TVH December 16th Rt 522 AT to Jenkins Gap, Lands Run Falls and Dickey Ridge lollipop 19.5 miles 4,250 ft 8:15am start

[David Horn]

Good morning hikers!

Tuesday's hike starts at the AT parking area on rt 522 just outside of Front Royal   38.87805341233954, -78.15068025046612 

https://maps.app.goo.gl/SYstouXShNwrGjub9  

This one hasn't been done in just over 3 years in this group. I checked it out a few weeks ago and really enjoyed all of it, including the road section. Most of the footing allows for a good pace in spite of the elevation gain.

Apple maps suggests this is 50 mins from the Centreville park n ride so we will aim for an 8:15 am start at latest or as soon as all declared hikers arrive.

Route Description:

From parking we ascend on the AT to the Skyline Dr 5.5 miles and cross over, continuing on the AT to the junction with Jenkins Gap trail 7.5 miles in.

Turn right and descend on Jenkins Gap tr 1.5 miles to the park boundary.

Head straight on Smith Run gravel rd. rt 634 1 mile and turn right on Lands Run Rd rt 622

Head 1.2 miles to the end of the road and re-enter the park on Lands Run Gap fire rd ascend 2 miles, past the falls, up to the parking on Skyline Dr and cross diagonally right onto Dickey Ridge Horse Tr

Go 0.5 miles to junction with Springhouse Rd Tr and turn left and go 0.7 miles to T junction with the AT

Turn left and retrace the AT 5 miles back down to the parking.

 A link to this route on the AllTrails app is here:

 https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/tvh-12-16-25-rt522-compton-peak-jenkins-gap-lands-run-falls-2b4aa49?u=i&sh=cf69cb

There is no logical shortcut on this route but anyone wishing to join us and do a shorter route could turn around and double back at Jenkins gap (possibly walking up to the overlook on Skyline Dr for lunch, for a 15.3 miles and 3,400 ft out and back. I would just need to know which you are doing at the start

A printable PDF is attached.

 

To carpool: Hikers wishing to carpool should meet at the Centreville Park and Ride off I-66, exit 52, Centreville. Arrive early enough so that drivers can depart the lot no later than 7:00 AM.  Go west on Rt 29 taking the 2nd right into the park and ride lot, then immediately turn left to the corner of the lot where our group gathers. Please let me know if you will meet at the carpool lot so we can coordinate to have enough drivers.

Please email me if you plan to join us, or text me if making a late decision. Let me know if you will meet at the trailhead or Centreville Park and Ride. We would want to start on time as this is very close to the shortest day of the year (sunset at 16:50) Plenty of time to do the full route for those inclined but know your speed and probably bring a headlamp in case of emergency.

Hike Leader: David Horn   horn....@yahoo.com   703-727-2148