View Full Version : Shenandoah after Trail Days
hikerjohnd
04-09-2006, 10:53
Hello All!
I've got some time off after Trail Days and was thinking about hiking the AT through Shenandoah. Got a few questions though...
1) where to park
2) shuttles in the area
Anything else I might need to know? Thanks for the help!
The trail crosses Skyline Drive in something like 17 times. If it's anything like the Blue Ridge Parkway you can park your car anywhere along side the road.
Heading northbound you could start hiking where the trail 1st crosses the Drive at Jarman Gap and park where it last crosses near Compton Gap, or better still near Jenkins Gap, where if I'm not mistaken has a pullout.
Contact Skyline here on Whiteblaze for more info and a possible shuttle
Also, if you don't mind spending the money, don't bog yourself down with food and take advantage of the places to eat or shop along the way.
Some of the better Huts are Pinefield and Pass Mountain. There's also the PATC's Pocasin Cabin, shortly before Loft Mountain Campground and right off the AT, that can be rented.
LostInSpace
04-09-2006, 14:02
... or better still near Jenkins Gap, where if I'm not mistaken has a pullout.
There is a large parking area at Jenkins Gap. Many of the Skyline Drive junctions with the AT, and other cross trails, have various sizes of parking. I agree that you can probably park along side of the road legally. However, the NPS may wonder whether or not you vehicle is disabled if you park along side of the road rather than in a parking area.
However, the NPS may wonder whether or not you vehicle is disabled if you park along side of the road rather than in a parking area.
It's possible but the Blue Ridge Parkway is also NPS and they don't have a problem with it.
Cookerhiker
04-09-2006, 19:35
If you don't want to arrange for a shuttle, hitching in SNP is prohibited (I think) but I've never had any problem doing it, especially if you hand around the parking areas by the overlooks.
hikerjohnd
04-09-2006, 19:39
shuttle is no problem - I would rather support someone who supports the trail - so far my only plan is hike back to the car...
Alligator
04-09-2006, 21:07
Try Skyline (WB) or Mike at Terrapin Station Hostel. The park has three sections, North, Central, and South. I'd call Mike if doing the North section, it's a bit of a drive for him to do the central and south parts. Thornton Gap has a nice parking area at Panorama. I parked there and also at Swift Run Gap right on the side of the road by the entrance station. The rangers take your plate number on your permit, so I don't see a problem with parking, as long as it is not a hazard.
SNP looks like a nice place to do a bike shuttle, if you have the time. I've been most comfortable doing this on the Blue Ridge. Little traffic in the evening hours. Probably not the case at SNP, but at least the people will be driving slower then other back country roads.