Monsters & Mazes!! A Halloween Adventure at The Great Channels 👻🪨

OVERVIEW

Looking for the perfect Hallo-weekend adventure? 🎃 Join me for an overnight escape to The Great Channels, one of Virginia’s coolest geological gems! The photos make it look like a surreal rock maze, so I can’t wait to see it in person. We’ll kick off the trip with a long drive to the southwest corner of the state, set up camp, and enjoy a delicious communal dinner under the night sky. Then, we’ll wake up early to hike 6.4 miles up to and through the incredible rock formations before the parking fills up. Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of adventure and good vibes! 🍂

I only have space for 4 extra people in my car, but if someone on the waitlist has a car and is willing to drive, they’ll get priority—and I can open more slots for others to join!
Plus, drivers can get reimbursed for gas. 🚗

The Plan:

Friday, November 1
– 12:30 pm: Depart from Charlottesville and drive (~4–4.5 hour drive).
– ~ 4:30-5pm: Arrive at the Wildlife Management Area on Clinch Mountain, where we’ll set up camp at a free, primitive site.
– Dinner: Enjoy a communal meal—I’ll plan the menu and bring ingredients based on dietary needs of the group after everyone signs up.
– Bring anything fun to pass the time—card games, books, hammocks, instruments, or just good vibes. We’ll chill around camp and make the most of the night!

Saturday, November 2
– ~6am: Rise and shine, Break down camp
– 7:30am: Drive to parking to beat the crowd—trailhead parking is tiny (only 10 spaces!) with no street parking.
– 8:00am: Hike up to and through The Great Channels! (6.4 miles) Explore stunning sandstone formations and sweeping views. There’s also a fire tower we’re supposed to see so that’s exciting!
– Lunch during or after Hike depending on group’s feeling
– Around 12pm: Get back to parking lot, and start journey back to Charlottesville. (~4–4.5 hour drive)
– Around 5:30pm: Arrive back at Echols!

Check out these trail descriptions for an idea of what to expect:
AllTrails: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/virginia/the-great-channels-via-brumley-mountain-trail
Hiking Upward: https://www.hikingupward.com/JNF/GreatChannels/)
Go Hike Virginia: (https://gohikevirginia.com/great-channels-virginia/)

What You Bring:
– Tent (or any sleeping system—hammock, etc.)
– Sleeping pad + sleeping bag
– Layers (warm clothing for the night, most likely will be chilly!)
– Toiletries
– 2 meals: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch (and an extra meal if you want to skip the communal dinner)
– Plate, bowl, utensils, etc.
– SNACKS (fuel for the hike!)
– Camp entertainment (book, cards, camera, journal, etc.)
– Headlamp
– Hiking shoes or boots
– Water
– Spooky and fun vibes! 👻 🎃
– Ideas to pass the time in the car ride (I might make a shared Spotify Playlist everyone can add to)

What I’ll Bring:
– First aid kit
– Cooler
– Propane gas stove
– Cooking equipment (pan/pot)
– Communal dinner ingredients
– Extra water

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about the trip!! (571)337-8749