View Full Version : Northern Shenandoah Terrain
Planning on hiking Northern part of the AT in Shenandoah this mid October. After the 14th most likely. Curious to the terrain I will encounter as far as difficulty. I have hiked from Delaware water gap to Swatara Gap in PA so a comparison to that is what I'm looking for. I know my daily limit based upon my PA hiking so if there is someone who can give a relative comparison it would help me figure what type of mileage I can do in a day so I can plan. Thinking of doing Skyland north to Route 522, in about 4 days?
Also that time of year what are the nights like. Is it a wet month to hike there?
I have visited park's web site and have did some investigation already just looking for some first had experience. Tanx:D
cannonball
06-07-2006, 08:14
I did SNP this past April. The trail is in really good shape and not nearly the boulder field that Penn. is. The terain increases from south to north with the highest elevations around skyland. The shelters seem to be either to close or too far from each other. Some are 8 miles apart but most are 13 miles from each other
Deer EVERYWHERE and tame too. They walk around like stray dogs and will approach you if you extend your hand as if to feed them. Big meadows is a nice oasis and would be a good place to park your vehicle and start hiking north. You can easily hitch a ride back when you finish your hike.
According to a ranger I spoke with hitching is now not illegal in the park but it is not promoted.
Have a great hike.
Lone Wolf
06-07-2006, 08:22
Very easy section. 37 miles in 4 days , no problem.
Yeah I'm thinking of parking my car at Route 522 then having a local shuttler take me to the start. That way when I get to the end my car is there and I'm ready to go don't have to wait it out for a ride or for someone to meet me there. Plus I won't feel rushed.
cannonball
06-07-2006, 08:27
Very easy section. 37 miles in 4 days , no problem.
Unless you detour to the tap room at big meadows:eek:
Lone Wolf
06-07-2006, 08:28
Big Meadows is south of Skyland. But the taproom at Skyland would trap me.:D