Everyone who goes to UVA should hike Old Rag at least once. It’s a beautiful granite mountain about an hour’s drive away, featuring an 8-1/2 mile circuit hike with half a mile of boulder scrabble at the top of the mountain. Expect to slide, stoop, and jump! When we get to the top, we’ll have lunch, chill out, and admire …
Announcements
Backpacking Dolly Sods
Come explore rocky plains and upland bogs while catching some autumn vistas on the Allegheny Plateau during this 2 night backpacking trip. We will arrive Friday night and hike one to two miles by headlamp to our campsite. On Saturday we will explore the wind swept plains and set up camp along a river. On Sunday we will return to …
Overnight Backpacking @ St Mary’s Wilderness
We’ll start from the Blue Ridge Parkway on Saturday and hike down to a waterfall and some swimming holes. I think it’s about a 3 – 4 mile hike. We’ll try to claim a good site to set up camp and spend the afternoon and night relaxing by / in the river. On Sunday we’ll escape the way we came. …
Hiking the “Triple Crown”
Yes, the title is a little cheesy but the guide book said it not me. The triple crown refers to a hike that includes Dragon’s Tooth, McAfee Knob, and Tinker cliffs. These peaks have some of the best vistas in VA and on the AT for that matter. We’re going to shoot for 12 miles a day which shouldn’t be …
Leg 1 of Summer: Dolly Sods
CAUTION! Old mortar shells from military exercises during World War II are occasionally found in the Scenic Area. They should be considered extremely dangerous. If one is found, DO NOT TOUCH. They are unstable and may explode. Report it to the District Ranger in Petersburg at (304) 257-4488. That’s the kind of excitement that awaits us in the Dolly Sods …
Leg 1 of Summer: Vancouver, Bc
I flew threw Vancouver last summer, and I’ve wanted to go back ever since. It’s a pretty spectacular city. Set on a sound, surrounded by the towering Pacific Rockies, to-be host of the 2010 Olympic games. Tickets from Dulles are about 440 right now, and I don’t know how long that will last. I want to get some and go …
Leg 1 of Summer: Hawaii?
The unlying Internet tells me Hawaii beckons at the mere cost of a 680 dollar flight from Dulles. I’ve wanted to go for a while, so this May I think I might. My family has old friend out there – a cool and funny couple who are happy in the way of old people ironically satisfied with the turns of …
Overnight Backpacking- St. Mary’s Wilderness!
If you missed the trip to Saint Mary’s last weekend, here’s your second chance! Saint Mary’s Wilderness is part of the George Washington State Forest, which is about an hour from Charlottesville. We’ll hike a 17.5-mile loop over 2 days, heading out early on Saturday morning, camping in the forest on Saturday night, and hiking out and driving home on …
Grayson Highlands Winter Backpacking
If you like putting on frozen solid boots in the morning this trip could be for you! The Mt Roger’s and Grayson Highlands areas offer exquisite beauty with 360 degree views. Hopefully we can share these views with the free roaming ponies (i have no idea if the ponies are left out during the winter). We will do some night …
Dolly Sods Reconnaissance Mission
Who: A group of hearty souls ready for a beating. Where: Canaan Valley and Dolly Sods When: February 10th – 12th Goal: Gain access to Dolly Sods. I’ve been trying to find the best winter access to Dolly Soggy for backpacking trips. It’s time to test out some of the options. On Friday evening we will drive to Canaan Valley …
Winter Hike and Waterfalls in Shenendoah
The Cedar Run & Whiteoak Canyon trail parallels several beautiful waterfalls. The first half of the 9-mile loop, we’ll hike downhill to the bottom of a valley, and we’ll hike out for the second half. There’s also a natural waterslide, so if sliding into a freezing pond during the heart of winter sounds appealing, bring a bathing suit and towel! …
Backpacking – Apple Orchard Falls
Join me for a weekend of tramping in the Blue Ridge Mountains. We’ll head out onto the Appalachian Trail Friday night, hiking under one mile by headlamp to the Thunder Hill Shelter (lean-to). On Saturday we’ll take the Apple Orchard Falls Trail and Cornelius Creek Trail, ending up back on the AT at the Cornelius Creek Shelter for Saturday night …
Easy Sunday Afternoon Hike
The sun is back out…Let’s go for a hike! We’ll hike about 4 miles in the Ivy Creek Natural Area. Please bring one liter of water, sunscreen and wear good hiking shoes. Remember to dress in layers. Wool and synthetics are recommended over cotton.
