2nd Annual Memorial to Mari Kelly Hike (Friends of Mari only pls) MP 37

This hike will be in memory of our good friend Mari, who passed away in 2024. Her Birthday is November 16th.

Please only sign up if you were a friend of Mari’s. I won’t post a limit for attendees on this hike so that everyone who knew Mari will be able to attend. So fair warning it could be a good size group.

I don’t intend to lead this whole hike, thought we would just all take turns walking with Mari.

Afterwards, we will go to Shotwell run in Madison County to lift a glass and share our memories of our dear friend. Shotwell has both Beer and wine to suit your taste. If the weather is nice, we could sit outside. If cold, the inside is spacious and nice and there could likely be a fire going in the fireplace. Please feel free to bring snacks and goodies to share and we will have a celebration as we share memories of our friend.

https://www.shotwellrunbrewingco.com

We’ll meet at the Jewell Hollow Overlook at Milepost 37.

This is a gorgeous 6 mile retrace hike, mostly all on the AT with an elevation gain of only 800 feet. There are excellent views of the valley along the trail and from Mary’s Rock spectacular 270 degree views of the Shenandoah Valley and beyond. We’ll plan to have lunch once we reach Mary’s rock summit for those who are hungry, or we could wait to eat at Shotwell Run.

We will also see the Pinnacles along the way. The Pinnacles are composed of large Pedlar Formation granite, which is a rarity in the Shenandoah, so it will be an interesting place to explore and take pictures.

Difficulty: Moderate

What to bring: Backpack, poles, water, lunch, snacks. To be prepared for winter weather you may want to bring gloves, wool hat and micro-spikes for your boots (in case we run into ice). Hand warmers are also great to have in your backpacks this time of year.

Weather: I will keep an eye on the weather, and could change the date if it looks undesirable.

Please do not hike if you’re not feeling well.

Disclaimer: GetHiking organizers are not professional guide. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were hiking solo. You are soley responsible for your own (and your guest’s) safety and well-being. With your RSVP you agree to participate at your own risk and are soley responsible for any damage to your property. When joining GetHiking you affirm you knowingly and voluntarily agree not to bring any type of claim arising out of/or related to this event against the organ of this group.

RSVP: If you find you’re not able to attend please update your RSVP to no as soon as possible. This will allow those on the waitlist to have the opportunity to attend