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FALL 2009 HIKE SCHEDULE
ALL Y HIKES are free and open to the public
Where to Meet: YMCA Lancaster House, 403 Washington St. SW at 1:30pm Sunday afternoons, unless otherwise noted. Hikers may caravan or carpool to the hike site as many trails have very limited parking. Return time is targeted to be 5:00pm.
What to Bring: Water, Snacks, and wear sturdy shoes! Hikes subject to change due to weather conditions. Call the YMCA at 961-9622 or Peggy Leister, hikes coordinator, at 552-1704 or email Peggy.
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September 6 – Appalachian Trail near Wind Rock to War Spur Connector
These two trails form a 2.5-mile, easy loop through the Mountain Lake Wilderness Area to the War Spur Overlook. The Overlook has outstanding views of the surrounding mountains and the valleys below. This route takes you through rhododendron thickets, virgin hemlock and stands of eastern hardwoods. You even pass an occasional chestnut tree. A small stream crosses the trail several times. Wildflowers and fern gardens are scattered along the trail.
Difficulty: Easy to Medium
Norm Eiss 951-4015 or nsjeiss@verizon.net
October 18 – Angel’s Rest
The Appalachian Trail ascends the northern end of Pearis Mountain. At the top a blue-blazed trail leads 50 yards to View Rock with views of the New River Valley, Pearisburg, and Peters Mountain on the left; Butt Mountain at the center right; and Bald Knob at the extreme right. The trail passes through many thickets of rhododendron and azalea on top of the mountain. Follow the Trail around the edge of Pearis Mountain to a rock ledge overlooking Wilburn Valley with a spectacular view eastward of the New River and mountains.
Difficulty: Medium
Barry Anderson 540-639-1018 or cbarry8@verizon.net
October 24 – Rock Castle Gorge
Saturday Departs at 10:30 AM
The Rock Castle Gorge National Recreation Trail is a moderate to strenuous 11 mile loop with elevations ranging from 1,700 to 3,572 ft. Parts of the trail are rocky and quite steep. The trail passes through coves of hardwood forest of oaks, hickories, tulip trees, basswoods, maples and a stand of bigtooth aspens. Along the ridge there is a beautiful display of mountain laurel. The trail passes through rural pasture with its fence stiles and along Little Castle Creek. Segments of this trail are interrupted by large outcrops of huge boulders and with excellent views of creek 100 ft. below.
Difficulty: Difficult
Carmel Stowers - carmelstowers@gmail.com
October 25 – Dragon’s Tooth
Dragon's Tooth is a 1,500 foot climb in little more than 2 miles. From the trailhead, it climbs through a nice creek valley, eventually leaving to angle up a ridgeline and join the AT. Turning right along the AT from there, the trail becomes more rockyand steep, clinging to the mountainside in many places, and requiring the use of metal steps that have been shoved into the rock. The views are spectacular even before reaching the destination. Finally up on top of Cove Mountain, a left leads to the Tooth.
Difficulty: Medium
Mike Cutlip mcutlip@vt.edu or 540-961-3171
November 1 – Sharp Top
Departs at 1PM
This hike is located just north of Roanoke off the Blue Ridge Parkway (mile marker 86). It is a steep climb but relatively short, 3 miles roundtrip. The view at the top is incredible. Bring warm weather wear, the top is exposed to elements and can be windy and colder than at the base.
Difficulty: Medium
Nick Kornblith - nick.kornblith@unitedpetgroup.com
November 15 – Huckleberry Trail with Warm Hearth Loop
7-mile loop through fields and woodlands that retraces a historic trail.
Difficulty: Easy
Su Clauson - clausonsu@hotmail.com
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