Backpacking

\*Reschedule from 4/25\* **IMPORTANT - READ** Monongahela National Forest limits groups to 10 people, so that is a hard limit for this trip. If you are not 100% committed please do ***NOT RSVP*** ## **Trail Facts** * **Difficulty Level: Moderate** * **Length:** 16 Miles * **Duration:** 2 Days * **Elevation Gain:** 2,216 Feet * **Bear Canisters:** Not Required * **Permits:** Not Required * **Parking:** Red Creek Trailhead * **Coordinates:** 38.972729, -79.397824 * **AllTrails Map**: [https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/dolly-sods-backpack-16-mi-24357dd](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/dolly-sods-backpack-16-mi-24357dd) The Dolly Sods Wilderness is a U.S. Wilderness Area in the Allegheny Mountains of eastern West Virginia and is part of the Monongahela National Forest (MNF) and one of the most desirable trekking areas in the US. Dolly Sods is a rocky, high-altitude plateau with sweeping vistas and flora and fauna normally found much further north in Canada. A backpacking trip in this area will expose you to a very diverse and unique landscape with sphagnum bogs, grassy meadows lined by spruce trees, wind-carved boulders, and beautiful mountain vistas. Note - this area can have very unpredictable weather. I've had everything from sunshine, to heavy rain, to even snow and hail as late as May. Pack accordingly. **Trail Details:** We will meet at The Vienna Metro station on Saturday morning at 8am and drive to the Red Creek Trailhead at the southern end of the Dolly Sods wilderness. The drive is about 3 hours - I will drive and am happy to have up to 3 others carpool with me. When we arrive at the trailhead, we will hike about 6.3 miles to our campsite, stopping once to check out the the iconic Lion's Head on Breathed Mountain (pictured in the post). Should be an early day, so feel free to bring cards, adult beverages, or other items to pass the time. The second day, we will explore the rest of the park, which includes the rugged Dunkenbarger trail. The second day is about 9.4 miles back to the car. There are a ton of stream crossings on this trip - so expect to get wet and pack accordingly. **Essential Items**: * Tent * Sleeping pad​ * Sleeping bag suitable for expected temperatures​ * Backpack (appropriate for overnight backpacking)​ * Backpacking stove with fuel​ * Pot, cup, dish, and utensils​ * Dehydrated meals​ and snacks * Water bottles or hydration system (capacity for at least 2 liters)​ * Water filter or purification tablets​ * Headlamp with extra batteries​ * Rain gear * Dry bags or pack cover​ * Warm clothing layers (non-cotton) * Trowel for and toiletries for Leave No Trace compliance **Optional Items**: * Personal first aid kit​ * Map and compass or GPS device * Power bank or external battery * Trekking poles​ * Camp shoes * Electrolyte supplements​ * Alcohol​ * Books, games, or other enterainment * Gaiters​ * Sunscreen, lip balm, insect repellent​​ **General meetup location:** Vienna Metro Station - 8:00am Time driving: 3 hr. each way Google driving direction from Vienna metro: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/KUW283UFEe5kJJnLA](https://maps.app.goo.gl/KUW283UFEe5kJJnLA) **CARPOOL:** Don't forget if you want a ride or are willing to offer a ride – be a friend to the environment, save money, and make friends. **LIABILITY NOTICE:** Please remember that this group operates under the common adventurer model. We are a group of friends and volunteers organizing trips for fun and shared experience. Participants are expected to be familiar with best hiking practices and choose hikes that align with their physical abilities and experience. Organizers and members are not liable for any injuries, loss, or damage to persons or property arising from group activities. By attending this event, you agree to assume all risks associated with the activity.​ For more information on the common adventurer model, please see [Ron Watters' definition](https://www.ronwatters.com/CADefine.htm).​ If you believe you may be lost during the hike, follow the advice of the [US Forest Service](https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/if-you-get-lost). ​ See you on the trail!

