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Tour de Cut, Chestnut Oak Knob

When:

Saturday, Oct 04, 2008
10AM-5PM

Details:

Hike description:

We will begin with a pleasant 2 ¾ mile ascent of the Dowells Draft Trail, a wooded trail surrounded by the peaks of distant Ramseys Draft Wilderness and Crawford Mountain. We will then hike cross-country a short distance to visit several recent clearcuts surrounding nearby 2798 ft. high Chestnut Oak Knob. After this, we will follow a road to the bottom of the mountain, passing several tributaries of Dowells Draft.

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:

Moderate. Total Length – approx. 7 mi. Elevation gain of over 800 ft./2.75 miles on the Dowells Draft trail; followed by descent of 800 ft./4.25 mi., mostly on a road. Note: there will be at least 1/4 - 1/2 mi. of off-trail hiking.

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 10AM, Oct. 4, at the parking lot of the Holiday Inn north of Staunton. At Interstate 81, Exit 225, go north (towards Staunton) on Rt. 275. Signs to the Holiday Inn are on the right side of the road a short distance from the exit. We plan to return to the original meeting location by 5PM.

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

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