BSA Troop Skyline Drive Camping Trip Shenandoah National Park November 19-20

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1 BSA Troop Skyline Drive Camping Trip Shenandoah National Park November here: On this trip we will be venturing into the Shenandoah National Park and visiting two awesome locations just a short hike from Skyline Drive. After setting up camp at Big Meadows campground we will hike to the enchanting hite Oak Canyon Falls which is the second highest falls in the park at 86 feet. On day 2 we will set out for home but stop on the way out to take another short hike to Mary s Rock (elev. 3,515 feet). This granite rock outcropping dates back billions of years and has a fantastic view west over the Shenandoah valley. For both hikes there are some optional extended hikes that the troop can take. You can read about these in the following pages but the decision to venture further along these trails and do some more challenging hiking will be determined by the number of day light hours available to us during the trip and overall troop interest.

2 Agenda: Saturday, November 19 06:00- Meet at CCUMC 06:30- Depart to Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park. 08:00- Enter park. 09:30- Arrive at Big Meadows campground, mile 54. Note: Big Meadows campground is open at this time but does not take reservations and is first come first serve. 10:00- Set up camp at walk-to locations or whatever is available, group spot will not be available. 11:00- Load up and depart for hite Oak Canyon parking area. 11:30- Depart on 2.3 mile hike to hite Oak Canyon Falls (height 86 feet) :30- Arrive at Falls and eat lunch, enjoy the view. Option: There are five smaller waterfalls on hite Oak Run below the first waterfall, but the trail is extremely rocky and steep (elevation change of 1100 feet). This hike could be optional, or perhaps part of the troop continues on and part does not? I would like to. 15:00-16:00- Return to campground. 18:00- Dinner by patrols Sunday, November 20 08:00- ake up. 08:30- Breakfast by patrols 09:00- Breakdown camp 10:00- Depart Big Meadows and head North back towards Front Royal 10:30- Stop at Meadow Spring parking area, mile Start 1.4 mile hike to Mary s Rock (elevation 3,515 feet) [insert Mary s Rock hike info]. Option: There is a longer and steeper alternate hike to Mary s Rock: take the AT (south) directly behind Panorama. Follow the white blazes steadily uphill, with some switchbacks, then leave the AT for the blue blazed trail.1 mile from the top. This round-trip hike is 3.7 miles and has a climb of 1,210 feet (instead of 830). 12:00- Return to vehicles and leave for Front Royal. 13:00- Eat fast food in Front Royal 15:30- Return to CCUMC

3 Expected Trip Cost: Vehicle entrance fee Campground fee Gas reimbursement for drivers Total per Scout: $15.00 hat to Bring: Shoes with plenty of support and shock-absorbing soles (hiking boots are best). Make sure your boots are broken in and comfortable. Lots of extra socks, wool and synthetic ones. A daypack for lunch and snacks in addition to your backpack. After making camp we will hike with just daypacks. A warm sleeping bag and extra long underwear to sleep in. Night-time temperatures may drop below freezing. Bring a good flashlight with fresh batteries. It may be dark when we return to the campsite Saturday evening. Bring/wear many layers of clothes for when it's cold and shed when it's warm. Don't forget your rain jacket or poncho. ork with the other scouts to make sure everyone has tent space (single tents discouraged). Food & ater: Bring a bag lunch and snacks for Saturday to eat on the trail. Saturday dinner and Sunday breakfast will be Patrol decision. Bring money for a fast-food Sunday lunch. IMPORTANT: Bring at least 2 liters of water, there will be two hikes totalling 7-9 miles. Fill your bottles before you leave home. Permission Slips and Money: In person to Jacob Kirk or mail to 8728 Susanna Lane, Chevy Chase, MD 20815