We will be hiking the Difficult Run Trail which goes from Rt 7 Colvin Run Mill down to Old Dominion Dr over pass bridge (20 minute miles) or Jack Rabbits (14 minute miles) will go to 193 George Town pike and back for a total distance of 4.7 or 6 mile. This hike is rated easy with a few climbs of around 150 feet of elevation gain or loss. The Hike has 4 steam crossing on stepping stones which require basic agility. The steam is very low this time depending on rain fall amounts. so we can assist anyone that might like a hand getting across. afterwards we'll head over to Mookie's BBQ which is just around the corner at 1141 Walker Road Great Falls VA. 22066 for food and beverages. RESTROOM INFO. We don't have a convenient Restroom once we start hiking but The Colvin Run Mill has public bathrooms just around the corner that you can visit before driving over to the trail head parking lot. 10017 Colvin Run Rd, Great Falls, VA 22066

*You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, [https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf) and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike.* **6.5 miles with 600 feet elevation gain.** ***Starting later in the day, we'll enjoy an abbreviated hike to the Lost Mountain side of the park and then participate in the Park's Stars and Guitars special event, that starts shortly after our hike ends.*** ***Immerse yourself in a night of music, food, and wonder under the moonlit skies. The event will be held on the back lawn of the historic Mount Bleak House, which features sweeping views of the Crooked Run Valley.*** ***Enjoy foot-tapping tunes from local bluegrass bands and indulge your taste buds with an array of delicious food vendors. Savor your favorite treats while watching the day turn to a night under the stars at our International Dark Sky-recognized park.*** [https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/event?id=2026-03-05-15-45-47-268968-dav](https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/event?id=2026-03-05-15-45-47-268968-dav) Sky Meadows State Park is rich in history, the park has rolling pastures and woodlands, scenic vistas and is also a working farm. **Description**: Starting from Sky Meadows State Park visitors center parking area, we will combine several trails on our way to and from the Lost Mountain side of the park. We'll do an abbreviated version of usual hike so we can get back and get ready to enjoy the festivities. The pace will be about 2.5 mph. **Bring:** at least 2 liters of water/hydration, snacks/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes since there are some rocky areas, and tree roots. Hiking poles if you use them. Insect repellant and sunscreen recommended. **Fee:** The park fee is $10 unless you have a Virginia State Park Pass or use your REI purchase receipt parking coupon from a participating Virginia REI. *Provide your REI receipt to the contact station ranger or insert it in a self-pay envelope. If main entrance contact station is not staffed you must use the self-pay envelope provided at the gate and hang the stub on your rearview mirror.* **Dogs are welcome.** NVHC Dog policy: [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) **CARPOOLING**: For those who are looking to carpool, meet at the new **Sheetz convenience store which is at Gainesville Park & Ride**. Neither the Club nor the hike leader is responsible for coordinating transportation to/from the trailhead. Hikers are not guaranteed to get a ride to the trailhead from the carpool location. Carpooling is organized by the participants and they participate at their own risk. **Suggested carpool fee: $5.00 per rider.** Driving time from Gainesville Park & Ride to Sky Meadows is about 30 minutes. The **Sheetz at** **Gainesville Park & Ride is located at 7201 New Stable Way, Gainesville. GPS 38.80182, -77.58866** Park across the road from Sheetz instead of in their parking lot. Sky Meadows trail map link: [https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/document/data/trail-guide-skymeadows.pdf](https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/document/data/trail-guide-skymeadows.pdf) **NOTE: The hike starts at 12:00 noon at the parking lot at Sky Meadows State Park. If you are carpooling from Sheetz Gainesville Park & Ride, plan on leaving there by 11:15am.** **Meeting Place Instructions: We are meeting at the parking lot closest to the Visitor Center GPS coordinates 38.991732, -77.966120** This parking lot is in front of the Mount Bleak House. There is an overflow parking lot in case the main parking lot is full. Any questions please message me here or text/call me at 202-528-0456. If you text me please include your name.

