Chimney Rocks Hike at Michaux State Forest

Chimney Rocks Hike at Michaux State Forest

We're exploring new territory with our first ever Women Outdoors Mid-Atlantic hike at Michaux State Forest near Waynesboro, PA.

Located at the northern terminus of the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, Michaux State Forest features an abundance of oak species including chestnut oak, scarlet oak, northern red oak, black oak and white oak. Other trees include red maple, black birch, black gum, hickory, pine and tuliptree (yellow poplar).

We'll hike northbound on the Appalachian Trail for a good portion of this "balloon" hike passing by the Tumbling Run AT shelter along the way.

This 5-mile hike is very strenuous on the way up. While the first mile (the balloon string) is flat, the balloon part of the trail then transitions to a steep climb with lots of roots and rocks and an elevation gain of 1000' over two miles. The reward will be the gorgeous view at Chimney Rocks where we'll have a brown bag lunch overlooking the valley.

Coming back down from the rocks after lunch, we'll take an easier route along an old fire road before rejoining the string of the balloon for the last mile.

Sorry, no doggies on this hike.

A quick note on the drive time to Michaux State Forest: It is only about 90 minutes from Northern Virginia, Takoma Park/Silver Spring, MD, and Baltimore. If you're coming from downtown DC, add another 15 minutes.

This activity is open to members and non-members of Women Outdoors. Non-members are welcome to attend two WO events as guests. On your third event, we'll ask you to join the Mid-Atlantic Region of Women Outdoors. You can also join right now by clicking on this Join Us link.

Registration will close on Thursday, November 7th.

Specific meeting location and inclement weather information. Your automatic confirmation email will provide the exact location where we will meet for the event. It will also provide information on possible cancellation if required by weather conditions. (Scroll all the way to the bottom of the email.)

The automatic confirmation email is the only email you will receive about this event. Be sure and save it or print it out because there may not be good cell service at the event location.

RSVP and Cancellation – IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ

If you register but then are unable to attend, please cancel your registration. Events may be cancelled due to lack of attendance, as well as changes in weather or other circumstances. 

If you must cancel at the last minute, call or text the trip leader (see your confirmation email for contact details) and let her know who it is who is calling/texting.

To Cancel: Go to your Registration List

• Click on this event in your list.
• Click on the Already registered link under the REGISTER button.
• At the next page that opens with your registration form, click on the CANCEL REGISTRATION button, and then again click on Cancel Registration on the pop-up form.
• Ignore the link to contact the administrator.