Come spend the weekend in West Virginia close to the highest point in the state. As this is a long ways, I encourage people to carpool. You can indicate on you RSVP if you need or can offer a ride.
Camping
We will be camping at the Mountain Institute in an open field and they tell me there's lots of room! The cost is $15 per person per night. We will have access to their facilities, which includes kitchen, bathrooms and showers.
Spruce Knob Mountain Institute
Only paid spots will be reserved.
Astronomy
As this is the new-moon weekend, we'll be sharing the area with NOVAC, so there'll be other astronomers to chat with. Please see "Clear Dark Sky" for likely viewing conditions.
NOVAC
Clear Dark Sky
Recreation
There are many recreational opportunities: hike, mountain bike, rock climb, fish - many ways to spend the day. I understand there's fishing, but I'll leave that to the fisherpersons to investigate.
Mountain Biking
The Spruce Knob Lake Campground Trail is moderately technical but somewhat long (25 miles) .
Spruce Knob Lake Campground
A ride on the Spruce Knob Lake Campground Trail is scheduled to depart 9:00 Saturday morning. This ride is not suitable for beginners, intermediate riders should be OK. Bring plenty of water and energy bars. We'll be riding at a moderate but steady pace with limited stops. We will have a lunch stop though and maybe a swim as there is a swimming hole. This is a mountainous region so come prepared to do some climbing. There's an elevation profile if you follow the link for this ride.
A ride maybe scheduled for Sunday depending on interest.
The nearby Huckleberry Trail (15 miles) is rated very technical - not for the faint of heart.
Huckleberry Trail
Hiking
There are many hiking trails in the Spruce Knob area.
Spruce Knob Area
Climbing
Seneca Rocks is a popular climbing destination and there is a climbing school. Please contact them directly if you wish to take a class.
Seneca Rocks Mountain Guides
Talk about this Meetup
Delete this comment?
This comment has been deleted.