This trip log may contain an affiliate ad banner and/or text link. If one clicks/taps on one of these links and then makes a purchase, I sometimes receive a small commission. Please patronize our advertisers. This roughly 4 mile linear group hike took place on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. It was sponsored by the
and was led by Dale Wurzer.
It was 77 degrees when I left Manassas, VA at around 6:30 AM. It was 63 degrees when I got on Skyline Drive within Shenandoah National Park, VA. I arrived at the meeting place around 7:45 AM. Too early as usual. Everyone else piled in around 9:15-9:30 AM. We had somewhere around 12 people show up.
Originally, we were supposed to hike a 5 mile horse trail between Lower Hawksbill Gap and Fishers Gap within SNP. However, our leader Dale informed us upon arrival that, after reconning this trail last week, they decided not to hike this trail because it was in bad shape. So instead, we hiked the AT between Lower Hawksbill and Fishers Gap, a distance of about 4 miles.
We got started at around 9:45 AM by shuttling three vehicles and all 12 of us to the Lower Hawksbill parking area. We then started the hike around 10:15 AM and headed southbound. Initially, there was a big up for about the first .4 miles. Then the trail leveled out, then had some ups and downs. We passed side trails for the Byrds Nest 2 and Rock Spring Shelters, the locked Rock Spring Cabin and Franklin Cliffs Overlook.
Mystery Ranch has packs for hunting, outdoor, fire, military and everyday use.The trail was a bit rocky but was well constructed. In certain areas you could see the rock cribbing holding up the downhill side of this trail. It looked to be constructed by the CCC but we weren’t sure. We passed or were passed by three or four other hikers on this stretch. I had last hiked this stretch of trail in 2000 when I section hiked the AT through SNP with two other hikers.
There were some great conversations along this trail by and with my fellow hikers. I learned about two backpacking groups out there. One is a MeetUp Group called NOVA Backpackers and another was called Blue Mountain. I’ll have to check them out as I can’t find anyone that wants to backpack with me.
About half way through this hike it started to get humid. However, the temperatures were only in the mid 70’s. We had some great views of the Shenandoah Valley at Franklin Cliffs Overlook. We had two hikers in this group that were 81 years old and were better hikers than myself. And I’m 70 years old. A few people hiking with us walked out to Skyline Drive at some point because they were hurting. They were picked up by the hike leader afterwards.
The hike ended around 12 noon. A number of people went to the Skyland restaurant afterwards but I didn’t go. I did some research after I got home and, according to the
There are stables at Skyland and an outside concessionaire leads horse and pony rides during the warmer months. I wonder if they still utilize the Skyland-Big Meadows Horse Trail? Anyway, this was an enjoyable hike. This group is comprised mostly of retirees like myself. They have been very nice to me and a pleasure to hike with.
Mike C
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