Hike Schedule
Upcoming Events
Our upcoming schedule is below. We have separated our schedule to include hikes and worktrips in one section and and other activities and later events in another.
Headings are now color-coded:
Hikes
Work Trips
Other activities
Our upcoming schedule is below. We have separated our schedule to include hikes and worktrips in one section and and other activities and later events in another.
Headings are now color-coded:
Hikes
Work Trips
Other activities
Please note: hikes are added and changed throughout the month. Please check back often, follow us on Facebook, and be sure you are receiving our emails to ensure timely notifications.
SSVC APRIL HIKES, WORK TRIPS, & ACTIVITIES
Thursday, April 25th: SNP-Hawksbills to Big Meadows
This will be a strenuous hike of about 9 miles with around 2000' of up and 2000 ft of down elevation change. After meeting at the Byrd Visitor Center we will set up a shuttle to Upper Hawksbill Parking. After hiking to Hawksbill Summit we will hike back to the Byrd Visitor Center using the AT, Rose River, and Dark Hollow Trails. Great Views, Waterfalls, and hopefully some Wildflowers along the way.
Hike limit is 12. Sorry,
No Dogs for this hike.
For additional details and to register contact Howard Davis at hsdhiker@gmail.com
Saturday, April 27th: Riverfest, Waynesboro
Our chapter will host a table at Earth Day Staunton. 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.
Please contact Michael Groah, groahmb@gmail.com, if you can help.
Saturday, April 27: Wildflower Hike South River Falls to Pocosin Trail
10 mile loop. Hope to see a good variety of spring wildflowers on this 10 mile loop. Contact Michael Seth for more information and to register (sethmj@jmu.edu)
Sunday, April 28: Brown Mountain/Rocky Mountain Run Loop
One of Rob's favorite hikes; a less well traversed gem in the Southern District that offers a little bit of everything. There are a couple deep crossings of Big Run. The hike will be moderate difficulty, approximately 10.3 miles at a 2-2.5 mph pace.
We will meet at 9:00 am at the Brown Mountain Overlook.
Brown Mountain Hike (hikingupward.com)
Please reach out to hike leader Rob Perry at robert.m.perry4@gmail.com or (814)504-6089.
Other Activities and Future Hikes & Work Trips
Thursday, May 2nd: Neighbor Mountain- Jeremys Run
A strenuous shuttle hike of about 11 miles and 2000' elevation gain and loss using the Neighbor Mountain and Jeremy's Run Trails in the Northern Section of the SNP. We will hike across Neighbor Mountain before a steep descent to Jeremy Run. Then a lovely hike up Jeremys Run Trail with numerous stream crossings before returning to our cars at Elkwallow,
Hike limited to 10 participants.
Sorry, No Dogs for this hike.
To register contact Howard Davis hsdhiker@gmail.com
Friday, May 3: Lost River State Park
Approximately 8 miles, moderate/strenuous
We will explore trails in Lost River State Park located in Mathias, WV. Some of the trails are quite the climb but the views are beautiful. We will enjoy the view at Cranny Crow and visit a cabin and fire tower on the ridge. We will see signs of recent wildfire along the trails.
Contact hike leader Pam Heinrich, pamheinrich13@gmail.com or 540-290-5595.
Friday, May 3 - Sunday, May 5: Women's Weekend
PATC is hosting a Women's Weekend!
Join PATC for a weekend of hiking, camping, yoga, and most importantly, s'mores! This event is open to all women/femme identifying folks who are current PATC members. We will also offer a select number of spots for people who would only like to join on a day hike Saturday. Register and find more info at:
https://potomactrailclub.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/potomactrailclub/event.jsp?event=3&
Kristine Villatoro: outreachsup@patc.net, Supervisor of Outreach
Saturday, May 4th: Club maintenance work day is scheduled.
Contact Jeff Bolander if interested.
Wednesday, May 8 (Rain Date May 15): Cowbane Prairie Natural Area Preserve Educational Walk-and-Talk.
Virginia Greene (Natural Heritage steward) works on managing the preserves in the Shenandoah Valley Region. She will do an educational walk-and-talk of the natural area in Stuarts Draft. This preserve consists of 156 acres with outstanding examples of the prairies plants that were once common in this area: mesic and wet prairie habitats, spring fed marsh, rare plants and two watch listed freshwater mussel species in the South River. There will be information on the history, current status and future goals of this special area.
Limit will be 15 participants.
Contact Mike/Karen Waterman to sign up for this activity and receive more details: karenswaterman@gmail.com or 540 290 8304.
