Hike: Crescent Rocks/Skyland, SNP, VA
About the event
Sign up link (please remember to fill in your required RSVP info): https://www.meetup.com/wanderbirds-hiking-club/events/316285962/?slug=wanderbirds-hiking-club&eventId=316285962 This hike explores the area that was most frequently visited in what is now Shenandoah National Park, but what was formerly the grounds of Skyland Resort. All hikers start at the Crescent Rocks overlook between the 44- and 45-mile markers on Skyline Drive. They will begin together by crossing Skyline Drive to the Crescent Rocks Trail, and continue on the Limberlost and White Oak Canyon Trails to a horse trail. From there they will take the horse trail past a fire road and go towards the Skyline Drive, crossing it to reach the north entrance of Skyland Resort. Moderate hikers will continue on the Appalachian Trail going south through the resort area and eventually returning to Crescent Rocks. Long hikers will take the AT north past the Little Stony Man overlook to the junction with the Passamaquoddy Trail, take the Passamaquoddy Trail to the path leading to the lodge at Skyland Resort, take a brief roadwalk to the stables, and from the stables take the AT south to Crescent Rocks. Note that both hikes offer the opportunity to visit Skyland itself, where one can purchase drinks and snacks, use the facilities, and read about the history of the resort, beginning with its origins in 1888.. Est.: 11 miles, 1900' elevation and 7.5 miles, 1500' elevation. PATC Map 9. Fare $33 plus park fee or pass. Note: there is usually a sufficient number of pass holders to cover all bus passengers. VA Hikes • [DC: Near 17th and K St. NW](https://bit.ly/17thandKnu) downtown (east side of Farragut Square). Bus leaves at 8 a.m. SHARP, so it's essential to arrive well before 8 am. • [Vienna Metro: NORTH parking lot](http://bit.ly/vienna-bus), last bus shelter (Nutley St. Exit off Interstate 66 on North/Vienna side of I-66) at approximately 8:25 a.m. Park at 9486 Virginia Center Blvd, Vienna, VA 22181 * • Caution: The "south" parking lot also has bus shelters. If by 8:15, you're not with a group of Wanderbirds hikers, you may be in the south lot. There's a walkway that passes the fare gates over I-66 to the north lot. RESERVATIONS Wanderbirds Hiking Club is a 501(c)(7) non-profit, and the public is invited on all hiking trips. Reservations are accepted as late as Saturday, but reserving as early in the week as possible helps ensure your spot and prevent cancellation of the hike due to low sign-ups. RSVP through Meetup and pay through PayPal. Please be sure your RSVP gives your full name and phone number and where you'll be boarding the bus. FIRST-TIME HIKERS If you're a first-time hiker with us, please notify the leaders in advance so they can make sure you have the info you need. Hikers must be able to keep a 2-mph (30 min/mile) pace. New hikers are required to first complete a moderate hike with us. LIABILITY WAIVER Many of our hikes take place in remote wilderness areas where cell phone service is not available. Any person participating in any Club activity is responsible for their own safety, health and welfare, and must assume all risks and liabilities related to all Club activities. The Club, its hike leaders, hike sweeps, officers, and other representatives are not liable for any injuries, losses, or damage to persons, children, pets, and/or property, arising from any trips or activities of the Club. You are responsible for bringing enough water, food, and first aid supplies, including those for your personal medical conditions. CANCELLATION POLICY To cancel and receive a full bus hike refund, less a $5 processing fee, you must change your RSVP to "No" on Meetup before NOON on the Friday before the hike. If you change your RSVP after twelve noon on the Friday before the hike, a refund will not be issued (but a 'rain-check' may be possible). Cancellations to Metro/carpool/trailhead hikes will not issue a financial refund, but hikers are implored to change their…
