Backpacking: Mau-Har Trail and Three Ridges

OVERVIEW

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. We will only be hiking about 3 to 5 miles on Saturday so there will be plenty of time to relax, swim and explore, or maybe to wish that it weren’t raining. If we find a good campsite near the last set of waterfalls we may decide to make it our home for the night. Otherwise we will head on and camp out near the Harper’s Creek Shelter. At camp we can practice our fire starting and bear bagging skills, catch fireflies, tell ghost stories, sleep, or scare ourselves sleepless.

After a night of strange woodland noises we will head north on the Appalachian Trail back to Reed’s Gap (8 to 10 miles depending on where we stay Saturday). Sunday’s highlight will be a rewarding climb up Three Ridges and some good food back in c’ville for anyone still awake and functioning.

This can be a strenuous hike with a loaded pack but should not be difficult since we will be taking our time to smell the flowers. Beginners are welcome.

You will need:
water bottle / bladder
rain jacket (i can provide 2 if needed)
good trail shoes or boots
personal toiletries
appropriate clothing
bowl and spoon or fork

Club, or I can provide:
sleeping bags, sleeping pads, tents, backpacks, pots, stoves, limited rain gear, water treatment / filter

Please email me with any questions.