What we’re about
Welcome Hikers!
Our goal is to help you explore on foot the abundance of wonderful natural places Virginia has to offer. If you're a beginner, we'll make sure that you never hike alone (unless you want to!). We'll also teach you how to become an intrepid hiker capable of exploring wherever (the rugged Shenandoah National Park, for instance) and whenever (at night!). We're aided in our efforts to get out and explore by Great Outdoor Provision Co., which provides us space for clinics and meetings, and pays the fee for our Meetup site.
Membership Information:
Our leadership team consists of dedicated volunteers who work hard and give generously of their time so that we have a calendar full of fun events. As a Member, you can help show your appreciation by helping with the following:
Member Profile & Photo:
Name: Please refrain from using an alias – use your first name or first name and initial from last (i.e. Jane or Jane D).
Introduction: Write a line or two about yourself…
Picture: Please include a picture of yourself – not your dog, random landscape, group photo, etc… This is extremely helpful to event organizers who are trying to identify you. As a point of safety concerns – many hike leaders/event organizers will REQUIRE A PROFILE PHOTO FOR ATTENDANCE IN AN EVENT!!! Without an acceptable photo, you may find that you’re moved from attending an event to being waitlisted. If you have difficulty in uploading a photo, any event organizer will be happy to try to help you. If you have a personal reason for not wanting to post your photo, please include “No Photo” at the end of your Profile Introduction and be sure to communicate this to your event organizer(s).
Hike Ratings: You will find upcoming events posted on the Home Page as well as the calendar. Please read each event/hikes description to see if it’s a good fit for you. If you have any concerns about your ability to do a hike, please contact the Hikes Event Organizer. We want to the experience to be fun and safe for both you and your fellow hikers. If you are new to the group and/or new to hiking please review Hike Ratings - Hike Ratings.
Know your capabilities before you sign up for a hike. The ratings system was developed so you have a good idea what you’re signing up for. Hike Leaders may screen prospective hikers to make sure that each participant can finish the hike. Self-evaluation and screening are important because someone who can’t finish a hike puts himself in danger and ruins the enjoyment for all.
Code of Conduct: Members of GetHiking Charlottesville are required to show their organizers, hike leaders, sponsors and other members the utmost courtesy and respect. Disrespect or harassment of any kind will not be tolerated and you will be immediately removed and banned from the group. If you feel you’ve been a victim of such behavior please bring it to the Organizer’s/Co-Organizer’s attention.
GetHiking Charlottesville is NOT a dating MeetUp group. We promote being in the outdoors, friendships, fitness and fun. Do not assume because someone is single and in the group that they are waiting for you to sweep them off their feet. Chances are, they aren’t. There are plenty of other MeetUp groups and websites, that are meant specifically for dating. Please join one of those, if you’re looking for someone to date…As member of GetHiking Charlottesville you agree to Code of Conduct
Disclaimer:
GetHiking Charlottesville Organizers are not professional guides. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were hiking alone. By signing up for and/or attending our events, you acknowledge, understand, accept and agree that the activities we organize can be dangerous and can cause serious bodily injury and possibly death.
GetHiking’s Charlottesville's Organizer, Co-Organizers, Event Organizers and Sponsors are not responsible for the safety of participants, members and guest. We will try our best to prevent accidents, but we are not responsible if something happens to you.
By joining GetHiking Charlottesville you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer - GetHiking's DisclaimerRSVP:
When you RSVP for an event, you take up one of the allotted spaces for that event. If you don't show up, you deny another member the opportunity to attend. The same applies to changing your RSVP from "yes" to "no" just before an event. Even if an event is not full, the organizer must often make arrangements based on the number of people that RSVP'd and sometimes make last minute adjustments based on the number that actually attend.
Please be respectful of both the person organizing the event as well as other members who would have enjoyed the opportunity to join in the fun but were denied that opportunity due to a no-show.
