#overall run

[sbcoutdoors-blog]

We had a beautiful hike this past Sunday to Overall Run. Stay tuned for photos and sign up for our last hike in the Summit Series on December 7th!

[sbcoutdoors-blog]

Summit Hike #3 signups are still open!

Need a break before going home for Thanksgiving? Come on our third Summit Hike! We are going to Overall Run by Shenandoah National Park. There are still spots open and the mandatory info meeting is tonight at 6 in the OP Office. A $5 deposit reserves your spot on this beautiful hike! 

[rangerjennifer-blog-blog]

Overall Run Falls

Hiking ... I love hiking!  I went on my longest solo hike last week.  It encompassed a waterfall and almost 2000' feet in elevation change.  It was almost 10 miles in length.  And ... it was awesome!!  I took advantage of my easy access to Shenandoah National Park and parked at Mathews Arm Campground.  I used the Traces Trail to access the Tuscarora-Overall Run Trail.  I saw some beautiful Wild Columbine blooming along the trail.

Pretty soon, I approached the 29' initial cascade.  I saw a lady enjoying her brunch sitting on the rocks, and she insisted I stay, that it was the best view.  I tell you, it wasn't bad!

The morning started off cloudy and cool, but as the day went on, the weather was perfect for hiking.  The sun came out and it warmed up just enough.  After moving on from the first cascade, I continued down (literally) to the overlook to the highest waterfall in the park, 93'.  

It was too bad that I couldn't play in the water, but I enjoyed taking in the views. Virginia is sure different from Death Valley!

As I continued on down into the hollow, I wondered how long I would be descending, knowing full well that at some point I had to go back up.  After departing from the Tuscarora Trail (which goes up into Pennsylvania) I found a wonderful place for lunch.  I got to sit on the rocks and stick my feet in the water while watching some swallowtails sipping the water in a puddle.

I followed the stream pretty much all the way along the hike.  At one point, it was clearly evident that a fallen tree was, in fact, the trail.  

As the trail continued, I crossed the stream many times.  I saw lots of wildlife, including a bear that clearly saw me first, as he only attracted my attention in his haste to get away.  My eye did spy a juvenile praying mantis and that was actually cooler than the bear.

By the way, this was on the ascent, so I was happy to stop and watch him for awhile.  My trip took me along the Heiskell Hollow trail as I made my final approach back to the campground and my reward of a caramel flavored yogurt (limited time only Dannon flavor).  It took me six hours to hike this 9.5-mile loop.  I was happy with the time I made and excited to have finally, after having already worked at the park for two summers, seen the highest waterfall.  Hopefully I'll get to enjoy some more of these longer treks in the North District this summer!