Tuesday Vigorous Hikers: Buck Ridge, White Rocks, Sam's Ridge (May 7, 8:30 AM)

[HUNT LOFTIN]

Tuesday's hike will be a loop starting at the Buck Ridge trailhead off of Rt. 211. This hike is about 17 miles with 4400 feet of ascent. I chose this hike because the pink lady slipper and Showy orchids are blooming. It is a strenuous hike with several stream crossings over Hazel River. I hiked this trail yesterday and was able to cross the river without getting my feet wet, however several hikers chose to walk through the water rather than walk over logs or wet rocks. So be prepared as it may be rainy the next few days and river water levels may be the same on Tuesday.

The hike is as follows:

1. Hike up Buck Ridge Trail from Rt. 211

2. Turn left onto Hazel Mountain Trail 

3. Turn left onto the White Rocks Trail 

4. Turn left on the Hazel River Trail

5. Turn right to ascend the Sam's Ridge Trail

6. Turn right towards the Hazel Mountain Trail 

7. Continue onto the Hazel Mountain Trail

8. Turn right on the Buck Hollow Trail, just before reaching Skyline Drive, and return to the cars. 

If you want to avoid the Hazel River crossings, you could do the shorter Buck Ridge to Buck Hollow loop. There are still two smaller streams crossings near Rt. 211 that involve crossing over large rocks that serve as stepping stones. 

TO CARPOOL: Meet no later than 7:00 AM at the Centreville Park and Ride off I66, exit 52, Centerville. Go west on Rt 29 taking the 2nd right into the park and ride, then immediately turn left to the corner of the lot where our group gathers. (See: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/connector/riders/stone-road)

Hike Leader: Hunt Loftin, hlo...@verizon.net, 571.319.9362

Please let me know if you will meet me at the trailhead or will be carpooling.

Sent from AOL on Android

[HUNT LOFTIN]

Melanie is unable to attend this event and has asked that I take over as leader. Tuesday's hike will be a combination loop and up and back, with numerous short cuts to reduce both distance and ascent. The planned route is slightly different than described on the Vigorous Tuesday Hikers web page.  The revised route has a distance of just over 17 miles and 4000 feet of ascent. 

 From the Parking area at the end of 662, 38.437128, -78.367081, We will take the Graves Mill Trail to Staunton River all the way up to Fork Mountain Forest Service Road, up to the towers, down the Fork Mountain Trail, left on Laurel Prong Trail, left on Cat Knob Trail back to Jones Mountain Trail all the way around to Staunton River Trail and retracing steps back to parking. We wil make a stop at Bear Church Rock, and take the spur to Jones Mtn. Cabin and back. Those wanting a shorter hike can skip the towers and skip the cabin. 

TO CARPOOL: Meet no later than 7:00 AM at the Centreville Park and Ride off I66, exit 52, Centerville. Go west on Rt 29 taking the 2nd right into the park and ride, then immediately turn left to the corner of the lot where our group gathers. (See: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/connector/riders/stone-road)

Hike Leader: Hunt Loftin, hlo...@verizon.net, 571.319.9362

Please let me know if you will meet me at the trailhead or will be carpooling or meeting us at the trailhead.