Only RSVP, if you plan to attend! If your plans change and you are no longer able to attend, please update your RSVP as soon as possible. Not showing up for an event results in a “No Show”. Three No Shows can lead to membership suspension and/or being dropped from events with a waitlist. It is each member’s responsibility to keep up with their RSVP’s… For more info see - RSVP and No Shows
Hiking With Dogs:
Dogs are allowed on hikes at the discretion of the Hike Leader and the policies/regulations of the trails and area being hiked. Rather than assume that your pup is welcome on a hike, please ask in the hike's comment section if this is a "dog friendly hike". Prior to bringing your dog, please review our - Dog Policy
Dogs must be kept on a short (max 6’, non-retractable) leash
Owners must pick up after their dogs
Owners must bring plenty of water for their dog
Dogs must be well behaved and capable of keeping up with the group
Despite all the necessary policy and guidelines, you will find that we’re a friendly and easy to get to know group. We hope you’ll get outside and join us on the trail soon!
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- White Rock Falls, Sherando Lake, Torrey Ridge (9.6 miles; 1,745 elevation gain)The Slacks Overlook, Vesuvius, VA
Hike: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/white-rock-falls-sherando-lake-torrey-ridge-00ac8ed?u=i&sh=jbc54i
Parking: White Rock Gap Parking/The Slacks Overlook
https://maps.app.goo.gl/9BHeBz7VLHobeWBh6Note: There are multiple stream crossings. Be prepared.
Our post hike rehydration will be in the parking area after the hike. Bring your chair, beverage and snack at your discretion.Hike Description: For this moderately strenuous circuit hike, we will begin at White Rock Gap/Slacks Overlook. We will cross the Blue Ridge Parkway and head down White Rock Falls. In 1.2 miles we will cross White Rock Creek then start up a steep section of the trail as it makes several switchbacks. In 0.2 miles after crossing the creek, we find (hopefully) an unmarked trail that leads down to a 30 foot waterfall. We will continue up the White Rock Falls trail where ~ 0.3 miles from the waterfall are two vistas of Rock Creek Gorge. In another 0.4 miles, we will cross the Blue Ridge Parkway and pick up White Rock Gap trail from the other side of the parking area. We will continue on the White Rock Gap trail for about 3 miles passing upper Sherando Lake before arriving at the Sherando Lake campground and picnic area. Another 0.9 miles through the picnic area leads us to Lower Sherando Lake. We will walk along the lake on Lakeside Trail until we reach the intersection with Dam Trail where we will turn left for the steepest ascent of the hike. We will climb ~800 in ~0.75 miles following the Blue Loop trail from Dam Trail. We will pass Lookout Rock where we can take a break from the climb and enjoy the view. We will ultimately intersect with Torrey Ridge Trail, turn left, and continue a gradual ascent along the ridge for about 2 miles until we reach the intersection with Slacks Overlook Trail. Torry Ridge Trail has several nice views of Bald Mountain and Kelly Mountain. We will turn left on Slacks Overlook Trail and follow it back to White Rock Gap/Slacks Overlook and our cars.
Disclaimer: GetHiking Organizers are not professional guides. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would if you were hiking alone. You are solely responsible for your own safety and well-being. With your RSVP you agree to participate at your own risk and are solely responsible for any damage to your property and/or any injury to yourself or your guest. When joining GetHiking you affirm that you knowingly and voluntarily agree not to bring any type of claim arising out of/or related to this event against the organizers of this group.
Weather: If inclement weather necessitates canceling or postponing the hike, the decision will be made no later than 7:00AM - cancellations will be posted on the hike comments section. Steady rain with not much chance of clearing and/or dangerous conditions will call for postponing the hike.
RSVP: If you find that you are NOT going to be able to attend the hike, please update your RSVP to “No” as soon as possible. This allows those on the waitlist to have the opportunity to attend.
Recommended Items to Bring: - Broken in Hiking Boots, Trekking Poles, Lunch/Snacks, 2-3 Liters of Water, Good Day Pack