Grand Canyon Service and Backpacking
They canceled my freaking J-Term class. So I’m going to go do something I like more anyway. That is: go to the Grand Canyon, backpack, volunteer, and camp from Jan 4- Jan 10. Basically, I signed up for a program managed by the National Park Service, and Grand Canyon Volunteering specifically. They provide food, organization, and special gear. Volunteers provide …
Jones Run/ Doyle River Hike!
Let’s get some fresh air and exercise before Thanksgiving! The Jones Run/ Doyle River trail is located in Shenendoah Naitonal Park. This 7-mile loop will take us past several waterfalls, and since it’s a circuit we won’t have to repeat ourselves on the way back! The forcast looks good for Friday, so the hike should be beautiful! I have made …
Saturday Beginner Hike, Followed by Lunch at 4000ft
We’re going to Little Stony Man summit and Little Stony Man Cliffs on the Shenandoah National Park, and having lunch at 4000ft (or thereabouts). (; We’ll warm up with an easy hike from the parking lot to the summit, before hiking about 1.5 miles up to the cliff face for lunch. This is a spectacular view of the surrounding countryside …
Thanksgiving Break: Backpacking Roan & the Humps (Second Half)
The Thankgiving Break backpacking trip is now split into two halves. The first half will leave on Saturday morning (19th) and return to Charlottesville on the 23rd (possibly the 22nd). The second half will run from the 22nd to the 26th (this group will meet us at a predetermined location). While the location is not yet set in stone, we …
Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics Discussion
[NOTE: This is a public event and also is being advertised by Ivy Creek Foundation. Depending on response, I may need to make it be 3pm-5pm instead, in whcih case I’ll let attendees know. Also, I don’t have a car and so can’t offer to drive; on Saturday I’ll email all attendees each others’ email addresses so you can get …
Thanksgiving Break: Backpacking Roan & the Humps (First Half)
The Thankgiving Break backpacking trip is now split into two halves. The first half will leave on Saturday morning (19th) and return to Charlottesville on the 23rd (possibly the 22nd). The second half will run from the 22nd to the 26th (this group will meet us at a predetermined location). While the location is not yet set in stone, we …
Spring Break – Climbing at Red Rocks and Hiking the Canyons of Zion National Park
Join us for climbing and hiking out west over spring break! Short Itinerary: Day 1: Fly out to Las Vegas, NV from Washington D.C. Days 2-6: Climb at Red Rock Canyon Days 7-8: Hike, camp overnight at Zion Day 9: Flight from Las Vegas to DC Long Description: We’ll climb at Red Rock Canyon for the first 5 days. To …
Devil’s Marbleyard- Take Three
So, we’ve had a little difficulty getting this trip off the ground (bad weather, lack of drivers) but I’m going to try one last time! This is an EXCELLENT hike- I did it last year and can’t wait to go back! If it weren’t already cool enough, it’s name is thematic for Halloween! Devil’s Marbleyard is tucked deep into Arnold’s …
Backpacking Dolly Sods, Part 2
Come explore the rocky plains and upland bogs while catching your last autumn foliage vistas on the Allegheny Plateau during this 2 night backpacking trip. The plan is to arrive Friday night, and hike about one mile by headlamp to our campsite. On Saturday we will explore the wind swept plains and plan our day as we go. On Sunday …
Devil’s Marbleyard- Take Two
Okay, the trip on Friday was cancelled, so we’re going to try again this Sunday (tomorrow)…This is an EXCELLENT hike- I did it last year and can’t wait to go back! Devil’s Marbleyard is tucked deep into Arnold’s Valley. Although not very well-known, it is one of the most spectacular hikes in Virginia because it has fun scrambling and great …
Friday Hike at Devil’s Marbleyard!
