Hike description:

We’ll hike a superb ridgetop trail surrounded by spectacular views of the northern Shenandoah Valley. Enjoy high grassy ridges, rock formations of a variety of colors and sizes, and wooded groves atop North Mountain. The trail overlooks the site of the future Laurel Run/Road timber sale 1000 ft. below, where the Forest Service plans to cut 484 acres of the forest in 22 separate even-aged cutting units. In addition, a 15 mile long industrial wind turbine development is proposed on the very ridge where we will hike, and other remote areas just to the south of us.

What is the Tour de Cut?

The Tour de Cut is a hiking event sponsored by the Virginia Chapter of Sierra Club, Virginia Forest Watch, and often other groups. Unlike other outings, it is designed to be an educational, yet fun, event for people of all walks of life who have not seen the negative impacts of logging, roadbuilding, mineral development, off-highway vehicle routes or other development on public lands. It is also designed to show people the positive aspects of natural forest ecosystems. Participants are encouraged to get to know particular places on the national forest that have personal significance to them. In past years, we have led hikes to an old growth site that was subsequently logged at Hoover Creek (Alleghany Co.), Little River Roadless Area (Augusta Co.), Great North Mountain Virginia mountain treasure area (Shenandoah Co.), Signal Corps Knob (Augusta Co.), Warm Springs Mountain Nature Conservancy preserve (Bath Co.), and several Forest Service timber sales.

Difficulty:

Easy, with one short moderate section. Occasional small ups and downs along the ridgeline, with one section with an elevation gain of approx. 300 ft over ¼ mile. Total length – approx. 5 mi.

What to Bring:

Bring water, packable lunch, rain gear, and sturdy hiking boots. Encourage friends to come along!

Cost:

The event is free. Participants are encouraged to join with others and carpool to the event. We can let you know if any others from your area are interested in carpooling

For Your Safety:

While these hikes are designed for persons of all hiking abilities, as part of these hikes we may walk a short distance off-trail. Also, as with all other hikes, dependent on local weather conditions and other factors, hikes may include hot or muggy weather, rain, lightning, stream crossings, occasional travel through steep or rocky terrain, animal hazards, and other hazards. Hike leaders will do their best to ensure that hikes are safe and meet everyone's needs.

Directions:

Meeting Time and Location:

We will meet and depart at 9:30AM, Sept. 6, at the parking lot of the Shenandoah County Library. At Interstate 81, Exit 279, go east (towards Edinburg). The library is on the left side of this road a short distance from the exit. We plan to return to the original meeting location by 4:30PM.

Note: There will be a shuttle as part of this trip, wait time approx. 1 hr. Cars in the shuttle will need to be able to go up a gravel road that is steep, with narrow turns, but suitable for passenger cars.

OPTIONAL CAMPOUT: A nearby neighbor has offered to let us camp overnight on his property Saturday evening. There is a large field, a campfire area, and facilities. Please contact us for more information if you are interested.

Contact Information:

Virginia Chapter
To sign up for the hike or for more information on the hike, contact:
Sherman Bamford
Forests Committee Chair Sierra Club-Virginia Chapter, & Public Lands Coordinator, Virginia Forest Watch
PO Box 3102
Roanoke, Va. 24015-1102
(540) 343-6359
bamford2@verizon.net

Sep 2008

09/6: Tour de Cut, North Mountain Trail

Oct 2008

10/4: Tour de Cut, Chestnut Oak Knob

	Virginia Chapter
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