Elevation Gain: 1,455 ft Hike Time: 4.3 hours plus a half hour for lunch
This is one of the most popular waterfall hikes in the southern section of the Shenandoah National Park. There are several falls along Jones Run, plus two large falls on Doyles River. Each has several swimming holes as well. But if you plan to swim, remember that's cold mountain water, even in late summer!
The busiest sections in this loop are between Skyline Drive and the respective falls, as most people just do the out/back. Even so, these are some of the most spectacular falls in the park, and worth sharing the trails with the crowds on the weekends.
The southern section of the park also has a high black bear population, and we saw a bear wandering along the side of Skyline Drive early in the morning.
Mid July had something I had never seen before. Lots of grass. The worn path was about a foot wide in parts and I had the fear of snakes ebbing in the back of my head the entire way. 3 other friends of mine and I departed at about 10:30 and had made the top at a little after 11:3 ... more >>>
Hiked this trail this past weekend with the wife and eight-year old son. The road gate was locked, which meant we had to hike the first mile or so up the road. Somebody had painted over the ROAD CLOSED sign the following: Why is this road always closed? I have to admit that I ... more >>>
We had hiked from McAfee Knob the day before and spent the night at the campsite where the Dragon's Tooth Trail meets the Boy Scout Connector. There was water at the campsite and with the exception of a possible copperhead trying to get into one of the guys' tents it was outstan ... more >>>
We followed the path laid out on this web site, and the first 8 miles of the hike were great. However, the last 2.8 miles were no fun. Other reviewers mentioned the "bog" near the end of the hike - which starts on Dobbins Grade Trail (#526), just after you pass the Beaver View ... more >>>
Yes, I agree about the poorly marked trail, I started out at the fridley gap parking area, the Massenutten South trail is poorly marked where it crosses the stream just past the Massenutten South Trail and Fridely Gap Trail intersection traveling south. I ended up following the ... more >>>
This hike was a tune-up for the soul. It's true about the mud in the beginning of the run, but you can avoid that easily by walking on the edges of the trail. Anyone who complains about mud and bugs on the trail *probably* shouldn't be hiking. Ever. Bugs are an inevitable encount ... more >>>
This is a terrific hike. Did a modified version of this hike - out to the potomac and back - with a 6 and 9 year old and a 2 year old in a backpack. The walk along the stream is beautiful, there are plenty of interesting spots to stop and explore, and the banks of the potomac i ... more >>>
Over 100 Day Hikes In Virginia & West Virginia Over 30+ New Hikes Planned For 2009!
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If you love the outdoors and want to combine that with helping people, consider joining a search and rescue organization. The mid-Atlantic region has 11 such groups that are affiliated with the Appalachian Search and Rescue Council. There is probably one close to you.
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Ticks and Lyme Disease The summer months of June and July are prime ticks season, and to help protect yourself from Lyme Disease make sure to take the proper precautions. Apply a repellent with 30%+ deet, and consider using a clothing repellent like Permathrin that kills ticks.
Steward helps protect hikers as well as Old Rag Mountain
(Richmond Times-Dispatch) - MADISON -- In some areas of the country, the pink blossom of a lady's slipper orchid is a rare sight.
"If you're a local and just saw one" on Old Rag Mountain, "you would think they're like dandelions," said hiker Bob Look, 54. "In other parts of the country, people would go gaga ...
Legally Blind Hiker Found 6 Days After Going Missing
(All Headline News) - Snowden, VA (AHN) - A legally blind hiker who was lost on the Appalachian Trail for six days was found alive and healthy Saturday afternoon. ...
***Alert *** A.T. Hiker Found
(Backpacking Light) - UPDATE 5/2/09 4:07 PM: KEN KNIGHT WAS FOUND TODAY AND WALKED OUT UNDER HIS OWN STEAM. HE IS AT THE HOSPITAL AND MORE DETAILS WILL LIKELY FOLLOW ONCE WE HAVE THEM. - Addie Bedford ...
Make Your Own Dehydrated Backpack Meals
(www.trailcooking.com) - This is a great site for making your own dehydrated meals. Check out my blog about the same subject:
http://blueridgetreks.wordpress.com/2009/04/10/make-your-own-dehydrated-hiking-meals/ ...
Williams Island a hidden James River gem
(Richmond Times Dispatch) - In the summer, Pony Pasture Rapids is one of the James River Parks most popular destinations. Hundreds of exposed rocks create endless riffles and eddies for thousands of Richmonders to swim ...
Park seeks to save its rocky ridges
(timesdispatch.com) - Some of the breathtaking rocky ridges in Shenandoah National Park are so popular with hikers, campers and climbers, they're being destroyed. Park officials are trying to come up a plan to save what they call ...
Multiuse path would be boon to region
(inrich.com) - A couple of times a week, a friend of mine in Northern Virginia rides his bike to work. His commute is about 15 miles each way, and he spends most of his time not on roads with cars whizzing by, but on long-distance ...
Step back in time on a multi-day C &O Canal bicycle trip
(usatoday.com) - CUMBERLAND, Md. Can we all just get along? That question ran quietly through my mind as I prepared to lead a dozen workmates on a four-day bicycle ride along the C&O Canal from Cumberland in ...
The Appalachian Trail: A national wonder
(usaweekend.com) - Throughout the 20th century, the American people mustered their grit to achieve bold endeavors of lasting significance: building the Golden Gate Bridge, helping to destroy Nazi tyranny, ...
Hiking the Appalachian Trail
(wthr.com) - Chris Suter and Kristi Griffith, graduates of Martinsville High School, decided the typical beach vacation was not for them late this past August. The twenty-two-year-olds preferred something a ...
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