Spring is in the air. Let’s break out in sync with the overstory and stride in style with Mama Nature. Join the Elements DC for a full day hike in Shenandoah National Park. We will get you and your friends outside, active and grounded
Registered hikers will receive an email the day before the walk with any extra details. Email me at mrietano@theelementsdc.com and I can share deets and answer any q’s that are not covered here: FAQ’s
Wednesday, April 13: 10:00 - 5:00 (+/-)
Meet: We will meet at 10am for a pit stop at Before & After in Sperryville (see address and map upper left). We will then drive cars the final few miles to the trail-head.
Drive mileage/time from DC: 78 miles and approx 1 hr 40 minutes. Please note: there is limited/no cell service once you pass Warrenton, VA
Hiking Route: Buck Ridge & Mary’s Rock region; exact route will be relayed to registered hikers
Mileage and Trail Conditions; 9 mile lollipop loop with elevation gain/loss of 2600’
This route gives us a lot of everything: great climbs, great summit views, and downhill rocky ramble home.
Training Tips: The best way to get ready for a hike is to hike or walk/run/move a lot! So live your life, kick up the exercise regime a few notches. Take the stairs. Park a bit farther from your destination and enjoy the process.
BYO: Daypack for:
Water (recommend 1 to 2 liters), picnic lunch & snack, creature comforts: sunglasses, brimmed hat, sunblock, bug spray prescription meds (if needed). Walking poles (if desired) are recommended for this hike.
WEAR: (check the ‘day of’ forecast for the region and dress for the weather)
hiking shoes or boots (running shoes are not appropriate for this terrain) and hiking socks
The most important thing is to please test out your shoes/boots and sock combo. Confirm that there are NO spots that rub or give you any pain or discomfort.
wicking base layers
insulating and/or wind/water layers + hat/gloves to add or shed as needed
post-hike off-trail shoes
ELEMENTS will provide:
Led by Margaret Rietano, founder & director of The Elements DC, LLC
Basic 1st aid kit, map, electrolyte tabs, sunblock, bug spray
Additional walking poles
WEATHER: If the forecast is for heavy rain, storms or strong winds, we will reschedule within next 12 months