Shenandoah South

National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Riprap Area | Shenandoah National Park 2017 Horsehead Mountain Overlook MP Chimney Rock 89 Trail Tra il rap R ip Rive r MP " 90 Big Branch Falls 91 ans rm Wi l dc at Riprap Overlook Mo o Tra MP il Riprap Moormans River Overlook Fork 92 Wildcat Ridge Parking a Ro d Nor t h Crimora Lake Overlook Min e MP No Public Access 93 Tu rk Gap Turk Mountain Overlook Tr ail Ri ve rR oa d or a P MP MP Turk Mountain (2981’) in Trail unta Mo k r Tu 94 P Turk Gap Parking Tur k ranch B Sou th Fo rk Mo or ma ns m Trail dg e i Cri Wild Turkey Lane R Charlottesville Reservoir 614 North Tra i l MP 95 Hiking Trail Hiking Trail (Appalachian Trail) Hiking Trail (Horses) Unpaved Road (Horses) Paved Road Skyline Drive Park Boundary Stream P Parking Summit 0 0 Viewpoint 1.0 Kilometer 1.0 Mile Waterfall Emergency 1-800-732-0911 • Information 540-999-3500 • Online www.nps.gov/shen Riprap – Wildcat Ridge Hike Markers & Blazes 9.8-mile circuit 8¼-hrs hiking time Very Strenuous 2,365-ft elevation gain Trail markers are at trailheads and intersections. The metal bands are stamped with directional and mileage information. You can hike this loop from Riprap Parking at mile 90 or from Wildcat Ridge Parking at mile 92.1 using a combination of the Appalachian Trail, Riprap Trail, and Wildcat Ridge Trail. Near the junction of the Riprap and Wildcat Ridge Trails there’s a popular swimming hole. There are several stream crossings and a small waterfall. Follow the map in whichever direction you choose, being careful at the intersections to take the appropriate trail. Trail blazes are found on trees and rocks throughout the Park. The color identifies the trail type: Blue - Hiking trail White - Appalachian Trail Yellow - Open to horses Chimney Rock Hike 3.4-mile round trip 2½-hrs hiking time Moderate 830-ft elevation gain From the Riprap parking area at mile 90, take the Appalachian Trail north. Turn left onto Riprap Trail. After a series of switchbacks, you’ll see a viewpoint on your right. Further on, you’ll see Calvary Rocks on left, and then, where the trail makes a sharp left Chimney Rock stands alone on the right across a gorge. Retrace your steps. Need to Know ■ ■ ■ Turk Mountain Hike 2.2-mile round trip 2¼-hrs hiking time Easiest 690-ft elevation gain From the Turk Mountain parking area at mile 94.1, cross Skyline Drive and take the Appalachian Trail south to the trailpost. Go right onto the Turk Mountain Trail and follow it to the summit for a wonderful view to the west. Hiking Difficulty Scale Easiest: Generally suitable for anyone who enjoys walking. Mostly level or with a slight incline. Generally less than 3 miles. Moderate: Generally suitable for novice hikers seeking a bit of a challenge. The terrain will involve a moderate incline and may have some steeper sections. Generally 3 to 5 miles. Moderately Strenuous: Generally challenging for an unconditioned person. The terrain will involve a steady and often steep incline. Generally 5 to 8 miles. Strenuous: Will challenge most hikers. The hike will generally be longer and steeper, but may be deemed strenuous because of the elevation gain. Generally 7 to 10 miles. Very Strenuous: Only well conditioned and well prepared hikers should attempt. Generally long and steep, and may include rock scrambling, stream crossings, and other challenging terrain. Generally 8 miles and over. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6’ at all times. Do not attempt to cross streams during icy conditions or flooding. Be sure you are physically able to complete the hike you’ve chosen. Take plenty of water—at least a quart per hour. When you return from your hike, check for ticks. Be sure someone knows where you are and when to expect your return. Filter or treat water from streams before drinking. Be aware that you are in snake habitat. Good to Know These hikes all take you to a very special place in Shenandoah: federally designated Wilderness. About 40% of the Park has been given this extra protection by Congress. What makes it special is what’s not there: mechanized equipment and development. What you should find is solitude and wildness. To learn more about this designation visit Shenandoah’s webpage. Leave No Trace ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Plan ahead and prepare. Travel and camp on durable surfaces. Dispose of waste properly. Leave what you find. Respect wildlife. Be considerate of other visitors. Trail maintenance and map funded by recreation fee dollars.