Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Shenandoah National Park, VA - Mary's Rock Via Appalachian Trail


ABOUT THE PARK:  Mary's Rock - Wikipedia

DIRECTIONS:
Thornton Gap Entrance to Skyline Drive, south to Pinnacles Picnic Area parking between mile posts 36 and 37.  Look for the Appalachian Trail sign between the restrooms along the northern end of the parking lot. 


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TRAIL MAP:  Panorama Area Road and Trail Map

HIKE DISTANCE:  7.20 miles out and back

HIKE DIRECTIONS:
From facing the Appalachian Trail sign between the restrooms at the north side of the parking lot, turn right and follow along the edge of the parking lot which is the Appalachian Trail. 
As the Appalachian Trail goes through the woods behind Jewell Hollow Overlook it follows along a ledge with views of the Shenandoah Valley and mountain to the north.  It was hazy on this particular morning so nothing was visible to the east when there should be views on a clear day.

The trail will descend between the mountains then ascend again heading towards Mary's Rock.

At 3.5 miles turn left to Mary's Rock .1 miles ahead when the Appalachian Trail turns right.
Mary's Rock
View to the North
View to the West
Thornton Gap Entrance Station from Mary's Rock
View to the West
Retrace your steps back to finish the hike.

HIKE SUMMARY:
[0.00]  Take the white-blazed Appalachian Trail north from the Pinnacles Picnic Area
[3.50]  Turn left to Mary's Rock; Appalachian Trail turns right
[3.60]  Mary's Rock
[3.70]  Retrace steps turning right on white-blazed Appalachian Trail
[7.20]  Arrive back at Pinnacles Picnic Area

3 comments:

  1. How long did it take you to get there and back?

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  2. I don't remember exactly how long but I would guess 3-4 hours. I don't track time since everyone hikes at a different pace and I spend a lot of time stopping to take pictures.

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  3. Thank you VERY much for this post. We're from out of town, found your blog and followed the trail exactly. (and it took us about 5 hours, including chatting with AT hikers, eating lunch, taking photos, etc)

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