We continued our mid-October 2020 trip to Shenandoah National Park with another short hike on the Appalachian Trail. This time, we hiked north from Timber Hollow Overlook on Skyline Drive to the Skyland Stables on Upper Skyland Loop.
This short 1.2-mile segment of the trail has a net elevation gain of 355 feet. However, instead of one long climb, this portion of the trail has two fairly level sections, two ascents, and one short descent. The first climb is 270 feet in the first 0.44 miles of the trail. This yields an average grade of nearly 12% and the trail tops out at a scenic viewpoint. From there, the trail is fairly level for the next 0.16 miles before descending 70 feet in the succeeding 0.10 miles for a grade of -13%. Continuing level for the next 0.18 miles, the trail climbs 150 feet in the final 0.32 miles for an average grade of nearly 9%. As usual for the AT in Shenandoah, the trail is well marked and well maintained.
 |
| Topographic map with GPS route |
 |
| Elevation profile |
 |
| Timber Hollow Access Trail junction |
 |
| Just a stroll in the woods |
 |
| Beginning the climb |
 |
| Continuing the climb |
 |
| Still climbing |
 |
| More climbing |
 |
| Going up some more |
 |
| False view |
 |
| Climbing atop the bluff |
 |
| Boulder field |
 |
| Approaching the scenic vista |
 |
Roundhead Mountain 2170' 6.8 miles
Massanutten 2573' 16.4 miles |
 |
| Nakedtop 3734' 1.8 miles |
 |
| Skirting a boulder field |
 |
| How did this rock wind-up on the trail? |
 |
| A nice place for a break |
 |
| Below the summit of Pollock Knob |
 |
| Beautiful fall colors |
 |
| Rocky trail surface |
 |
| A large rock outcrop |
 |
| Back to a dirt tread |
 |
| Rock wall |
 |
| "No camping beyond this point" |
 |
| More climbing |
 |
| Crossing a horse trail |
 |
| Still climbing, but not as steep |
 |
| Back of the stables |
 |
| Still a bit to go |
 |
| More buildings at the stables |
 |
| Paved trail to the parking area |
 |
| The trail continues on |
 |
| Approaching the stable driveway |
 |
| Looking back at the stables |
A Shenandoah National Park entry fee of $30 per vehicle, $25 per motorcycle, or $15 per person is valid for seven consecutive days. Other fee payment options include the America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands passes including the Annual Pass ($80), Senior Pass ($80 for a lifetime), Access Pass (free with a documented disability), and Military Annual Pass (free for active-duty personnel). Also available is a Shenandoah Annual Pass for $55.
No comments:
Post a Comment