky Mountain Run Trail, where we’ll turn right and begin the ascent back up to Skyline Drive. This ascent begins along a river that has some unique and delightful features. At the top, we’ll intersect with the Brown Mountain Run Trail, make a right, and climb up to the Brown Mountain Overlook. There is a car shuttle required. Directions: Take I-64 to Rockfish Gap; head north to Big Run Overlook, about mile 81.25, just south of Doyles River Parking. Car shuttle to Brown Mountain Overlook, just north of mile 77.

If Erick Clepper is unavailable Oct. 17: Spy Rock/Crabtree Falls, 8.5 miles. John Shannon leads a hike that may have fine fall colors, with great views from Spy Rock and the top of Crabtree Falls. Start at the Montebello fish hatchery, climb to the AT, then up to spectacular Spy Rock (rock scramble required). Continue on AT over Maintop Mtn. to Crabtree Meadows and Crabtree Falls. 1600’ climb, 2700’ descent. Car shuttle required. Directions: South on 29 past Lovingston, then to 56. Stop at Crabtree Falls parking, about 12 miles west of 151, to setup car shuttle. Parking fee for Crabtree Falls.

Oct. 24:
Trail care. Perhaps the last of vegetation removal for the year.


Oct. 31: Hannah Run, Catlett Spur, White Rocks Trail, Hazel River/Hazel Mtn, Catlett Mountain, 10 miles.
Jere Bidwell leads this hike is in the northern part of the Central District of SNP. Starting from the Pinnacles Overlook at Milepost 35 on Skyline Drive, we’ll descend along Hannah Run Trail to its intersection with Catlett Spur. After a couple of minor stream crossings, we’ll hook-up with the White Rocks Trail (with a potential side trip to a waterfall and cave). At the junction of White Rocks and the Hazel River Trails, (another stream crossing) we’ll break for lunch alongside Runyon's Run. Then the ascent begins along the Hazel Mtn. Trail, passing by stone walls that were once boundaries for private property owners before the establishment of SNP. The circuit ends by ascending Catlett Mountain and then retracing our steps on Hannah Run. Estimated Overall elevation change is 2000'+. Directions: Take Rt. 29 north to Madison. Go north on Rt. 231 to Sperryville, then west on Rt. 211 to the Thornton Gap Entrance Station. Go south on Skyline Drive for about 4 miles to the Pinnacles Overlook.

Nov. 7: Dripping Rock to Humpback Rock, 5 miles.
Iva Gillet leads a stroll along the AT starting at Dripping Rock and ending with the most popular panoramic view in the area- Humpback Rock. This hike will appeal to those who don’t like extensive climbs, as we’ll be approaching Humpback from the top. Bring a friend who has been wanting to hike but was waiting for an easy one! Car Shuttle required. Directions: Take I-64 to Rockfish Gap, go south on Blue Ridge Parkway.

Nov. 14: Rose River/Dark Hollow Falls 5 miles.
Iva Gillet leads this fairly easy hike, which starts at the Fishers Gap. First we take Rose River Trail, which has a small water fall, then pass an old mining area. The adventurous may head up a hill to search for the old mine shaft; it’s up there, the editor saw it in January, has pictures and GPS fix- N38º31.711’ W078º 24.667’ about 500’ from the trail. Then climb up alongside Dark Hollow Falls. Note: companion animals will take the fire road back rather than Dark Hollow Falls Trail (park regulation). Directions: Take Route 29N to Route 33, then 33W to Skyline Drive, then head north past Big Meadows picnic grounds to Fishers Gap, about mile 49.25.

Nov. 21: Turk Hollow from Sugar Hollow Reservoir, 10 miles.
Lindsay Brown leads. Park at the reservoir, cross the Moormans River and follow the fire road up past Blue Hole. There are several stream crossings along the fire road. Connect with Turk Gap trail and follow to Skyline Drive. We will cross the drive and follow the Turk Mtn. trail to the end. After lunch, we will retrace our steps back to the Reservoir. Directions: Take Barracks Road past Foxfield race course to White Hall, and continue straight on Route 614 where it meets Route 810.

Nov. 28: Austin Mountain, 9 miles.
John Shannon offers an opportunity to work off Thanksgiving excesses and avoid shopping crowds. Climb Austin Mountain to look into Madison Run valley, return via Madison Run fire road. Rocky trail early; no significant stream crossings expected. Directions: Take I-64 to Rockfish Gap, then 250 to Waynesboro, turn right at traffic lights on to 340 north. Go 15 miles to Grottoes, turn right on 663 and go about 3 miles until pavement ends. About 42 miles.

Dec. 5: Trail care.
Probably clearing drains in preparation for winter.


Dec. 12: Crabtree Falls, 5 miles.
Iva Gillet. Join us for one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the East! The steps are better than a Stairmaster, so come build up your quads while walking beside an amazing display of what gravity does with water. Everyone should know this hike, so bring a friend who wants to experience some natural beauty! Directions. Take 29 south past Lovingston; turn right on route 56 and follow it across Route 151. Stay on route 56 and pass through Tyro; look for Crabtree Falls parking about 2 miles after passing through Nash. $3/car parking fee.

Dec. 19: Lewis Peak, 10 miles.
Leader: John Shannon. This out-and-back hike is in the Southern District, SNP. It mainly follows ridges on Big Run Loop Trail, then Rockytop Trail, then Lewis Peak Trail, so there will be minimal sustained climb. Lunch will likely be at scenic Lewis Peak. Directions: Take 64W to Rockfish Gap, go north 22 miles on Skyline Drive to Browns Gap at milepost 83, about 46 miles each way.

Dec. 26: Rocky Mount, 10 miles.
John Shannon leads a post-Christmas exercise (even if we were to do a 7-mile out and back). About 2500’ of climbing for circuit. A couple of stream crossings in this remote area. Directions: Take 29N and 33W to Swift Run Gap, head south about 10.5 miles on Skyline Drive to Two Mile Run Overlook just mile 76.