Fire Tower Fun (Overnight Backpacking at Elliot Knob)

OVERVIEW

Like hiking? Fun? FIRE TOWERS?

A little birdie told me about an abandoned fire lookout tower about an hour from Charlottesville that we could possibly camp in. The fire tower is at the summit of Elliot Knob. While it’s a steep four mile trip up, we’ll get to pass two quaint waterfalls on our hike. In total, the hike is 4 miles with 2500 ft of vertical gain, so we recommend everyone to be fairly comfortable with physically demanding hikes (both of us will definitely be winded, so don’t worry too much).

This trip is gonna be a cold one! The temperature is predicted to get down to 10 degrees so make sure to prepare for it. Bring lots of layers as well as a cold rated sleeping bag and a liner. A hot dinner would be a smart idea too!

Here’s the alltrails in case you’re interested: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/elliott-knob-trail

We’ll meet at Echols dorm at 1:00 pm, get everything loaded up and drive an hour to Craigsville VA to begin our trip up Elliott knob. Once we’ve reached the summit we can explore the fire tower, tell some stories, and eat some dinner. We’ll wake up around 7 am, eat breakfast, and head on out. We should be back in the Cville around 1 pm!

Schedule:

Saturday
1:00 pm: Meet @ corner of Echols Dorm
2:15 pm: Begin hikin
5:15 pm: Summit
7:15 pm: Dinner Time!
9-10 ish: hit the hay ?
Sunday
7 am: wakeup + food
8:30 am: pack up and head on down
1 pm: back @ grounds wooooo

To bring:
-backpacking backpack
-sleeping bag and sleeping pad
-WATER (3-4 Liters)!!!!!
-hiking shoes
-clothes + layers!!! (its gonna get COLD)
-rain jacket/ poncho
-headlamp
-dinner, breakfast, and snacks
-bowl and utensils
-trashbag to rainproof clothes and gear
-toiletries

We will bring:
– Tents (just in case)
– Pocket rocket, pot, and fuel
– first aid kit

If you’re missing any gear on the list grab it from the gear room! Gear room hours are sent out via email every week and if you have any questions / need Luca or I to pick up gear for you just text one of us (Grant: 703-991-3311, Luca: 571-351-0361).

**DRIVERS NEEDED** Drivers get priority off the waitlist + gas reimbursement and 50% tip