Announcing a new Meetup for NOVA Trail Dogs Hiking Club!

What: Hard Hike - Hawksbill Summit, Shenandoah National Park

When: May 31, 2009 8:30 AM

Meetup Description: Visit the tallest peak in Shenandoah National Park, take in views of a waterfall and hike along the famed Appalachian Trail!

Hike is rated hard due to length and elevation gain. Shorter route options are available for those who would like to see the summit but don't want to hike quite so far. Please don't let the hike rating discourage you from joining us.

Following the hike we'll stop at one of the waysides for a famous SNP Blackberry shake!

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Trail Type: Loop
Distance: 9.2-miles
Difficulty: Hard (see our Trail Rating System for more details)
Hiking Time: at least 6-hours
Facilities: Toilets, water, shopping, snack stands, etc... in visitor centers, but nothing along hike route
Fees: National Park entrance fees are $15.00 per vehicle, National Parks Pass accepted
Restrictions: Leashes required at all times
What to Bring: Appropriate clothing for expected weather, sturdy footwear, poo bags, plenty of water for you and your dog, a snack or lunch for you and your dog, and a camera!!
Weather: Cancel for thunder and lightning, hike in rain or shine, modify route for high temps

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Carpooling:
Meet at 6:30AM sharp in the Centreville Park-n-Ride to arrange a carpool. From I-66, take exit 52 for Rte 29 South. The park-n-ride lot will be on your right at the intersection of 29/Stone Road. It is accessible from 29 southbound or Stone Road, no access from northbound lanes on 29.

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Directions:
From Thornton Gap (Rte 211) drive South on Skyline Drive to Fishers Gap Overlook at mile 49.4 (mile markers are always on the west side of Skyline Drive). We're NOT starting at Hawksbill Gap, we're starting at Rose River.

For customized driving directions, click this link: http://www.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=110165430692311050876.[masked]e787ec6ce8e&ll=38.534336,-78.422191&spn=0.013982,0.033045&t=h&z=16

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Learn more here:
http://www.k9hiking.com/calendar/10234538/