This is an EXCELLENT hike- I did it last year and can’t wait to go back! Devil’s Marbleyard is tucked deep into Arnold’s Valley. Although not very well-known, it is one of the most spectacular hikes in Virginia because it has fun scrambling and great views. The drive to the trailhead will take 1 1/2-2 hours, and we’ll start with …
Backpacking Dolly Sods
In May, six brave souls from the club ventured into the Monongahela forest in an endeavor to help with a park-wide effort to reduce the snipe infestation problem at Dolly Sods. Traps were set and now they need checking. Join me for Snipe Eradication Phase II. Hopefully we’ll be able to enjoy fresh Snipe roasted over the campfire for dinner! …
Glade Creek Hiking
Located in the soutern part of the NRG, Glade Creek is a tributary to the New River. It is less commercialized than the rest of the gorge, but just as beautiful. It is also a slightly shorter drive than fayetteville. We’ll leave UVA Friday afternoon and set up camp at the northern trailhead, where Glade Creek flows into the New …
Intermediate Backpacking Trip to Mt. Rogers!
Looking for a way to spend Fall Break this year? Mount Rogers is the highest peak in Virginia, and we’ll be taking in the gorgeous views as we hike to the top. The area offers great opportunities for some creek splashing, bouldering, and wildlife sighting. You might get to hold a black and gold salamander, or perhaps even kiss one …
Fall Break at Old Rag- Later Trip
So…you’re not doing anything cool for “reading” break. Now you can! The hike to Old Rag Mountain offeres SPECTACULAR views. This is one of the most popular hikes in Virginia, and it’s a club favorite! There is another club trip to Old Rag that is leaving at 8:30 am, so this is your chance to still enjoy the outdoors if …
Intermediate Backpacking: Tinker Cliffs and Mc Afee Knob
McAfee Knob, near Roanoke, is considered by many to have the best view in Virginia. The cliff, a few hundred feet wide is the most photographed place on all the Appalachian Trail. “Giant rock fingers jut out from it to form overhangs that extend more than 20 ft. beyond the supporting rock below.”~http://gorp.away.com Add in Tinker Cliffs, a half mile …
Dayhike at Riprap Hollow
Riprap Hollow is a 9.6-mile hike through Shenendoah National Park. We’ll get some great views on Skyline Drive (if it’s not foggy) and then hike past waterfalls into a beautiful gorge with a swimming hole! Get out of the library and into the woods to enjoy this outstanding weather while it lasts! What to bring: LOTS of water, lunch, snacks, …
Hiking/Backpacking Extravaganza
We will be hiking the AT/Mau Har Trail Loop. This is a strenuous circuit hike that follows along the Appalachian Trail and then returns via the Mah- Har Trail, but split up over two days it should not be too bad. Total miles for this hike is about 13-14 miles. Three Ridges is a beautiful mountain that towers three thousand …
Shenandoah Hiking & Backpacking
This is rather a relaxing trip to the nearest national park. It’s aimed to get an impression of Virginia nature beauty. Sat. we will drive to the park, camp at Big Meadows campground (~$20 for site) then from there hike to Dark Hollow Falls (~5 miles easy/moderate round trip hike) and to Lewis Spring Falls (~3 miles). In the evening …
Chill Backpacking Trip to a Beautiful Lake
We’ll be heading out to Lake Moomaw on Friday for a nice relaxing trip. We’ll hike 3.3 miles to “the primitive campsites at Greenwood Point on Lake Moomaw” The hike is pretty strenuous, but well worth it! We will be “rewarded with a quieter camp of much less human activity where we can enjoy golden sunrises, and pink sunsets reflected …
Backpacking: Mau-Har Trail and Three Ridges
Come enjoy a beautiful part of the George Washington National Forest July 22nd to the 24th. On Friday evening we will park at Reed’s Gap on the Blue Ridge Parkway and tramp south on the Appalachian Trail, 1.7 miles to the Maupin Field Shelter. On Saturday, the Mau-Har trail will welcome us with plenty of waterfalls, cascades, and swimming holes. …
Geocaching
MountainTechs.com, BRMS and CEI-Star have been sponsoring a geocaching event in Charlottesville that ends June 25. The challenge is to solve what is known as a “puzzle cache.” Just figure out the clues, then use a GPS to find a series of “caches” that are located in public places in and around town. Successfully complete the puzzle cache and you …
Backpacking: Tibbet Knob
I led this exact same trip back in Febuary. The differnce is that this trip will take place in temperatures that are 50 degrees warmer! If you are particularly prone to heat exhaustion- then trip may not be for you. The high on Saturday may reach 90 degrees! We will begin our trip at Wolfe Gap- on the VA/WVA border. …
No Soap Allowed Backpacking at Dolly Sods!
