We hike at a pace of 2.5 - 3.0 when moving. Yet the approach is not for the faint of heart: while there are easier and longer ways to the summit, the most dramatic route ascends 1,200 feet from the Panorama parking area at Thornton Gap. Hike starts at 8:00 A.M.**** This hike is only suitable for those who have recent experience hiking this distance and elevation gain. And please do it within within a reasonable time - not hours before - so someone on the wait list have your spot.Questions? You must read the following http://nvhc.com/CovidDocument.pdf and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike. Great Views but a Challenging Hike My Airbnb host jokingly said I like to torture myself becausem during my three days at Shenandoah National Park, I took the challenging trails to the top. ************* THE GOOD STUFF **************************Approximately 12 miles and 3000 vertical, give or take. The route will be AT from Panorama Parking Lot to Mary's Rock. There is a left turn off 211 near the overpass. For those eager for a longer hike (though slightly longer), opt for the hike to Mary’s Rock by way of the northern approach. There used to be a route from the Panorama Restaurant, but it has closed down, so to hike Mary's Rock, it is necessary to do so from inside the park, right near the entrance station. It is the responsibility of hiker to contact leader if not a regular A/A+ hiker with NVHC. The elevation gain from here is pretty steep … Sitting atop the rock’s highest fins offers true 360-degree panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah Valley, and beyond. From the Panorama parking lot, you can follow the trail to Mary's Rock Summit, a bit of a hike to reach but the views at top are incredible. For this hike I will be parked in the upper panorama lot that is adjacent to the lower (free) lot, toward the TH start. Rest Rooms are available at the Panorama Lot.Park Entry Fee: $0Carpool Meet-up: NO CARPOOL during this timePLEASE PRINT OUT ANY MAPS THAT YOU THINK YOU MAY NEED AS I DO NOT PROVIDE COPIES OF MAPS. Link to Map as follows:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vN5PdUmwSY7JMn8clWg-fw9Vtisou9qE/view?usp=sharingBring: Lunch/snacks, adequate hydration, electrolytes, layers appropriate for the weather, sensible shoes, rain gear/sunglasses/hat depending on the forecast; basic first aid kit, sunscreen, bug spray and your gorgeous smile .AND FINALLY!1) Don't come if your not feeling well.2) Avoid the most severe, unspeakable bad karma by CHANGING YOUR RSVP if you're not able to attend! A beautiful hike with expansive views of Shenandoah National Park and the valley below. (It's an out and back). A start from Panorama is a great option if you get shut out of parking at the Meadow Spring parking area. Metallic Grey Toyota Camry. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until November. Marys Rock has two approaches, both rated moderate, one from Panorama Parking Area that is 3.7 mi/5.9 km and another from Meadow Spring Parking Area that is 2.9 mi/4.6 km. The parking lot is accessed off 211 just 100 yards or so west after passing the Thornton Gap Entrance to Shenandoah. It is a challenging hike up. Bring water with you and good hiking shoes. Message or text me!Looking forward a great hike,Steve (703)[masked], https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vN5PdUmwSY7JMn8clWg-fw9Vtisou9qE/view?usp=sharing. This is an A+ hike due to distance, elevation and possible hot conditions.Meet at TH: 7:45 A.M. We will then be on Meadow Springs Trail to Hazel Mountain Trail to White Rocks Trail to Cave Falls and then back. Go about 7 miles till you get to Skyline Drive. The hike is 3.4 miles out-and-back, beginning and ending at the massive Panorama parking area at Mile Marker 31.6. (It's an out and back).Note - You may be able to take a dip in Cave Falls (if weather allows).Parking: We will park at the free lot at Panorama near the Thornton Gap park entrance (Parking coordinates:[masked], [masked]). Marys Rock via Appalachian Trail (North Approach) is a 3.4 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Sperryville, Virginia that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. An average pace is: 1.5 mph for easiest trails. Mary’s Rock is just south of the Thornton Gap Entrance in Shenandoah National Park’s Central District. We will then be on Meadow Springs Trail to Hazel Mountain Trail to White Rocks Trail to Cave Falls and then back.