(RUn) And dEViLS WALKABoUT (WALK) HiKE - Wintergreen Resort

PERiMETER PURGAToRY (RUn) And dEViLS WALKABoUT (WALK) HiKE

PERIMETER PURGATORY (RUN) AND DEVILS WALKABOUT (WALK) HIKEWintergreen trail conditions vary greatly from gentle grades on old logging roads to steep rocky inclines where blazes are on the rockswith little if any discernible path. The perimeter course (Perimeter Purgatory, Devil’s Walkabout, and Wintergreen Highlands – half perimeter)will start on a flat area used in the winter as a children’s ski park and follow a counter clockwise route around the resort property.Initially, you will be walking or running across the ski runs alternating between open areas and wooded cross over roads. The trail willthen enter the woods for good and follow the logging road downhill until it meets Stoney Creek, a tributary of the Rockfish River. Here,you will turn sharply left, pass a waterfall and alternate between rugged rocky sections and wider gentle sections until joining the OldAppalachian Trail (OAT) for approximately three miles of moderate hiking. Those selecting the half-perimeter Wintergreen Highlandscourse will leave the OAT at approximately 2.5 miles, and then follow a comparatively gentle 2 mile route back to the starting point atDiscovery Ridge. Those continuing on the full circuit will continue to the end of the OAT. At this point, the second half of the perimeterroute begins, characterized by increasingly steep rocky trails interspersed with a few mellow segments. This is definitely the more challengingand heart pumping half of the perimeter circuit with 2550 feet of cumulative uphill climbing as opposed to a more modest 1700cumulative rise in the first half. The downhill sections are also tougher in the second half. Overall, the second half of the perimeter circuitis physically challenging and should be attempted only by those in good physical condition. The rewards are great, though, as you will beencountering very diverse geological and botanical zones with a number of stunning overlooks.Hiking boots or trail running shoes are a must and hikers should consider employing trekking poles. Wintergreen does have bears, bobcatsand all the other mammals associated with Appalachian habitat. Rattlesnakes are also occasionally present. Because of the numberof people expected on the trails on the event day, it is unlikely you will encounter any of these. Yellow Jackets and hornets can be a problem,so if you are allergic please take appropriate precautions. Although aid stations will provide water, Gatorade, salt tablets, and energysnacks, it is strongly recommended that participants carry water and snacks with them for use between aid stations.Perimeter Trail Blazed Red except in two segments [marked with flags]:Upper Loggers Valley Trail Section Blazed Yellow (~ Mile 1.2)Upper Shamokin Falls Trail Blazed Yellow (~Mile 2.0)Aid Stations - Things YOU Need to Know:Water, Gatorade, Snacks & Salt Tablets AvailableFirst Aid AvailableTransportation Available if Unable to Finish TrailStation #4 is at Plunge Parking Lot, .2Mi above TrailMandatory Check-in for SafetyIF YOU LEAVE HIKE NOTIFY SWEEP OR AID STATION VOLUNTEERSReference Times for Reaching Aid Stations to Ensure Safe Trail CompletionStation #1 – 10:15am [Will receive “inadequate progress warning” if later]Station #2 – 12:15am [Will receive “inadequate progress warning” if later]Station #3 – 1:15pm [Will receive “inadequate progress warning” if later]Station #4 – 2:45pm [Will receive “terminate hike warning” if later]Station #5 – 4:30pm [Will receive mandatory “terminate hike warning” if later]Always Stop Hike to Assist Hikers in Distress and Wait for SweepIf Leaving Trail Momentarily, Leave Pack at visible spot to Catch Sweep’s AttentionIf Lost ALWAYS GO UPHILLBe Attentive and Courteous: There may be non-participant hikers in both directionsWINTERGREEN HIGHLAND HIKEThe Wintergreen Highland hike follows the same route as the Devil’s Walkabout and Perimeter Purgatory, up to the Hemlock Accessturnoff at mile 4.8. Hiking conditions for the Wintergreen Highland Hike are described above and all terms and conditions for the longerhikes also pertain to this hike. The approximately two mile hike from the Hemlock Access to the finish will not have blazes. However,the route will be thoroughly flagged. Hikers on the full perimeter hike who find themselves excessively tired should consider taking theWintergreen Highland turnoff for the shorter half-perimeter hike.