Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group (A Nonprofit Charity)
Holiday Weekend Hike in George Washington National Forest (Glenwood-Pedlar District): Three Ridges! A Very Strenuous 14.4 Mile Hike
Hikers who love steep climbs and stunning views live for these moments: standing astride a boulder outcrop, mountain scenery stretching to the horizon, and far below, tucked in a valley, the orchard . . .
"The term wilderness conjures visions of craggy peaks and untamed woodland far from the beaten track. Virginia’s newest designated wilderness area, Three Ridges, and the Priest region, isn’t quite that. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The Appalachian Trail (AT) traverses both peaks, and there are two AT shelters on either side of Three Ridges. The link between the peaks, the Mau-Har Trail, follows Campbell Creek past a 40-foot waterfall and numerous smaller cascades. The terrain, soaring views, and sheer elevation gain make this one of the most difficult and dramatic hikes in Virginia.” Hiking Virginia
Elevations range from 1000 feet at the Tye River to 4000 feet at Three Ridges. This area is generally very steep and rugged, consisting of undulating ridges with deep V-shaped hollows. Large rock outcrops are common, and there is spectacular scenery. Several old home sites in the Three Ridges Wilderness are gradually being reclaimed by nature.
Pre-Approval Required for this Very Strenuous Hike
(Requirement Waived for Members Who Have Earned Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group’s “Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous” Hikes Badge and Have Hiked with MAHG within the past 90 days) You must contact the hike leader BEFORE signing up for this VERY Strenuous hike. The reason for this requirement is so that you and the hike leader can make an informed decision together as to whether this is a hike for you at this particular time. Hiking beyond your current physical limitations is dangerous and puts everyone, including yourself, at risk. At 48 hours before the hike, if anyone is signed up for this hike without first contacting the hike leader and gaining approval to attend will have their RSVP updated to “not attending” and no refund issued. (this is to encourage people not to fill up the hike without first getting approved). We appreciate your understanding and let's all have a great adventure!
Three Ridges Wilderness
Situated in Nelson County, Three Ridges Wilderness is located in west central Virginia and located east of the Blue Ridge Parkway and north of the Tye River. The spectacular wilderness is managed by the United States Forest Service as part of the Glenwood-Pedlar Ranger Districts of the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests.
There is a total of 11 miles of trail within Three Ridges Wilderness. Also, eight miles of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (AT) run through this very rugged terrain. Our hike is a combination of several trails and will cover the most rugged areas for a most strenuous hike.
Trail Information
Nearby City: Lovingston, VA
Length: 14.4 total miles
Terrain: Dirt footpaths and old dirt forest roads run through steep mountain ridges, high-elevation rock outcrops, stream gorges, and sloping hardwood forests.
Elevation Gain: 4,053 Feet
Trail Type: Loop
Skill Level: Very Strenuous due to the steep climb up Three Ridges via Chimney Rock, and rocky, eroded trail conditions along Campbell Creek
Season: Year-round
Trailhead Elev: 1,000 feet
Top Elev: 4,000 feet
Land Status: National forest and wilderness area
Local Contacts: Anderson Marsh State Historic Park
Local Maps: USGS Massies Mill, Horseshoe Mountain, Sherando, Big Levels
Topo Map: PATC Map 12
Facilities: None
Park Entry Fee
There is no park entrance fee.
Gear Suggestions
Click Here for suggestions regarding what to wear and what not to wear for hiking the trails.
Weather Information
We hike rain, snow, or shine. Click Here to view the forecast for the area where we will be hiking.
Hike Pace
The goal for this hike is to maintain an average moving pace of ~ 2.5 mph. This speed is frequently used in popular hiking publications to represent the pace of an average hiker. We welcome you to please sign up for another hike if you know that this is not a comfortable pace for you. We strive to offer a variety of hikes and pace options so we can always have something for everyone no matter their interest and ability.
Our RSVP and Group Etiquette
Click Here to review our RSVP policies and group etiquette.
Carpool Suggestions and Information
Note that you are responsible for knowing how to get from carpool locations to the venue. Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group is not responsible for transportation to and from events or carpools. Suggested carpool times and places are provided as a courtesy because many members are either new to the area or unfamiliar with a particular hike or venues location. Please use the 'Comments' section below, or reach out via e-mail to make arrangements for carpooling needs and offerings.
Baltimore Area Carpool Suggestion - Savage Station
To carpool or caravan from the Baltimore area, people can arrange to meet at Savage Station. Click Here for directions and additional information regarding carpooling from the suggested Savage Station location.
DC Area Carpool Suggestion - Centreville
To carpool or caravan from the metro DC area, people can arrange to meet at the Centreville Park and Ride. Click Here for directions and additional information regarding carpooling from the suggested Centreville Park and Ride location.
If you can drive or want to carpool from any particular place, please post your offer to help those in need of a ride, and those looking for a ride, in the comment section below. Click Here for a list of suggested carpool locations, each complete with a physical address, GPS coordinates, driving directions and additional carpool information.
For those who need a ride, reach out to the drivers. Make friends, and support the environment — by just offering a ride!
Directions to the Trailhead
Click Here for Directions to Where We Meet for this Hike
If you have any questions regarding directions, please contact the hike leader at the number provided below and not in the comment section. The comment section is more for member-to-member communication and arranging carpools.
Meet & Greet and Sign-In — 8:45-8:55 a.m.
The Hike is at 9:00 a.m.
Carpool Time from Savage Station — 6:00 a.m.
Carpool Time from Centreville Park and Ride — 7:00 a.m.
Please remember we are a volunteer supported organization that values fellowship and camaraderie while practicing good hike etiquette and Leave No Trace principles. Our hikes are led by generous, dedicated, and qualified MAHG members who volunteer as leaders for Mid-Atlantic Hiking Groups volunteer leadership team. Hikes also have a volunteer “sweeper” to help ensure that no hiker is left behind. MAHG volunteers and members are very supportive, encouraging, with a focus on safety while enjoying the excellent camaraderie and benefiting from the many health benefits of hiking and unplugging from the stress of day-to-day life. Sharing what we know and learning from each other is an important part of MAHGs core values, as is our dedication to the conservation of our natural resources and our commitment to the organization's mission. Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group is a volunteer supported tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization, and donations ARE tax deductible. Tax ID: 47-5141831.
Fido Must be Pre-Approved BEFORE Attending This Hike. Our Hikes Route is much Tougher on Paws than Most trails. Contact the leader to discuss the route and your dog's experience to determine if this is a good hike for your dog at this time.
Let's have good times and see you on the trail!
Mike:
, VA - USA
Saturday, November 12 at 9:00 AM
1
Price: 2.00 USD
http://www.meetup.com/Mid-Atlantic-Hiking-Group/events/235196964/