Jones Run / Doyles River - May 21, 2011

Jones Run Tra

Eleven eager hikers met May 21 on a beautiful morning to hike the Jones Run – Doyles River loop.  Ken Moss and Marit Gay led the hike and were not sure if the intended circuit hike would be attempted due to high water because of recent rains.  Marit had pre-hiked it earlier in the week and was basically walking in rivers of water on the trail.  Fortunately the levels had subsided and the decision was made to do the circuit hike.

Jones Run Trail

We began at Jones Run parking lot and enjoyed a wonderful downward hike along the raging Jones Run which includes three major waterfalls.  Dan Ralston crossed the stream where Marit had done so earlier in the week and was separated from the group for the remainder of the hike, making his own adventure for the day.  Dan is an experienced hiker though, so he used his map and GPS to find his way back to the parking lot at the end of his route.   

Big Falls on Jones Run

Meanwhile the group was admiring the beautiful flora and waterfalls. We had some excitement at the point where we forded the river.  Some chose to walk through and others donned their sandals and crocs to cross.  Ken and Lindsay Brown shared a pair of Crocs and treking poles to get across. Refreshing!

Lunch along Doyles River

Once we intersected the Doyles River Trail we split up for a while to try and determine where Dan might be.  Ken and Lindsay stayed at the intersection and the others went on to the lower falls to enjoy a rest and lunch.  We were lulled by the cascading water until the others rejoined us.  From here we continued on the Doyle River Trail.  We met many other hikers now, as this is a very popular trail.  Many pools of water invited us to swim, but we held off knowing the spring water temperatures would be a little too frigid yet.

View from Doyles River Cabin

Doyles River Cabin

Eventually we met the Browns Gap Fire Road.  Lindsay Brown branched off with Dave Borszich and Leon Gorman (with Bailey) to scout for our missing hiker and the rest continued on to the Doyles River Trail.  The view at the Doyles River Overlook was spectacular.  We also took a detour to see the Doyles River Cabin.  Finally we met the AT and headed south on the trail to make our way back to the Jones Run Parking lot.  We were reunited with the others including our missing member.  Phew!  Other hikers included Pete Fink, Bev Moresca, Liz Lyons, Nancy Hall and Barbara Shenefield. All in all, it was another exciting and wonderful day in Shenandoah National Park!

 

 Submitted by Marit Gay