Hike: Crescent Rocks/Skyland, SNP, VA

Sign up link (please remember to fill in your required RSVP info): https://www.meetup.com/wanderbirds-hiking-club/events/316285962/?slug=wanderbirds-hiking-club&eventId=316285962 Join us on a hike exploring the area around the Skyland Resort. The resort is one of the most frequently visited areas in what is now Shenandoah National Park. In addition to seeing Skyland, the hike will also feature a brief stroll on the Limberlost trail which is an ADA accessible trail. Both hikes start and end at Skyland resort. The hike is composed of 2 loops, the first loop is the moderate hike and the long hike adds on a second loop. For the first loop, hikers start by crossing Skyland Drive and taking the Skyland Big Meadows Horse Trail, and Old Rag Fire Road to the Limberlost trail and Crescent Rocks Trail to the Skyline Drive. After crossing Skyline drive, hikers take the Appalachian Trail North back to Skyland. Moderate hike will end at Skyland Resort. For the second loop, Long hikers will use the Appalachian Trail, Passamaquoddy and Furnace Springs Trails before returning to Skyland Resort. Note that both hikes offer the opportunity to visit Skyland itself, where one can purchase drinks and snacks, use the facilities, and read about the history of the resort, beginning with its origins in 1888, or just enjoy the view. This hike is in central SNP or map 10. SHOULD read “ VA Hikes. Est.: 10 miles, 1700' elevation and 7 miles, 1100' elevation. PATC Map 10. Fare $33 plus park fee or pass. Note: there is usually a sufficient number of pass holders to cover all bus passengers. DC: Near 17th and K St. NW downtown (east side of Farragut Square). Bus leaves at 8 a.m. SHARP, so it's essential to arrive well before 8 am. Vienna Metro: NORTH parking lot, last bus shelter (Nutley St. Exit off Interstate 66 on North/Vienna side of I-66) at approximately 8:25 a.m. Park at 9486 Virginia Center Blvd, Vienna, VA 22181 Caution: The "south" parking lot also has bus shelters. If by 8:15, you're not with a group of Wanderbirds hikers, you may be in the south lot. There's a walkway that passes the fare gates over I-66 to the north lot. RESERVATIONS Wanderbirds Hiking Club is a 501(c)(7) non-profit, and the public is invited on all hiking trips. Reservations are accepted as late as Saturday, but reserving as early in the week as possible helps ensure your spot and prevent cancellation of the hike due to low sign-ups. RSVP through Meetup and pay through PayPal. Please be sure your RSVP gives your full name and phone number and where you'll be boarding the bus. FIRST-TIME HIKERS If you're a first-time hiker with us, please notify the leaders in advance so they can make sure you have the info you need. Hikers must be able to keep a 2-mph (30 min/mile) pace. New hikers are required to first complete a moderate hike with us. LIABILITY WAIVER Many of our hikes take place in remote wilderness areas where cell phone service is not available. Any person participating in any Club activity is responsible for their own safety, health and welfare, and must assume all risks and liabilities related to all Club activities. The Club, its hike leaders, hike sweeps, officers, and other representatives are not liable for any injuries, losses, or damage to persons, children, pets, and/or property, arising from any trips or activities of the Club. You are responsible for bringing enough water, food, and first aid supplies, including those for your personal medical conditions. CANCELLATION POLICY To cancel and receive a full bus hike refund, less a $5 processing fee, you must change your RSVP to "No" on Meetup before NOON on the Friday before the hike. If you change your RSVP after twelve noon on the Friday before the hike, a refund will not be issued (but a 'rain-check' may be possible). Cancellations to Metro/carpool/trailhead hikes will not issue a financial refund, but hikers are implored to change their Meetup RSVP to NO so that leaders do not wait for them at the trailhead. FLU, COVID-19, and RSV PRECAUTIONS Anyone experiencing symptoms of upper respiratory illness should not attend the event. MORE DETAILS -- SEE THE FAQS ON OUR WEBSITE