Saturday, May 11th: Trail Magic Day
South River Falls Picnic Area
In partnership with the Harrisonburg AT community.
SSVC is holding a Trail Magic Day on Saturday, May 11th. We will be working with the Harrisonburg AT Trail Community group to set up some magic at South River Falls Picnic Area in SNP. We are looking for both volunteers to help out at the event and donations of food or drinks for thru-hikers. The tables will be set up for hikers from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. SSVC usually covers the morning shift with the Harrisonburg group coming in around 11:00, but we can use volunteers anytime during the day for however long you can stay.
Suggested trail magic foods/beverages include the following:
Please contact Jean Stephens (jtstephens12@yahoo.com) if you can volunteer or help out with donations. It is always a fun time and we would love to see you there.
Saturday, May 11: PATC Hike Leader Class
Join PATC for a 2 hour in-person class. Open to current PATC members who are working towards their Hike Leadership Certification and have completed the required prerequisites.
https://potomactrailclub.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/potomactrailclub/event.jsp?event=8&
Saturday, May 18th: Mount Pleasant
This is the third in a series of hikes in the Jefferson National Forest in an area of the Blue Ridge Mountains about an hour or more south of Staunton. "Given the stunning views from Mount Pleasant and the relative ease of reaching its summit, this hike may well offer one of the best payoffs in the Shenandoah Valley." This hike will be a 6.5-mile round trip with 1,781 feet of elevation gain as described in the Appalachian Mountain Club publication Best Day Hikes in the Shenandoah Valley (trip # 45). Inclement weather will cancel. The hike is limited to 10 participants and dogs are OK.
To register please e-mail jlkolp@yahoo.com.
Thursday, May 16 - Sunday, May 19th: Damascus Trail Days
Pam has booked an AirBnb near Damascus from Thursday, May 16 through Sunday, May 19. Plans are to hike some of the AT south of Damascus (AT in TN) and go to trail days. It might be crazy times, but we want to see it at least once!!
Space is limited and participants must be willing to pay their part of the rental. House has 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths.
Contact Pam for more information and to join (pamheinrich13@gmail.com or 540-290-5595).
Thursday, May 23 - Tuesday, May 28: AT in Pennsylvania
Hike the northern most miles of the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania. We will arrive Thursday to settle in and make our hiking plans for the next days. We will hike Friday through Tuesday, leaving for home after Tuesday hike. Accommodations plans are still being made between camping at Evergreen Lake Campground and renting an Airbnb near Saylorsburg, PA. Participants can help decide. Hikes can be completed in any order but are listed below from south to north. 1) Lehigh Gap to Little Gap = 4.9 miles
2) Little Gap to Smith Gap = 7.3 miles
3) Smith Gap to Wind Gap = 8.1 miles
4) Wind Gap to Fox Gap = 8.1 miles
5) Fox Gap to Delaware Water Gap (New Jersey line) = 7.2 miles
Join us for all or some of the hike.
Contact Pam Heinrich if interested (pamheinrich13@gmail.com or 540-290-5595)
May 27-31: Grayson Highlands State Park Camping
Great time of year to visit Grayson Highlands and the Mt Rogers Recreation Area. Spring flowers, bird migration, and day hikes. Or create your own biking and other adventures. Group campsite has been reserved with the cost to be determined by # of campers, Arrival is set for Monday, May 27th and departure on Friday, May 31st. Or you can also reserve your own individual site (Limited) or rent a cabin and join us during the day. And OK to stay fewer nights if needed. Limit of 12 with no dogs on this trip.
For additional Information and to register contact Howard Davis at hsdhiker@gmail.com .
Saturday, June 1st: National Trails Day
SSVC will host a table and offer hikes at Loft Mountain in Shenandoah National Park on June 1 for National Trail Day. More details will be shared as the day get closer. Contact Pam Henrich, pamheinrich13@gmail.com or John Kolp jlkolp@yahoo.com to volunteer or get involved.
Saturday, June 8th: City of Waynesboro Hikerfest
The City of Waynesboro VA is hosting its Hikerfest on June 8th, 2024. More information to come regarding the event and possible opportunity for SSVC to share an information booth with with the Old Dominion ATC.
November 8-11, 2024 - PATC Fall TrailFest - Save the Date!
Plans are in the works for the first PATC Fall TrailFest at Caroline Furnace Lutheran Camp. It will be a weekend packed with hikes, trail maintenance, demonstrations from PATC crews, and fun activities for all ages. The PATC annual meeting will be held on Saturday evening. So plan to come out and enjoy a weekend of fun!
