View Full Version : Resupply in SNP
Jerryatric
03-18-2008, 16:44
My hiking partner and I are hiking the AT in long sections, about 500 miles each summer. This summer we plan to go from Catawba, VA to Duncannon, PA. Since we're both around 60 years old, we're taking our time, and plan on seven days to get through the SNP. Our problem is a maildrop part way though. We plan to stay at Lewis Mtn. Campground on the fourth night. Is there any place around there for a maildrop? If not, what is the resupply selection like on-site? Thanks for your help.
wilconow
03-18-2008, 16:54
Not sure if this is exactly what you're looking for, but one would think it'll affect your resupply
Restaurants:
http://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/where-to-eat.htm
Also here's where you can buy stuff
http://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/facilities-opening-schedule.htm
Johnny Swank
03-18-2008, 16:57
I wouldn't mess with a food drop through the SNP. Carry 3 days worth of food out of Waynesboro to save a little money, the eat your way though the park at the waystations. It won't be cheap this way, but man, it'd be tasty!
astrogirl
03-18-2008, 18:47
My hiking partner and I are hiking the AT in long sections, about 500 miles each summer. This summer we plan to go from Catawba, VA to Duncannon, PA. Since we're both around 60 years old, we're taking our time, and plan on seven days to get through the SNP. Our problem is a maildrop part way though. We plan to stay at Lewis Mtn. Campground on the fourth night. Is there any place around there for a maildrop? If not, what is the resupply selection like on-site? Thanks for your help.
Lewis Mtn. has a camp store. It won't be cheap, but they should have Lipton's and mashed potatoes. They will also have hot dogs, soda and beer typically. The one I'm familiar with, Elkwallow Wayside has all of that.
I think all the campgrounds have a small store. Watch out though - they tend to have short hours.
I'm not aware of any place that accepts mail drops in SNP. Resupply options include the campground stores, but the selection is geared for car camping, not backpacking.
That being said, most thru-hikers do some resupply at the campground stores while hiking through SNP.
CrumbSnatcher
03-18-2008, 21:09
I wouldn't mess with a food drop through the SNP. Carry 3 days worth of food out of Waynesboro to save a little money, the eat your way though the park at the waystations. It won't be cheap this way, but man, it'd be tasty!totally agree,load up on restraunt food in waynesboro and head into the park(which is also the easiest stretch of trail)light on food.plenty of food in the park!
_terrapin_
03-18-2008, 21:11
I agree with the other posters -- I don't see the need for a mail drop in SNP. There are camp stores and restaurants aplenty.
big meadows, about half way through SNP, has a campstore with pretty good options for resupply. if i remember correctly, i think they even had mtn. house dehydrated meals. between there and the loft mtn. campstore, you should be okay for food. oh, and breakfast(hikers delight pancakes) at the loft mtn. wayside is incredible!!! good luck!
Blissful
03-18-2008, 22:08
You may be able to handle more miles than you think too. SNP is pretty easy with good graded trail.
Resupply at Loft Mtn. campground is pretty good and the campstore is only 250 feet from the trail. You can also do laundry and get a shower. If you are northbound stay on the AT when you see the first marker and go about .7 to the marker that reads 250 ft to store. You can also shower and do laundry here.
Resupply at Lewis Mountian camp store is not that great, but they do sell beer. If you want to skip the campground Bearfence Mtn. Shelter is only .7 north on the AT. They have soap and towles available for a small cost at the store. I think it was $1.50 for shower, soap and towel. Best 1.50 I spend on my thru hike.
The best resupply in the park can be found at Big Meadows Wayside. You will find everything you need there. The restruaunt serves good food. Denatured alcohol is available from the gas station next to the store.
The next place you will come to is Skyland, stay on the trail until you get to the water tower, turn left and head down to the restruant for good food, they serve B/L/D and also have a bar. No resupply available here.
The last wayside you will incounter is Elkwallow this one also has limited resupply, wine and beer. The prepaired food hear is also pretty good (milkshakes). You are probably noticing a pattern here, beer and wine are available all through the park.
There are other places to get things in the park but these are the closests to the AT.
valleyfire
03-20-2008, 12:44
I do love a good milk shake
valleyfire
03-20-2008, 12:45
Can you tent camp on the AT in SNP
Can you tent camp on the AT in SNP
This is mostly a yes and no question - probably best to check the regulations: http://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/campbc_regs.htm but the main regulation issue is usually the closeness of the Skyline Drive to the AT - per regulation you need to be 0.25 miles from any paved road in order to backcountry camp. On the other hand if you stay out of sight from the road it is rather unlikely that you will be hassled - budget cuts have left Shen with very few backcountry rangers so if you can't be seen from the road the LE rangers won't know you are there - practice good stealthing.