What we’re about
We love the Great Outdoors and explore it through many different hikes, backpacking tours and skiing events.
Join us on the trails in the mountains, the forests and the woods. Breathe deeply of the fresh air and feel nature's healing powers. With easy banter, camaraderie, some socializing over food and drink, all in our world will be ok.
We value fellowship and camaraderie, practice good hiking etiquette by taking breaks as necessary, and have one guide in front with a "sweeper" in the back in order to leave no hiker alone. We are very supportive of each other, focus on trail safety and practice Leave No Trace ethics.
Prospective members must confirm they have read the BMHC Etiquette before being accepted into the club.
Blue Mountain Hiking Club Organizers are not professional guides. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were hiking alone. With your RSVP you agree with the following.
DISCLAIMER/Liability Waiver: The Blue Mountain Hiking Club (BMHC) and its Leaders and Organizers/Participants do not take responsibility for any harm, bodily injury, accidents, or damage to personal property. By clicking “Attend” you are confirming that you understand that all outdoor activity such as hiking, backpacking, and trekking have an associated danger, and you will not hold any hike leader/organizer, participant, BMHC member, or any group associated pet responsible for any hazard to your well being. You are fully responsible for yourself and any person under the age of eighteen you bring with you on any hike or event.
Upcoming events
11
Elkwallow Loop
Location not specified yetJoin me this weekend for a strenuous loop hike (8.3 mi / 1,600 ft) exploring trails north of Elkwallow Gap in the North District of Shenandoah National Park (SNP). This hike begins at the Elkwallow Wayside area. We'll start the hike by crossing the Skyline Drive and heading north climbing gradually on the Appalachian Trail (AT). Other trails we'll visit on this hike include: Piney Branch Trail, Pole Link Bridge Trail. Sugarloaf Trail, Tuscarora - Overall Run Trail, Traces Trail, and Elkwallow Trail. Additional details for this hike are included below.
- Distance: 8.3 miles
- Elevation gain: 1,600 feet
- Pace: ~2.5 miles/hour
- Difficulty: Strenuous (hiking difficulty scale)
- Start time: 9:30 a.m.
- Duration: 4 hours
- Hike map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/legacy-map/elkwallow-loop-fd78444
- Trailhead parking: Elkwallow Wayside (Skyline Drive mile 24.1)
- Parking coordinates: 38.738754, -78.309081
What to bring
Make sure your emergency contact information is in your pack. Bring backpack, hiking poles, food, water, sunscreen, insect repellent. Dress for the weather, including hat, gloves, layers, and rain gear as needed.
Dogs
Dogs are allowed on this hike subject to the following conditions:
- Must be on a physical leash no longer than 6 feet at all times
- Dogs must wear a collar with current tags at all times
- Bag your pet's waste and carry it out with you - Leave no trace
Please send a direct private message to the hike leader if you plan to bring your dog.
Park entrance / parking fees
You are required to pay an entrance fee or present your "America the Beautiful" park pass in order to access Shenandoah National Park.
Rehydration
TBD
Weather
Here's a National Weather Service URL you can use to check the 7-day weather forecast at the trailhead (Elkwallow Wayside).
https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=38.738754&lon=-78.309081
In case of poor or severe weather, this hike will be postponed.
Disclaimer
Blue Mountain Hiking Club Organizers are not professional guides. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were hiking alone. With your RSVP you agree with the following: DISCLAIMER/Liability Waiver.
13 attendees
Past events
997
Group links
Organizers
Members
927
