Tuesday July 14 Vigorous Hike: Halfmoon, White Rocks

[Andrew Heron]

Tuesday's hike starts on Waites Run very close to the Pond Run / Tuscarora Trail (point a on map: 39°00'55.9"N 78°36'18.5"W) and takes a counter-clockwise route. Hikers will head up Waites Run Rd and turn left at Old Mine / Bucktail Trail (b) and then continue onto German Wilson (c) Trail. After an out-and-back (d) at Half Moon Lookout, hikers will follow Halfmoon Trail and then the Tuscarora Trail (e). We will stop for lunch either before or at the short out-and-back White Rocks Lookout. After returning to the Tuscarora Trail, we will turn left onto the Old Mail Path (f). Finally, we will turn left again onto Wilson Cove Trail at point (g) (different from arrow on map) and come back to Waites Run. Hikers wishing to extend the hike by a couple of miles could turn right at point (g), continue on Racer Camp Hollow Trail to point (h), then turn left onto Wilson Cove Trail further up. There will be an opportunity to cool off in the refreshing waters of Waites Run. 

Note 1:

The weather should be pretty decent, but since it will get hot in the afternoon, it would be great if we could start at 8:00 (carpool meeting time would be 6:15) to be able to enjoy the cooler part of the day. Please let me know if you plan to hike on Tuesday and whether you would be able to make the earlier time. The normal start time would be 8:45 to allow for a 7:00 departure from Centreville Park and Ride. If anyone cannot make the earlier time, we will start at 8:45. In any case, I will send out a follow-up to confirm the start time.

Note 2:

When we hiked in this general area very recently, the trails were pretty overgrown and gnats were out in force, so I recommend long clothes and head nets!

PATC Map F., approx.14 miles, 2400' elevation.  Leader: Andrew Heron 301-526-9372.

TO CARPOOL: Hikers wishing to carpool should meet at the Centreville Park and Ride off I-66, exit 52, Centreville.  Go west on Rt 29 taking the 2nd right into the parking 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 )  

Please see the map attached. I will try to send an update with the correct arrows for this route. The attached version shows the longer (16 mile) route.

- Andrew Heron