SSVC APRIL HIKES, WORK TRIPS, & ACTIVITIES
Thursday, April 25th: SNP-Hawksbills to Big Meadows
This will be a strenuous hike of about 9 miles with around 2000' of up and 2000 ft of down elevation change. After meeting at the Byrd Visitor Center we will set up a shuttle to Upper Hawksbill Parking. After hiking to Hawksbill Summit we will hike back to the Byrd Visitor Center using the AT, Rose River, and Dark Hollow Trails. Great Views, Waterfalls, and hopefully some Wildflowers along the way.
Hike limit is 12. Sorry,
No Dogs for this hike.
For additional details and to register contact Howard Davis at hsdhiker@gmail.com
Saturday, April 27th: Riverfest, Waynesboro
Our chapter will host a table at Earth Day Staunton. 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.
Please contact Michael Groah, groahmb@gmail.com, if you can help.
Saturday, April 27: Wildflower Hike South River Falls to Pocosin Trail
10 mile loop. Hope to see a good variety of spring wildflowers on this 10 mile loop. Contact Michael Seth for more information and to register (sethmj@jmu.edu)
Sunday, April 28: Brown Mountain/Rocky Mountain Run Loop
One of Rob's favorite hikes; a less well traversed gem in the Southern District that offers a little bit of everything. There are a couple deep crossings of Big Run. The hike will be moderate difficulty, approximately 10.3 miles at a 2-2.5 mph pace.
We will meet at 9:00 am at the Brown Mountain Overlook.
Brown Mountain Hike (hikingupward.com)
Please reach out to hike leader Rob Perry at robert.m.perry4@gmail.com or (814)504-6089.
Other Activities and Future Hikes & Work Trips
Thursday, May 2nd: Neighbor Mountain- Jeremys Run
A strenuous shuttle hike of about 11 miles and 2000' elevation gain and loss using the Neighbor Mountain and Jeremy's Run Trails in the Northern Section of the SNP. We will hike across Neighbor Mountain before a steep descent to Jeremy Run. Then a lovely hike up Jeremys Run Trail with numerous stream crossings before returning to our cars at Elkwallow,
Hike limited to 10 participants.
Sorry, No Dogs for this hike.
To register contact Howard Davis hsdhiker@gmail.com
Friday, May 3: Lost River State Park
Approximately 8 miles, moderate/strenuous
We will explore trails in Lost River State Park located in Mathias, WV. Some of the trails are quite the climb but the views are beautiful. We will enjoy the view at Cranny Crow and visit a cabin and fire tower on the ridge. We will see signs of recent wildfire along the trails.
Contact hike leader Pam Heinrich, pamheinrich13@gmail.com or 540-290-5595.
Friday, May 3 - Sunday, May 5: Women's Weekend
PATC is hosting a Women's Weekend!
Join PATC for a weekend of hiking, camping, yoga, and most importantly, s'mores! This event is open to all women/femme identifying folks who are current PATC members. We will also offer a select number of spots for people who would only like to join on a day hike Saturday. Register and find more info at:
https://potomactrailclub.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/potomactrailclub/event.jsp?event=3&
Kristine Villatoro: outreachsup@patc.net, Supervisor of Outreach
Saturday, May 4th: Club maintenance work day is scheduled.
Contact Jeff Bolander if interested.
Wednesday, May 8 (Rain Date May 15): Cowbane Prairie Natural Area Preserve Educational Walk-and-Talk.
Virginia Greene (Natural Heritage steward) works on managing the preserves in the Shenandoah Valley Region. She will do an educational walk-and-talk of the natural area in Stuarts Draft. This preserve consists of 156 acres with outstanding examples of the prairies plants that were once common in this area: mesic and wet prairie habitats, spring fed marsh, rare plants and two watch listed freshwater mussel species in the South River. There will be information on the history, current status and future goals of this special area.
Limit will be 15 participants.
Contact Mike/Karen Waterman to sign up for this activity and receive more details: karenswaterman@gmail.com or 540 290 8304.
Saturday, May 11th: Trail Magic Day
South River Falls Picnic Area
In partnership with the Harrisonburg AT community.
SSVC is holding a Trail Magic Day on Saturday, May 11th. We will be working with the Harrisonburg AT Trail Community group to set up some magic at South River Falls Picnic Area in SNP. We are looking for both volunteers to help out at the event and donations of food or drinks for thru-hikers. The tables will be set up for hikers from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. SSVC usually covers the morning shift with the Harrisonburg group coming in around 11:00, but we can use volunteers anytime during the day for however long you can stay.
