About

What is better on a hot, humid summer day than a refreshing dip into a cool mountain stream? We will be hiking to a waterfall with a nice swimming hole. A reclaimed old iron ore mining area, St. Mary's Wilderness has an abundance of diverse scenery from waterfalls, fern forests, open meadows, valley vistas, and high mountain wetlands, in Virginia's largest designated wilderness area. No wonder it's one of the most popular circuit hikes in the northern section of the Blue Ridge Parkway. We will not be hiking the circuit hike, but this will be an in/out hike. There will be numerous rock hopping water crossing, it is possible that your feet will get wet. I have listed this hike as moderate due to numerous water crossing We will be staying at the waterfall for a couple of hours so we can swim. Those that are brave enough there is 15-20 jump in the river from a rock out cropping. Depending when we finish the hike, optional stop for dinner/refreshments on the way home. HIKE DETAILS: Difficulty: Moderate Hike Distance: 5 - 6 Miles Elevation Change: 500’ Hiking Pace: Moderate (1.5 -2.5 mph) Terrain: Dirt, Sand, Rocky Trail, Water Crossings Dogs Allowed: Yes WHAT TO BRING: favorite stuff animal, wear broken in hiking shoes or boots (water shoes or shoes you don’t mind getting wet), hiking poles, appropriate clothing for the weather, water, snacks, a lunch, rain gear, whistle, headlamp, bug spray, sunscreen, towel, change of clothes for the ride home, ID, basic first aid supplies, money for carpool, park entry and any optional post hike activities. Carpool Fee for This Hike: It is typical to contribute $$ to driver to defray the cost of gas prices. Parking at the trailhead is limited, please no meeting at the trailhead as the coordination will not work. Carpool Location: Oilville Park and Ride 2268 Oilville Road Route 617 Goochland, VA 23102 Exit 167 off I64 (Turn Left) Organizer will Provide: very basic first aid and send out additional hike details and carpool location the day before via email. (Check your notification settings). Cancellation: If weather becomes an issue, please check your email or contact the “Adventure Specialist” for this event.