Tuesday, Jan 10, 2012, Vigorous Hike, AT both ways from Thorton Gap to Stony Man

[Barry Winkelman]

Bob let me appropriate his hike (incl. map & narration). Thanks, Bob.

Tuesday's hike (Jan 10) is about 18 miles and a serious 4500+' of ascent (print attached map or PATC Map 10).  Looks like a clear day with temps getting into the 50s, slight breeze.
We'll start at the parking lot off Skyline Drive at the public rest area in Thornton Gap and head southwest on the Appalachian Trail with Stony Man summit as our ultimate objective (ideally for lunch).  Along the way (a little over 1.5 miles) we'll take the side trail to Mary's Rock.   Continuing on we'll pass a number of outstanding view points, particularly to the west, and pass over The Pinnacle.  Finally at about the 8+ mile mark we'll take the loop nature trail to Stony Man (a right turn at the AT's highest point in SNP).

After lunch we will retrace our steps. From there it's back to Thornton Gap taking in the trail and views from a different direction, perspective, and lighting.

For those who want to meet by 8:30 AM at the trailhead, please note the following:  You can either park off of 211 at the former Panorama lot, or instead park off of Skyline drive in the rest stop lot.  The latter choice means you must enter the park and head south 0.1 mile and turn right into the lot and proceed all the way to the end, where the trailhead will be.

For those who want to carpool, be at the Stone Rd. Park and Ride on Rt. 29 just west off I66 (Exit 52) no later than 7 am.  The lot is on the right a short distance after you exit I66 and head west.  We gather at the southwest corner of the lot, so turn left as soon as you enter the lot and you should see the group straight ahead.

Barry Winkelman
301-367-7547 (C)