Suggested trail magic foods/beverages include the following:
- soda or Gatorade
- fruit (grapes, apples, bananas)
- deviled or hard-boiled eggs
- carrots, celery, etc.
- protein bars
- cookies/brownies/doughnuts
- ham and cheese sliders
- mixed nuts
- coffee (to include creamers and sugars)/teabags/hot chocolate
Please contact Jean Stephens (jtstephens12@yahoo.com) if you can volunteer or help out with donations. It is always a fun time and we would love to see you there.
Saturday, May 11: PATC Hike Leader Class
Join PATC for a 2 hour in-person class. Open to current PATC members who are working towards their Hike Leadership Certification and have completed the required prerequisites.
https://potomactrailclub.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/potomactrailclub/event.jsp?event=8&
Saturday, May 18th: Mount Pleasant
This is the third in a series of hikes in the Jefferson National Forest in an area of the Blue Ridge Mountains about an hour or more south of Staunton. "Given the stunning views from Mount Pleasant and the relative ease of reaching its summit, this hike may well offer one of the best payoffs in the Shenandoah Valley." This hike will be a 6.5-mile round trip with 1,781 feet of elevation gain as described in the Appalachian Mountain Club publication Best Day Hikes in the Shenandoah Valley (trip # 45). Inclement weather will cancel. The hike is limited to 10 participants and dogs are OK.
To register please e-mail jlkolp@yahoo.com.
Thursday, May 16 - Sunday, May 19th: Damascus Trail Days
Pam has booked an AirBnb near Damascus from Thursday, May 16 through Sunday, May 19. Plans are to hike some of the AT south of Damascus (AT in TN) and go to trail days. It might be crazy times, but we want to see it at least once!!
Space is limited and participants must be willing to pay their part of the rental. House has 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths.
Contact Pam for more information and to join (pamheinrich13@gmail.com or 540-290-5595).
Thursday, May 23 - Tuesday, May 28: AT in Pennsylvania
Hike the northern most miles of the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania. We will arrive Thursday to settle in and make our hiking plans for the next days. We will hike Friday through Tuesday, leaving for home after Tuesday hike. Accommodations plans are still being made between camping at Evergreen Lake Campground and renting an Airbnb near Saylorsburg, PA. Participants can help decide. Hikes can be completed in any order but are listed below from south to north. 1) Lehigh Gap to Little Gap = 4.9 miles
2) Little Gap to Smith Gap = 7.3 miles
3) Smith Gap to Wind Gap = 8.1 miles
4) Wind Gap to Fox Gap = 8.1 miles
5) Fox Gap to Delaware Water Gap (New Jersey line) = 7.2 miles
Join us for all or some of the hike.
Contact Pam Heinrich if interested (pamheinrich13@gmail.com or 540-290-5595)
May 27-31: Grayson Highlands State Park Camping
Great time of year to visit Grayson Highlands and the Mt Rogers Recreation Area. Spring flowers, bird migration, and day hikes. Or create your own biking and other adventures. Group campsite has been reserved with the cost to be determined by # of campers, Arrival is set for Monday, May 27th and departure on Friday, May 31st. Or you can also reserve your own individual site (Limited) or rent a cabin and join us during the day. And OK to stay fewer nights if needed. Limit of 12 with no dogs on this trip.
For additional Information and to register contact Howard Davis at hsdhiker@gmail.com .
Saturday, June 1st: National Trails Day
SSVC will host a table and offer hikes at Loft Mountain in Shenandoah National Park on June 1 for National Trail Day. More details will be shared as the day get closer. Contact Pam Henrich, pamheinrich13@gmail.com or John Kolp jlkolp@yahoo.com to volunteer or get involved.
Saturday, June 8th: City of Waynesboro Hikerfest
The City of Waynesboro VA is hosting its Hikerfest on June 8th, 2024. More information to come regarding the event and possible opportunity for SSVC to share an information booth with with the Old Dominion ATC.
November 8-11, 2024 - PATC Fall TrailFest - Save the Date!
Plans are in the works for the first PATC Fall TrailFest at Caroline Furnace Lutheran Camp. It will be a weekend packed with hikes, trail maintenance, demonstrations from PATC crews, and fun activities for all ages. The PATC annual meeting will be held on Saturday evening. So plan to come out and enjoy a weekend of fun!
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 allowed on our chapter hikes only when noted in the hike description.
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 allowed on our chapter hikes only when noted in the hike description.