Patterson Ridge and Big Run Circuit-11.4 miles-Strenuous

Starting Point - Loft Mountain Wayside

Ending Point - Loft Mountain Wayside

Hike Distance/Rating - 11.4 miles/Strenuous

PLEASE NOTE - Since this hike is rated as a strenuous hike, all hikers are going to start on the wait list for this hike until I can verify the hiking experience of all hikers on the wait list. Those who have not hiked a strenuous hike with me have 3 days to answer the following vetting questions.

1. How often do you hike?
2. What strenuous hikes have you done?
3. When and what was the last strenuous hike that you completed?

Failure to answer the vetting questions within 3 days will move those hikers to NOT GOING. The answers to the above questions need to be emailed to me [email protected].

Trailhead GPS Coordinates - 38.262508, -78.660955

Hike Highlights - Patterson Ridge Trail, Big Run, Big Run Portal Trail, Big Run Loop Trail, Appalachian Trail, Ridgeline Vistas, Frazier Discovery Trail

Hike Details - This is a last minute posting. This is a favorite circuit hike in the South District of Shenandoah National Park, We are going to meet at the Rockfish Gap entrance next to the carmel corn stand at 7:30 AM and carpool to the Loft Mountain Wayside. If going straight to the Loft Mountain Wayside, the arrival time should be around 8:30 AM. From Loft Mountain Wayside, we will walk up Skyline Drive to the Patterson Ridge Trail. We will turn on the Patterson Ridge Trail and steadily descend into the Big Run Drainage Area. We will reach the Big Run Portal Trail and turn left on the Big Run Portal Trail. We will have multiple crossings/fords of Big Run, We will make our way to the Big Run Loop Trail. We will turn left on the Big Run Loop Trail and steadily climb up to Skyline Drive. We will cross Skyline Drive and turn left on the Appalachian Trail and hike to the Frazier Discovery Trail. We will have multiple vista points on this stretch of the Appalachian Trail. We will complete this circuit hike.

What to Bring - Broken in Hiking Boots, Trekking Poles, Lunch/Snacks, 3 to 5 Liters of Water, First Aid Kit, Good Day Pack, Camera, Tick Repellent, Money for Your Driver, Layers of Clothing for colder fall and winter hiking, Beanies/Gloves