I wanted to do a solo hike this weekend, so I decided to go to Mary’s Rock. It is the eighth highest mountain peak (3,514-foot/1,071 m) in Shenandoah National Park. The peak is just south of the Thornton Gap Entrance of the park and north of the taller Pinnacle. I haven’t been to Shenandoah Valley National Park in a while, so decided to do the shorter Meadow Spring trail to the Appalachian trail (AT) on my hike to the summit. I usually do the longer hike from Buck Hollow around 9 miles, but didn’t want to spend the whole day at the park.

Anyways, I also wanted to test a new pair of boots before taking it to New Hampshire. I haven’t worn a pair of hiking boots in 5 years, because I don’t like the weight and the bulk. I love wearing trail running shoes, but I found these hybrid HOKA ONE ONE Tor Ultra Hi WP intriguing enough to buy.

Overall, these shoes are amazing!! I usually have to worry about my step using trail running shoes. The Hoka Ultra Hi WP handled the water, mud, provided very good support and its very comfortable. Its like a hybrid between a trail running and hiking shoes! I guess I have to see how comfortable they are on a longer trail.