Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group (A Nonprofit Charity)
Shenandoah National Park: Little Devil Stairs, Hogback Mountain, Rock Scrambles, and Waterfalls! A Very Strenuous 12.3 Mile Hike with Optional Post Hike Meal
This 12.3-mile version of Little Devil Stairs with rock scrambles is not just strenuous but considered a very strenuous hike. Elevation for this hike is NOT limited to Little Devil Stairs, and has a total of three significant climbs; Little Devil Stairs, Hogback Mountain, and Hull School Trail.
This physically challenging but visually rewarding hike rewards you with something unique in turn for practically every step you take. Truly a hike for all seasons, during summertime, this route is all about the waterfalls and stream crossings that also double as a fun way to keep cool. If the winter, enjoy the crisp, clear views of several vistas, thanks to leaves being off the trees. Additionally, many of the same streams that provide a welcome dip during the warmer times of the year are very low and often dry up during winter.
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 a Strenuous or Very Strenuous Hike with MAHG Within the Past 60 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!
Special Winter Gear Requirement for this Hike — Traction Gear
Traction gear allows you to hike easily on ice. As a safety precaution, Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group requires traction gear for certain hikes during the winter season. This requirement also helps us to enjoy hiking all four seasons! The most dependable/reliable traction gear, in our opinion, is either Kahtoola Microspikes (these are available at a great price directly through MAHG) or STABILicers Hike XP. Brands that use springs are highly discouraged due to accidents we have had with springs breaking and "clogging" with ice/snow. Traction gear also comes in handy for getting the mail or walking the dog, in addition to any other outdoor activity where there is ice involved. You can even run on the ice with them on!
Microspikes (ALL Kahtoola Gear) Now Available through MAHG!
ATTENTION!! In the market for traction gear? Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group proudly offers our members exceptional discounts for Kahtoola products, including Kahtoola MicroSpikes, purchased through MAHG! To purchase your pair, please contact me, Kellie (Kcarlisle@midatlantichikinggroup.org or 240.393.7640). Not only will you receive the best price you are likely to find anywhere, but ALL proceeds go directly to support Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group and our mission. *Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group is a volunteer supported 501(c)(3) non-profit public charitable organization - Tax ID 47-5141831.
Kahtoola, the manufacturer of Microspikes, recognizes and supports MAHG's mission and our valuable contributions to the community. For over nine years and counting and over 21K members strong, MAHG serves the community with over 5000 events, thousands of hours of stewardship service, many educational opportunities.
Hiker Tip — Be prepared for the possibility of unexpected icy segments on the trail by adding traction gear to your pack at the beginning of winter and leave them in your pack for the remainder of the season.
Rock Scrambling!
Get ready for some hands and knees action as you scramble over huge boulders in a narrow gorge. The water, the rocks, the trees -- there is beauty everywhere you look in this canyon. Take note that as you hike up the gorge, there are several spots that require hand over hand climbing and rock scrambling but no special gear is needed as it is not rock climbing.
Gear Recommendation
During the warmer months, water shoes are recommended to change into for the water crossings but are NOT mandatory. However, during winter the streams are very low if not dried up.
Trail Information
Nearby City: Front Royal
Length: 12.3 total miles
Trail Type: Loop
Outstanding Features Include: Incredible Rugged Gorge, huge trees, and pioneer cemetery
Skill Level: Very Strenuous
Trailhead Gain: 4200 feet
Park Fee (SNP)
Entry Fee: $20.00 - Per vehicle, valid for unlimited entry from date of purchase and the following 6 consecutive days. Many of our members have annual park passes, so please coordinate together to share passes! Passes, which are valid for unlimited entries within a seven-day period, are issued. Payment may be made with cash, credit, or debit cards. If you plan on visiting more than once, it is well worth it to purchase a pass! If an annual pass holder uses their pass to gain you entry to the park, please remember to show your appreciation and gratitude.
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.
(Metro) VA East Area Carpool Suggestion - Vienna/Fairfax Area METRO Station
To carpool or caravan from Vienna/Fairfax area, people can arrange to meet at the Fairfax Area METRO Station. Click Here for directions and additional information regarding carpooling from the suggested Vienna/Fairfax Metro 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 additional locations, please post your location and needs in the comment section below. Click Here for a list of suggested carpool locations complete with directions and other details including other 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
Meet & Greet and Sign-In — 9:45-9:55 a.m.
The Hike is at 8:00 a.m.
Carpool Time from Savage Station — 5:30 a.m.
Carpool Time from Vienna Metro — 6:00 a.m.
Carpool Time from Centreville Park and Ride — 6:15 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 is Only Welcome with Prior Hike Leader Approval Due to the Hikes Terrain and Overall Difficulty!
Please take the hike leaders number with you and enjoy the hike!
Mike:
• Click Here to Chip In Now and Help Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group in Serving our Mission.
• Donations to Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group are Tax Deductible:Tax ID 47-5141831. Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charitable organization.
• Click Here to Learn more about Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group’s Mission.
• 100% of Every Dollar Goes Directly to the Expenses of Serving our Mission.
, VA - USA
Saturday, December 3 at 8:00 AM
1
Price: 2.00 USD
http://www.meetup.com/Mid-Atlantic-Hiking-Group/events/235339038/