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This moderately difficult hike winds through pools and small cascades with several stream crossings.


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Map Key

9.7

Miles

15.7

KM

Loop

3,010' 917 m

High

1,697' 517 m

Low

1,891' 576 m

Up

1,891' 576 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

18%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Swimming · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

This hike drops west from Skyline Drive to Meadow Run and then slowly climbs north and east along the Riprap Trail back to the Drive, three miles north of the start-point at Wildcat Ridge Trailhead parking. Be ready for a number stream crossings and lots of water features to explore.

Description

The trail begins at the Wildcat Ridge Trailhead parking area, south of Moormans River Overlook. It heads west, crossing the AT: Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PA/MD/VA/WV) after a couple hundred yards and then switchbacks along Wildcat Ridge, down toward Meadow Run. There are a few spots along the descent that provide a view ahead, through the trees, of Turk Mountain and Crimora Lake toward the southwest.

Follow the ridge line down for another half-mile to where the trail turns sharply to the right (north). The trail drops along the ridge, crosses the stream, and then bends to the left and passes through a section of woods. Not long after you cross the stream again, it feeds into a larger stream that flows down through Riprap Hollow.

The trail fords the stream and continues to the intersection with the Riprap Trail, which was built as a fire road next to the stream. The Riprap Trail has been rerouted because of high water damage during floods so that it skirts along the ridge up higher on the west bank.

You can still see traces of the old road/trail along the way. After about a half-mile on the Riprap Trail, look for one of the park's biggest swimming holes. On the far left side of the stream is the site of the Riprap Shelter which was removed in 1977 in accordance with wilderness area policies.

Continue heading north as the trail climbs gradually, turning east, back toward Skyline Drive. Follow a small section of the AT: Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PA/MD/VA/WV) south to the Riprap Trailhead parking area. You have the option to end your hike here if you have someone to pick you up at this trailhead. Otherwise, take a right onto the AT to make a loop back to your car at the Wildcat Ridge Trailhead.

Flora & Fauna

Look out for rhododendrons with their arge, showy, violet-colored flowers that bloom during the last half of May.

Contacts

Shared By:

Larry W Brown with improvements by Twenty Hoover

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 33 votes

#424

Overall
  4.4 from 33 votes
5 Star
48%
4 Star
42%
3 Star
6%
2 Star
3%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#18

in Virginia

#424

Overall
13 Views Last Month
5,238 Since Apr 19, 2016
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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Photos

View of Shenandoah Valley from Calvary Rocks.
Aug 23, 2019 near Crimora, VA
View northeast towards Blackrock from Chimney Rock.
Aug 23, 2019 near Crimora, VA

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Check-Ins

Feb 17, 2023
Tanmay Pant
Really loved the hike here, it was raining all day yesterday and even this morning so 2 of the river crossings (4 in total) were a bit challenging. 10.2mi — 4h 04m
Jan 14, 2023
Léo AZAIS
Jun 26, 2022
Kiun Pan
May 15, 2022
Maddie McElfresh
Dec 16, 2021
Jesse Daniels
12.5mi
Nov 6, 2021
Mira Kuhs
Mar 13, 2021
Ryan Bosley
Mar 7, 2021
Corynn Greenhalgh
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