4 APPROVAL / PERMISSION SLIP Approval/permission is granted by the parents/guardians of Boy Scout(s) for their son/scout to participate in the activities of Troop 255, Chevy Chase, Maryland, National Capital Area Council, Boy Scouts of America. Approval/permission is granted to the adult members of Troop 255 to authorize treatment of the Boy Scout named above in the event of an accident or emergency. Adult members of Troop 255 that authorize treatment of the Boy Scout in the event of an accident or emergency shall be released from any or all liabilities. Troop 255 will obtain local and national tour permits when necessary. This approval/ permission is valid for the November 19-20, 2011 to Shenandoah National Park, Sky Line Drive. I can drive: YES NO If YES, I can carry scouts including my own. I can attend: YES NO Parent Signature: Parent Name: Date: HO SHOULD E CONTACT IN AN EMERGENCY OR FOR CHANGE OF PLANS? PLEASE LIST NAMES AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS BELO:

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6 Shenandoah National Park Park Emergency Number (800) National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior 01/11 hiteoak Canyon Area Road and Trail Map Park Information recording: (540) You ll find these trail markers at all trailheads and intersections. The metal bands are stamped with directional and mileage information. Skyland See the Skyland Area Road and Trail Map for more detailed information about this area. Indian Run Trail Nicholson Hollow Trail hiteoak Skyline Drive Trailhead Hughes River Summit (3296 ) Old Rag Parking Trailhead Ridge Trail Ridge Trail 600 Old Rag Parking to Nethers Hawksbill Gap Parking Old Rag Fire Road (3,291 ) hiteoak Parking Area Skyline Drive (mile 42.6) to Upper Falls 4.6 miles round trip to upper falls, the highest of the hiteoak cascades at 86 feet. Return trip is very steep. Consider your physical condition and available time before continuing past the upper falls. Add an additional 2.7 miles round trip (1100 elevation change) to lower falls and return. Cedar Run/hiteoak Circuit (mile 45.6) very strenuous 8.2-mile circuit hike. From Hawksbill Gap, take Cedar Run-Link-hiteoak-hiteoak Fire Road-Horse Trail. Multiple waterfalls and cascades. Be sure to bring water. hiteoak Canyon from Boundary Trailhead 2 miles round trip to lower falls; steep and challenging 6 miles (1100 elevation change) round trip to upper falls. Return before crossing the large metal bridge above the upper falls. Note: Round trip hikes proceed to a destination and return by the same route. Circuit hikes begin and end at the same point without retracing steps. Leave No Trace Preservation through education: building awareness, appreciation, and most of all, respect for our public recreation places.

7 Hiking hiteoak Canyon Park Emergency Number: (800) hiteoak Canyon is a popular hike in Shenandoah National Park. The Skyline Drive Trailhead for this hike is at mile 42.6 near Skyland. This hike can also be accessed from the park's boundary (driving directions below). Boundary parking is limited. Parking is not permitted along the road or on private property. Fees Visitors hiking hiteoak Canyon from the boundary must have a valid Shenandoah National Park entrance permit. Seven-day permits or yearly passes may be purchased from rangers, when present, or via self-pay at the hiteoak parking lot at the boundary trailhead. Thanks to a Federal Fee Demonstration program, 80% of your entrance fee is returned to support previously unfunded maintenance, resource management, visitor services, and trail rehabilitation projects. Hiking hiteoak Canyon This trail boasts as series of six waterfalls, with the uppermost fall being the highest at 86 feet. Safety Take plenty of water and wear sturdy shoes. Food, extra layers of clothing, and a flashlight are also recommended. Do not leave the trail or climb on wet rocks. Many people underestimate the amount of time and energy necessary to visit all 6 waterfalls and return to the correct parking lot. Allow enough time to complete your hike before dark. Consult the trail map carefully to be sure you return to your vehicle. There is no public transportation between the Skyline Drive trailhead and the boundary trailhead. Pets Pet owners have the special responsibility of following the park regulations for pets. Pets must be kept on a lead no longer than 6 feet while they are in the park. This is for the protection of the park, its wildlife, for the pet's safety, and the safety of others. Directions to hiteoak Canyon Boundary Trailhead From Sperryville, follow Route 211 to Route 522 south for.8 mile. Turn right on Route 231, follow 10.2 miles to Etlan, turn right on Route 643. Follow for 4.5 miles and turn right onto Route 600, proceed 3.5 miles to the parking area. From Madison, Route 29 Business, take 231 north for 5.6 miles to Route 670 at Banco. Continue 3.6 miles to Route 643 in Syria. Follow.8 mile on Route 643 to Route 600. Continue on Route 600 to the parking area. Backcountry Camping There are extremely limited opportunities for backcountry camping in the hiteoak Canyon area. Camping is prohibited in hiteoak Canyon between the Skyland-Big Meadows Horse Trail and the Cedar Run Link Trail. The remaining areas are steep, rocky and not suitable for camping. Park boundary limitations must be observed and neighbors property rights respected. Please do not trespass on private property. A Backcountry Camping Permit is required and regulations are strictly enforced. The permit can be obtained at park entrance stations, visitor centers, or at a self-registration station. The nearest self-registration station is at the Old Rag Parking Area near Nethers. Detailed hiking maps can be purchased at park visitor centers, entrance stations and from some local merchants in the hiteoak Canyon area. Leave No Trace of your visit. Pack out all trash and do not disturb, damage, or remove wildlife, plants, rocks, or historical artifacts. Map available online at

