Mystical Mountain Backpacking?: 4/20 Overnight of Rockytop/Big Run Loop

OVERVIEW

Spring’s finally here y’all, and what better way to welcome all the nice weather and get your nature fix than a backpacking trip?! That’s right ladies and gents, step right up to get your Vitamin D and a healthy dose of exercise all in one sittin’! (..except we’ll be hiking, of course).

Anyways, this will be a 24-hour type thing; noon on Saturday to noon on Sunday. We’ll leave at 12 from the Echols brick wall and head into the Shenandoah National Forest. Rockytop/Big Run is a 13.8 mile loop, but since we’ll be camping we’ll split it up into a very manageable 7ish miles a day. We’ll get some sweet views of the Shenandoah Valley, the southern part of Massanutten Mountain, and some glimpses of the Alleghenies. This trail’s got it it all –ridge hikes, steep climbs, views, watering holes, streams, wildlife.. you name it.

I’ll be at gear rooms next week to help fit people for packs and choose any gear they might need for the trip. Basically, you need to acquire a pack, a sleeping bag, pad (these things can be checked out from the gear room), and a change of clothes, snacks, and water (all things you must provide for yourself). A more detailed checklist can be found below.

This trip will be limited to three 3-person tents. That essentially means 9 people, perhaps a 10th if some of y’all like snuggling, but no more than 2 car fulls.

Bring $5 each for the SNP park fee, por favor.

For a topographic map / further details of the hike, check this link: http://midatlantichikes.com/rockytop-bigrun.htm

Apparently, this area of the SNP is known for its bears.. so don’t wear/bring any smelly stuff (lotions, perfumes, scented deodorant, etc). We’ll be hanging all our food (and anything smelly) for the night.

You Provide:
– good footwear (hiking boots with ankle protection is recommended)
– change of clothes
– layers! it can get chilly at night
– sun protection
– snacks
– headlamp
– 4 liters of water (depending on your size)
– a camera if you want to take pictures

Club Provides:
– tents
– packs (you must check this out from gear room)
– sleeping bags (you must check this out from gear room)
– sleeping pads (you must check this out from gear room)
– dinner on Saturday night and breakfast on Sunday
– gas reimbursement