SUMMER 2010 HIKES

ALL Y HIKES are free and open to the public

Courtesy of Trailheadfinder.com

Where to Meet: The Y Center (1000 N. Main Street) in front of the Administrative Offices door (far right-hand side of building) at 1:30PM, unless otherwise noted. Hikers may caravan or carpool to the hike site as many trails have very limited parking. Return time is targeted to be 5:00pm. 

What to Bring: Water, Snacks, and wear sturdy shoes! Hikes subject to change due to weather conditions. Call the YMCA at 961-9622 (contact Anne Gouiller-Moore) or email Anne.  

Images courtesy of Trailheadfinder.com and Hikingupward.com

Saturday June 26, 2010
Meet at 9AM at the Y Center

John's Creek Mountain Trail
Hike Leader: Carmel Stowers
Hike Leader Contact: carmelstowers@gmail.com

Beginning on VA 601, the ascent on the Appalachian Trail to the Johns Creek Mountain Trail is a steady uphill grade for less than half mile. This is the most difficult section of the trail. At the top of the grade, Johns Creek Mountain Trail veers off to the east. The trail follows the ridge line out to VA 658, crossing several peaks and saddles along the way. There are a number of outcroppings and scenic vistas. The mountain is an area of abundant wildlife.

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

 

Saturday July 3, 2010
Meet at 10:30AM at the Y Center
Narrow's Creek Mill
Hike Leader: Su Clauson –Wicker
Hike Leader Contact: 540-552-6331
 
This 6.5-8 mile hike is located off the AT.  Hikers will travel around a rocky little creek, past an old reservoir, and up the side of a very steep mountain.
 
Difficulty: Difficult
 
Sunday July 11, 2010
Meet at 1:30PM at the Y Center
Devils Marbleyard
Hike Leader: Nick Kornblith
Hike Leader Contact: 540-961-0428
 
Devils Marbleyard is a hilside of boulders, some as large as a truck.  This hike passes Devils Marbleyard and continues down the Gunter Ridge Trail.  An additional out and back option takes hikers along the Appalachian Trail, which reaches one of the most spectaular 360 panoramas in Virginia. The length of the hike will be between 4-8 miles depending on group preference.
http://www.hikingupward.com/JNF/DevilsMarbleyard/
 
Difficulty: Moderate
 
Saturday July 24, 2010 - Canceled Due to Heat.
This hike will be rescheduled for a date in the fall, please check back.
Dragon's Tooth
Hike Leader: Barry Anderson
Hike Leader Contact: 540-639-1018
 
This hike, steep at times, located on the Appalachian Trail at Cove Mountain with a spectacular view at the pinnacle. The hike is approximately 6 miles.
http://www.hikingupward.com/JNF/DragonsTooth/
 
Difficulty: Moderate
 

Sunday July 25, 2010
Meet at 1:30PM at the Y Center

War Spur
Hike Leader: Chambree McClure
Hike Leader Contact: 540818-3984

Such a peaceful place to have such a violent name.   The highlight of the hike is a 10 acre patch of hemlocks in the War Spur Branch Valley. Hikers will pass over tiny creeks and enjoy the mountain air while hiking at nearly 4,000 feet of elevation.

Difficulty: Moderate

 
Sunday August 1, 2010
Meet at 1:30PM at the Y Center
Kelly's Knob
Hike Leader: Mike Cutlip
Hike Leader Contact: 540-961-3171
 
The Appalacian Tral ascends Johns Creek Mountain after crossing Rt. 601 for less than 1/2 mile. This is the most difficult section of the trail. At the top of the grade the trail leads to the site of a former firetower. The AT follows the ridge line out to Kelly's Knob, crossing several peaks and saddles along the way. A blue-blazed trail crosses the AT just before Kelly's Knob. The side trail to the west leads to White Rock and views of Salt Pond Mountain. The side trail to the east leads to a large bog know as Big Pond.  http://www.trailheadfinder.com/trail_editor/show/88
 
Difficulty: Moderate
 
 

YMCA at Virginia Tech, 1000 North Main Street, Blacksburg, VA, 24060, 961-9622, ymca@vtymca.org