The first PATC-Charlottesville hike of the year was on the GWNF's Reservoir Hollow Trail. Most hikers had never before experienced this pretty route, including veteran Michael Seth who completed every trail in the GWNF Pedlar District with this hike.
This hike was a combination hike with the Natural Bridge Appalachian Trail Club. As a result, the group was treated to examples of non-blooming orchids along the way - a real treat!
There were several stream crossings at the beginning of the hike, providing some adventure. Nobody got wet!
There were also interesting rock formations.
The NBATC hikers showed us a great overlook that was marked only by a stone cairn. It looked west towards the Shenandoah Valley and Elephant Mountain.
For lunch, we crossed the Blue Ridge Parkway and picnicked at Indian Rocks, in among the great rocks.
After lunch we retraced our steps back to a fork in the trail. Michael led a sub-group of PATC hikers on the trail to its northern terminus at US 60, halfway up from the valley to the BRP. The NBATC and other PATC hikers headed back to their cars, located on the edge of Buena Vista.
We might return during the green season. It was a nice alternative to our usual hikes.
On the way back, we stopped at JJ's Meat Shak in Buena Vista. Highly recommended!
Here is our mandatory group shot!
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