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9 Shenandoah National Park Park Emergency Number (800) National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior 01/10 Panorama Area Road and Trail Map Park Information recording: (540) You ll find these trail markers at all trailheads and intersections. The metal bands are stamped with directional and mileage information. Byrds Nest 3 Shelter (Day Use Only) Marys Rock from Panorama upper parking area miles round trip to an outstanding view, difficult. Marys Rock from Meadow Spring Parking miles round trip to an outstanding view, moderately difficult. Hazel Mountain - parking at Meadow Spring area. A network of trails through woods, streams, and cascades, as well as evidence of old homesites. Tailor to your ability and interest. Note: Round trip hikes proceed to a destination and return by the same route. Circuit hikes begin and end at the same point without retracing steps. Leave No Trace Preservation through education: building awareness, appreciation, and most of all, respect for our public recreation places.

10 Big Meadows Campground Map Reservations: (877) or online at 10 mph North E173 E175 E177 E178 Trail To Lodge To Big Meadows Lodge Picnic Area Overflow Parking A104 A103 E176 E174 E172 E179 E180 i219 i i222 HOST i224 E181 E i i221 E182 E i i226 E184 H211 H212 i225 E186 E i228 H213 E188 G204 i227 G i230 F198 H214 i229 F199 G206 H215 F200 i231 G207 F201 A102 E197 G208 H217 F202 G209 A101 E189 E196 G210 A99 E195 F203 A100 A97 D144 Laundry, D146 A98 E190 D148 E194 ood, Ice, E D142 A94 E192 Phone, D145 D149 E193 A96 Showers D147 A HOST D143 C121 A90 A82 A81 49 A57 D150 D151 A95 A88 A86 A84 C122 A93 48 A58 D152 D A91 C123 Registration A59 D155 A83 47 A89 D157 A87 A85 Station 1 C124 D154 D159 D161 D168 D169 3 D156 D164 D166 A80 2 C125 A D C128 D160 D167 C126 Group Group A78 C130 D162 D163 D165 A C C132 A75 B105 C134 C141 A73 C129 C136 C B106 C131 6 A76 C133 A74 35 B108 C135 A C137 C139 B110 C140 A B107 A60 B112 B109 A B114 B120 B111 B116 B118 A61 B A62 B B115 A A B A63 A66 14 A64 A A No ood Collection 53 Reservable Sites indicated in RED Story of the Forest Trail (No pets on this trail) Accessible Phones Amphitheater Restrooms Ranger Station Recycle & Dumpster Showers Appalachian Trail ater Supply Generator-Free Zone To Dump/Fill Station, Byrd Visitor Center, Skyline Drive Food storage boxes are available at most walk-to sites. Host Sites: A57 & i218 Outside Firewood Ban in Effect All firewood must be purchased or gathered in the park. See the visitor guide, Shenandoah Overlook, for areas where gathering down and dead wood is allowed.

