About

DESCRIPTION: This classic circuit in the Southern District of Shenandoah National Park serves up a premier wilderness experience. We will explore massive rocky talus slopes, marvel at towering rock formations, and drop into a deep gorge to cool off in one of the park’s largest mountain swimming holes. **Phase 1: The Appalachian Trail Warm-Up** We will start at the Riprap Trail Click to open side panel for more information parking area at Milepost 90 on Skyline Drive, heading south on the white-blazed Appalachian Trail. * **The Vibe:** Easygoing and conversational. This initial 2.7-mile stretch parallels Skyline Drive, taking us through a relatively flat, gentle pine and hardwood forest. Walking two-abreast, it gives us the perfect opportunity to find our collective pacing rhythm and warm up our legs before the real work begins. **Phase 2: Descending Wildcat Ridge** We will turn right onto the blue-blazed Wildcat Ridge Trail to plunge down toward the valley floor. * **The Vibe:** Focused and steady. This section drops steeply through a series of tight switchbacks down into the hollow. We will transition into a single-file line, watching our footing over loose rocks and leaves, and enjoying early glimpses of the surrounding ridges through the tree canopy. **Phase 3: Swimming in Riprap Hollow** At the bottom of the ridge, we will hook left onto the Riprap Trail, following a mountain stream that leads us straight to our premier rest stop. **The Swimming Hole:** Tucked deep within the gorge, the mountain stream pools into a massive, 50-foot-wide spring-fed swimming hole backdropped by a 20-foot cascading waterfall. We will drop our heavy packs on the wide gravel banks, change into our gear, and jump into the icy, crystal-clear water to completely rejuvenate our tired muscles. **Phase 4: Lunch at Cavalry and Chimney Rocks** Leaving the hollow, we will tackle the most demanding part of our trek—a steady, 2-mile climb out of the canyon. Our reward comes near the top as we navigate a massive talus rock slide to reach the spectacular quartzite pillars of Chimney Rock and the open expanse of Calvary Rocks. **The Lunch Spot:** Perched high on these sweeping sandstone ledges, we get a completely unobstructed, panoramic view of the Shenandoah Valley and the rolling ridges to the west. We will spread out across the boulders to unpack our lunches, dry off in the sun, and capture our definitive group photo high above the gorge. From the rocks, it is a fast, celebratory 1-mile cruise back to the Riprap Trail Click to open side panel for more information parking lot to finish our adventure. For more information read about it on Hiking Upward: https://www.hikingupward.com/snp/ripraphollow/ TRAIL MAP: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/riprap-trail?u=i&sh=y1w9cy. Please download this map onto your phone. PARKING/CARPOOLING: Please arrive at the trailhead 15 minutes before the start of the hike. Also, I encourage carpooling wherever possible. If you need a ride or want a ride, look at the list of attendees and where they live (it says in their profile). Then, for those who live near you, hit the "Chat" button to ask if they want or can offer a ride. If you are a rider, please chip in towards gas (usually $5 - $20 depending on distance and # of riders). Additionally, you can post a request to give or receive a ride in the chat section of the event. POST EVENT DINNER, DRINKS, & SOCIALIZATION: We will stop to get dinner & drinks afterward at a place to be determined. Make sure whoever you ride with has the same plans as you so you can eat afterward if you want. EXPECTATIONS: Download the trail map onto your phone before you arrive. Bring plenty of drinking water and a lunch/snacks. Know your physical limits and cardiovascular fitness. Bring proper clothing and gear for the weather. If you have any concerns or questions, don't hesitate to contact the hike leader via the chat feature or direct messaging. 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 “Active Adventurers” and "Harrisonburg Hiking Adventures" 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. DOGS: Don't bring dogs without checking with the hike leader first. Some hikes are fine for dogs, and some are too difficult. Also, some trails forbid dogs. Just message the hike leader to ask first.