**REQUIRED**: Y*ou must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet* You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, [https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf) and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike. This is a moderate hike of approximately 12 miles, out and back with an elevation gain of \~2200 feet. Much of the uphill is at the beginning of the hike. These are well-maintained trails with minimal small stream crossings. The pace will be **2.5 to 3.0 mph** when moving. **You must be experienced in hikes of this distance, elevation gain and *speed*.** BATHROOMS: At Dickey Ridge Visitor's Center where we will stop for lunch. There is drinking water from the faucets to replenish our water supplies, but there are no vending machines or water/food for sale at the visitor center. We hike at a fast pace of 2.5-3.0 mph when moving. Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy Leader: David K. 571-488-4449 Carpools: Meet at the Centreville Park and Ride at 7:00 am. The suggested carpool fee is $7. The leader WILL NOT be at the carpool location. I will meet you at the trailhead. Park Entry FEE: None, because we’ll be parking just outside the park. IF YOU WILL BE MEETING US AT TRAILHEAD: Please arrive at the trailhead by 8:00 a.m. There is limited parking at the trailhead on the side of the road before the Shenandoah National Park Front Royal Entrance Station. If you have gone to the park entrance, you have gone too far. The map coordinates for the parking are 38.905697,-78.198824. Driving time to the trailhead from Centreville: 50 minutes. Map of the hike: Note that the hike starts where the trail first crosses the road on the map (the GPS points are provided), not where it says start. https://liveandlethike.com/2016/09/01/dickey-ridge-trail-section-1-shenandoah-national-park-va/

Click here to attend: [https://www.jgoot.com/livestreams](https://www.jgoot.com/livestreams) Some people see first class and assume it starts there. The seat. The lounge. The upgrade. The luxury hotel. You get the idea. The mistake is thinking those experiences begin with money, luck, or status. They don’t. In this special session, JGOOT Founder Joel McDonald shares the many early steps, smart moves, mindset shifts, and lessons that helped create the first-class way of travel he enjoys today. Because the truth is: Premium travel is often built long before the trip ever happens. It’s time for: **Before First Class: The “Firsts” That Paved the Way** Joel will walk through the key moments that shaped his travel journey, the decisions that compounded over time, and the strategies everyday travelers can learn and apply for themselves. Inside this session, you’ll learn: • The early moves that matter more than flashy redemptions • How small decisions can compound into premium travel experiences • What most travelers misunderstand about how luxury travel is built • The mindset shifts that create long-term leverage • How to begin building your own version now This isn’t about copying someone else’s lifestyle. It’s not about chasing a lucky one-time trip. It’s about understanding the steps that create repeatable results. And when you learn those steps, first class stops feeling far away. Click here to attend: [https://www.jgoot.com/livestreams](https://www.jgoot.com/livestreams)

A beautiful out and back hike on the Appalachian Trail passing through fields, streams, lush forest, with a night spent at the Jim and Molly Denton Shelter. This is generally considered a “quiet” section of the AT. Trumbo Hollow is an expansive meadow with a bench at the high point. With fields and fences that make you feel like you are in a J.R.R. Tolkien novel, the hike down towards VA638 is one more picturesque moment. From the valley, enjoy another forest walk before arriving at the Jim and Molly Denton Shelter, which boasts a picnic pavilion and gravity fed shower. There is a water source at the shelter. Miles: 6.6 (roundtrip) Rating: Level #5 ([View Hiking Rating Scale](https://washingtonwomenoutdoors.org/hiking-rating-scale/)) $20 members; $30 non-members Register for this event on our website [here](https://washingtonwomenoutdoors.org/event-6630585). All trip details including equipment list, meetup spot, and driving directions will be provided by email the week prior to the trip. **NOTE: No further trip details will be provided on Meetup.** **There is limited space for this event.** Register early on our website to reserve your spot! If you're not ready to register for this event but would like more information, please email: backpack@washingtontonwomenoutdoors.org. Find out about WWO Member benefits here: https://washingtonwomenoutdoors.org/membership-fees/.