Hikers of all ages are invited to join veteran hiker Bob Floren for a hiking trip in the Shenandoah National Park on Saturday, July 13.

The trip is being sponsored by the Potomac Valley Audubon Society. It will include hikes to the summits of two 4,000-foot peaks: Stony Man and Hawksbill. Both peaks will offer panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley.

The two hikes will cover a total of about 3.5 miles and take about 2.5 hours.

The trail to the Stony Man peak is smooth and evenly rising, and should be easy for most people. The trail to Hawksbill is steeper and more difficult, and those who don’t want to tackle it will be free to depart at that point.

Everyone is welcome and no pre-registration is required. There will be no fee for the hikes but the National Park Service will charge a $15-per-vehicle fee to enter the Park.

Participants should plan to meet at 4:00 p.m. at the Skyland Wayside near Milepost 42 on Skyline Drive. Those who would like to carpool from the Eastern Panhandle should plan to meet at 1:30 p.m. in the Food Lion parking lot in the Somerset shopping center on Route 340 just east of Charles Town.

Participants should wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots, dress appropriately for prevailing weather conditions, and bring along water, insect repellent and sun protection.

The hikes will take place rain or shine, but they will be cancelled in the event of severe weather.

Lodging is available at the Skyland Wayside and other park locations for those who may wish to stay overnight following the hikes. For lodging information and park directions, go to the Park website at www.nps.gov/shen/index.htm.

For more information about the trip, contact Bob at 804-398-8052 or bobbythebobcat@comcast.net.