11 Shenandoah National Park Park Emergency Number (800) /11 National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Big Meadows Campground Reservations: (877) or online at Park Information recording: (540) (option 2) or online at elcome to Big Meadows Campground. Camping in Shenandoah National Park can be a fun and rewarding experience. Remember that you are sharing this space with plants, animals, and other campers. Consideration and cooperation are important. Obtaining a Campsite Big Meadows Campground accepts reservations during peak seasons, generally from late spring through early fall. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis in early spring and late fall. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance online at or by calling The cost for campsites is $20/night in peak seasons and $17/night during early spring and late fall. Camping fees are not refundable. Stays are limited to 14 consecutive days during peak seasons and 30 consecutive days during early spring and late fall. Checkout time is noon. Clip your camping pass to your site post to show occupancy. Camping fees must be paid within one hour of occupying a site. Campsites Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, fire grate, and parking area. Electric and water hookups are not available. Campsites are limited to 2 tents, 6 people, and 2 vehicles (including RV) per site. Vehicles must stay on paved/graveled areas. alk-to sites are for tents only and require a short walk to your campsite. Please do not trench your site or put nails in trees. Quiet Hours and Generators Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Generators may be used from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. From October 15 through April 14 generator hours are extended to 9 p.m. for the purpose of generating heat. Generator use is prohibited in sites designated as generator-free and in group sites. Group Sites There are two group sites in the campground. Sites D163 and D167 are reservable online at or by calling These sites can accommodate 7-15 people and are equipped with picnic tables, fire grates, and parking areas. One group site has a wheelchair accessible picnic table and a raised fire grate. The cost for each site is $45/night. Campfires For firewood, do not cut, saw, or break any standing trees, dead or alive. You may gather dead wood that is down on the ground, or you may purchase firewood in the park. Because of the threat from the Emerald Ash Borer, outside firewood is prohibited. Please check the park map in the visitor guide, Shenandoah Overlook, for areas where firewood collection is allowed. Fires are allowed only in designated fire grates. Do not build rock rings or burn trash in the grate. Never leave fires or hot coals unattended and extinguish them completely before leaving. Food Storage and ildlife This is bear country, and deer, raccoons, and skunks are also year-round residents. Food, garbage, equipment used to prepare or store food, and all scented items must be kept in a vehicle when not being activley used. It is illegal to feed, frighten, or disturb wildlife. All resources such as wildflowers, plants, animals, and artifacts are protected by law in national parks. Please leave them for others to enjoy. Sanitation ash dishes at your campsite, not in restrooms or water fountains. Strained dishwater must be disposed of in the utility sinks in the restrooms. Dispose of food particles in trash bins, not in the sink drains. Sewage and wastewater from trailers and RVs must be emptied at the dump station, approximately ¼ mile from the campground. ater is a precious and limited resource, especially on top of the mountain; use it wisely. Please sort and place all trash and recyclables in the appropriate bins. Campstore, Laundry, and Showers Shenandoah National Park operates the campgrounds. ARAMARK, the official park concessioner, operates the showers, laundry, and campstore. Showers and laundry machines take quarters. A change machine is located by the showers. astewater treatment is an expensive undertaking in Shenandoah National Park. Your quarters help return clean water to the park environment. Vehicles and Bicycles All roads in the campground are one-way and the speed limit is 10 mph. Keep all vehicles, including motorcycles and trailers, on paved areas at all times. Bicycles are permitted on paved areas only. There is additional parking at the laundry/shower area. Recreation Be sure to check the schedule of ranger-conducted activities in the park visitor guide, Shenandoah Overlook. Visitor centers have exhibits, maps, videos, publications, and hiking information. Byrd Visitor Center is approximately 1 mile from the campground. Dickey Ridge Visitor Center is at mile 4.6. Skates, rollerblades, skateboards, scooters, horseshoes, and fireworks are prohibited. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Do not leave pets unattended, and clean up after them. Emergencies Contact rangers at the registration station or the campground hosts at sites A57 or I218. You may also use the pay phone by the showers to call The nearest hospital is located in Harrisonburg, 15 miles south on Skyline Drive, then 22 miles west on U.S. 33. Leave No Trace Preservation through education: building awareness, appreciation, and most of all, respect for our public recreation places.