Shenandoah River State Park (Rating: B) Virginia First Day Hike

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike.

9 miles with 780 feet of elevation gain.

Let's celebrate the New Year by participating in Virginia State Parks First Day Hike
- Fee Free Entrance

Description: Join us for Virginia First Day Hike.
A very scenic hike in the forest of Shenandoah River State Park and along the shore of the South Fork of the Shenandoah River. In addition to the meandering river frontage, the park offers scenic views of Massanutten Mountain to the west and Shenandoah National Park to the east.
We will combine several trails in the Park to make a nice loop. We will visit a couple of nice overlooks, one of which we stop at for lunch.

The pace will be about 2.5 mph. The elevation gain on this hike is pretty much spread out over the course of the hike. You should be experienced at this distance and elevation gain.

There are restrooms at the canoe launch area (where we start) as well as at the Visitor Center.

Bring: adequate water/hydration (at least 2 liters), also snacks/lunch. The route is mostly level and there are no stream crossings. Some sections may get muddy after heavy rains. I recommend sturdy hiking shoes there are areas of the trail with many tree roots.

Fee: Park entrance fee is waived on this day!

Dogs:
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy

CARPOOLING: For those who are looking to carpool, meet at University Blvd - Gainesville Park and Ride and plan to leave at 7:45-8am to arrive at the trailhead in time to get signed in and start hiking at 9am.
A new Sheetz has opened in the Park & Ride, this would be a good meeting point. New Stable Way, directly across from the Sheetz store.
GPS 38.801119, -77.589532

Neither the Club nor the hike leader is responsible for coordinating transportation to/from the trailhead. Hikers are not guaranteed to get a ride to the trailhead from the carpool location. Carpooling is organized by the participants and they participate at their own risk. Suggested carpool fee: $4.00 per rider. Driving time from Gainesville Park & Ride to Shenandoah River State Park is about 50 minutes.

NOTE: The times listed for the hike include starting and finishing at Gainesville Park & Ride.

If you are going directly to the trailhead at Shenandoah River State Park the times will be 9:00am-12:30pm.

Meet at the trailhead parking lot 15 minutes early to allow everyone to be signed in and get ready to hike at 9:00am. The gate at the contact station opens at 8:00am.

Shenandoah River State Park Info:
https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/shenandoah-river

Shenandoah River State Park address is:
350 Daughter of Stars Dr., Bentonville, VA

Directions to Shenandoah River State Park.
Trailhead GPS coordinates 38.86353, -78.30952
From Northern Virginia, take I-66 West to exit 13 (Linden). Turn left off the ramp. Go one block to a stoplight where you'll take a right onto Rt. 55 West. At the fifth stoplight, turn left onto 340 South. Drive eight miles; the park's entrance is on the right. About 50 minutes drive time from Gainesville Park & Ride.

Post hike rehydration TBD

Any questions, please message me here or text/call @ 202-528-0456. If you text, please include your name.