Tuesday looks like a pleasant early winter day in the mountains, so I am going to head up there on the 12th and knock out a short circuit / lollipop in the Northern District, starting up from the Eastern edge of the park just north of Sperryville. The route will be about 5.7 miles with 1,200 feet of elevation and gain, so it's a fairly mellow hike. We'll be hiking on the lower parts of the Piney Branch and Piney Ridge Trails, along with the Fork Mountain Trail (not to be confused with the Fork Mountain Trail in the Central District.) We will cross a stream several times, and based on a hike near there a few days ago, water levels are back up, so I will be carrying water shoes, just in case. But the streams also mean that you don't need to carry much water. I wouldn't rule out a stop at Yoder's post-hike for some ice cream or other such sundries. Contact Art Ritter at o2behiking@yahoo.com if you are interested in hiking that day, despite the short notice.
The ODATC Mission
The construction and maintenance of foot trails for hikers, including the Appalachian Trail between Reids Gap and Rockfish Gap.
The provision of excursions on such trails or other areas.
Offering educational activities related to the need for preserving the great outdoors.
Old Dominion Appalachian Trail Club (c). P.O. Box 25283 Richmond, VA 23260-5283 Contact us