Join me for 4 days of backpacking and fumigating in Dolly Sods Wilderness Area. No soap is allowed on this trip; anyone caught trying to reduce their God-given natural fragrance will be tied to a tree and left. For extra points, you can abstain from showering before the trip, too! The idea is to help with a park-wide effort to …
Arizona-Utah Canyons’ Trip
Does somebody want to join me for 2 weeks trip trough spectacular canyons of Utha & Arizona? We will take a plane from Dullas to Las Vegas, then rent a car in the airport and drive east-north to Kanab and Paria Canyon. If we will be lucky we will get a permit for The Wave trial and go on it …
Extremely Chill Backpacking Trip
We’ll be heading out to Lake Moomaw on Saturday for a nice relaxing trip. We’ll hike 3.3 miles to “the primitive campsites at Greenwood Point on Lake Moomaw” (the hike is “moderately strenuous”). We will be “rewarded with a quieter camp of much less human activity where we can enjoy golden sunrises, and pink sunsets reflected in the lake and …
Stove Workshop
When you are wet, hungry, exhausted, and out in the middle of nowhere, there is truly nothing better than hearing the comforting roar of a camp stove. (The presence of a beautiful woman is a close second…) If you have any aspirations for leading/joining overnight outdoors trips, then this is your chance to learn all about backcountry stoves. In this …
Backpacking at Laurel Fork!
Fact: Laurel Fork is “one of the few places in VA to have a known population of northern flying squirrels” This trip involves a 14 mile round trip hike that we will split over Friday and Saturday. We’ll either finish 7 each day, or 4 on Friday and 10 on Saturday depending on when we can head out of Charlottesville. …
Spring Break Backpacking at St. Mary’s (Not Mt. Rogers) (Not Dolly Sods) (3/4-3/8)
(2/25/05) – I have decided to abadon the idea of Dolly Sods due to the harsh weather. We will be doing St. Mary’s instead. Come spend the first half of your spring break backpacking through St. Mary’s! The plan is to leave either Friday afternoon or early Saturday morning. The drive is a little over 3 hours. We’ll get at …
Spring Break Backpacking/Hiking in Southern California
This trip is gonna be amazing! We are going March 4-13th. Friday morning we drive together to D.C. to catch our flight to Los Angeles (LAX). I’d like to get us all on the same flight to make everything easier. I’ve seen deals for only $250! Once in LA, we drive to Joshua Tree National Park. Yay! This is in …
Backpacking: Big Schloss/Tibbet Knob
We will begin our trip at Wolfe Gap- on the VA/WVA border. From here we will break out the headlamps and hike to the beautiful summit of Tibbet knob. The trail has some suprisingly steep sections, but is only about a mile and a half long. We will camp high- enjoying good food and good views from our tents. The …
Day Hike: White Rocks
This hike will take place in the George Washington National Forest on “Little Sluice Mountain” on the VA/WVA border. It is extremely remote and is rarely hiked. If you think you have heard of it- you are confused! lol. The trail will ascend a scenic ridge which leads to a protruding rock formation called, thats right, white rocks! The valley …
Winterbreak in California!!
There has been a large interest among club members to get to California at some point in their life to experience all the beauty it has to offer. How does this winterbreak sound?! If you have never experienced California before, then this is a great opportunity. I’ll be setting up this trip for 5 club members between December 27 and …
Day Hike: North Mountain
After posting two movie nights in just a matter of days; I thought it necessary to make up for such sedentary events by offering a grueling day hike. This hike is on the VA/ WVA border. (IT is not to be confused with Great North Mountain) The hike will begin on top of a ridge that has a very exposed …
Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics Discussion
“Leave No Trace (LNT) is a program that strives to educate visitors to public lands about the nature of their recreational impacts as well as techniques to prevent and minimize such impacts. LNT is best understood as an educational and ethical program, not as a set of rules and regulations. It’s a way of governing ourselves so that the government …
Hiking/Camping in Shenandoah
If you still haven’t got plans for reading break, why don’t you take a couple of days out of your 4-day weekend and soak up some pretty scenery at our local national park? This trip will include a moderate (6-8 mile) hike on Sat. and camping out at Big Meadows campsite on Sat. night. Should leave plenty of time for …
Backpack Workshop, Backpacking Series
We will show you how to adjust several straps of a backpack. how to pack it for different kind of trips. difference of backpacks… if you have a backpack you are welcome to bring it and show it to others, backpacks are different. This workshop is from backpacking series. We had tents workshop that I think people liked it. we …