Spartan Trail - Hike Buzzard Rock & High Peak - 3,022', 12.1 mi., Moderate

Spartan Trail will be a series of fast pace strenuous hikes for hikers who like the challenge.

Everyone will start on the waitlist and will be vetted based on experience and past hikes with us.

This will be an out-and-back hike starting at the Shawl Gap Trailhead Parking lot and going up to High Peak and Buzzard Rock before coming back to our cars. This hike is going to be tough but fun. There are three great sections on this hike, 1.) the first uphill portion on the yellow-blazed Shawl Gap Trail 2.) the ever beautiful ridge walk along the Tuscarora/ Massanutten Trail, and 3.) the Buzzard Rock cliffs, which are absolutely unique and beautiful.
The Shawl Gap Trailhead parking lot is free; however, it can fill up, so arrive here 15-30 minutes before the hike in case you have to park further back. I recommend carpooling with someone to keep the number of cars down.
TRAIL MAP: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/hike-buzzard-rock-and-high-peak-63ce12d?u=i&sh=y1w9cy. Please download this map onto your phone.

RELEASE OF LIABILITY & ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT: By attending this hike, I acknowledge that hiking in nature carries the risk of potential harm to myself up to and including the risk of injuries such as broken bones or muscle/tendon injuries, illness, disability, or death. These can be caused by slipping or falling off rocks due to loss of balance or lack of coordination; twisting ankles on rocks, brush, limbs, or ice; Acts of nature such as rock falls, inclement weather, lightning, strong wind, extreme temperatures; drownings in rivers, streams, or other bodies of water; drinking unfiltered contaminated water or becoming dehydrated; succumbing to heat exhaustion; getting bit or stung by venomous reptiles, animals, or insects; and my own or other’s negligent or risky behaviors. This list is not exhaustive nor is it inclusive of all risks. In response, I release and hold harmless with respect to all injury, disability, death, or loss of property, whether caused by negligence or otherwise, the “C'Ville Friends” meetup group’s leadership as well as the designated hike leaders for this hike.

SICKNESS (COVID/FLU/COLD): As always, if you have been exposed to a contagious illness, or are having any symptoms at all, please do not attend. There will be plenty of future events.