Hiking the Peak

OVERVIEW

This is considered to be one of the most strenuous day hikes in Shenadoah. It is located at the northern section of the park not far from Big Devil’s Stairs if you are familiar with the area. THe elevation gain is 3,255 feet and the hike is about 17 miles long. If you don’t want as strenuous of a hike but still want to get out, you can avoid the Peak section, which will have an elevation gain around 2,250 feet and be 14 miles (but you will need to wait while some of us take the harder route). For description, see the link below:
http://www.hikingupward.com/SNP/ThePeak/

I will increase group size as drivers sign up. If you have a park pass, please bring it. Club provides gas money & seat in car. Note that it is an an all-day hike because I expect about a 1.5 hour car ride to the trail and expected dinner to replenish the calories. We can stop either at the BBQ place in Madison or Vinny’s Pizza in Ruckersville on the way back, so bring some extra cash.

Bring: Daypack for lunch, snacks, 2+ liters water, layers of clothing, hiking or tennis shoes with grip, raingear (waterproof jacket or poncho), camera, headlamp/flashlight, park pass if you have one. Avoid jeans and cotton clothing because they are very uncomfortable to hike in when wet an increase the risk of hypothermia – even at relatively warm temperatures.