Alumni

Join local Bates alumni, parents, and friends for an 8.6-mile circuit hike to Meneka Peak near the northern end of the Massanutten Mountains in the George Washington National Forest, just west of Shenandoah National Park! Our ascent leads us to Buzzard Rock Overlook and onward to Meneka Peak. This hike will cover approximately 2,075 vertical feet and take around 5½ hours, including lunch and breaks.

We will begin our hike at 10:00am SHARP from the Signal Knob parking area on Fort Valley Road (SR 678) in Fort Valley, VA (about 11 miles west of Front Royal). Allow ample time to arrive; according to Google, it takes 1 hour 40 minutes’ travel time from D.C.

Bring plenty of water, pack a lunch, dress in layers, and wear appropriate footwear. Clouds and sprinkles will not deter us. In case of heavy rain, we will postpone. If time allows, after the hike, those interested will stop in at a vineyard and/or local inn for dinner.

Reservations are required and space is limited. To RSVP and for more information, please email Jerry Donahoe ’82. Please provide your name, address, cell phone number, and preferred email address in your message so we can communicate/coordinate prior to the hike! More hike details and driving directions can be found at:  https://www.hikingupward.com/GWNF/MenekaPeak/