View Full Version : Suggestions for 2-3 days in Shenandoah Park
MomNtheWoods
07-22-2009, 18:33
Looking for recommendations on taking a 2-3 night backpacking trip at Shenandoah in Virginia. Would like to park up at either Big Meadows Lodge or Skyland Resort, take a shuttle to a starting point and then finish up at our parking spot. Would like to do about 10 miles per day. Any suggestions? Thanks for all input. Does anyone know of a great website that details the park and services (such as shuttles)? Can't find any books in South Carolina!
Nasty Dog Virus
07-22-2009, 21:07
- Go 28 miles S from Big Meadows to Pinefield Gap (between mile marker 75/76)
- Head N on AT from Pinefield Gap 8 miles to Hightop Hut (Night 1)
- Head N on AT from Hightop Hut 12.5 miles to Bearfence Hut (Night 2)
- Head N on AT from Bearfence Hut 8 miles to Big Meadows
I bet it would be easy to hitch a ride S out of Big Meadows with someone. I'd suggest buying PATC Maps 9,10,11 which cover Shenandoah... http://www.patc.us/store/map.htm
Skinny Rooster
07-22-2009, 22:02
I asked a similar questions a few weeks back and was pointed to this shuttle service.
http://www.mvshuttle.com/rates.html
They were great and I can highly recommend them.
You may want to consider parking at Thorton Gap instead and getting shuttled south thirty miles or so. Lots of great overlooks between Big Meadows and Thorton Gap.
Have a great hike!
fredmugs
07-23-2009, 12:43
Just outside of the northern boundary of the park is the Northern VA 4-H center. It is roughly 35 miles from there to Skyland. I have parked my car there twice with no problems. I recommend this section because....
1. It is a very easy 12 miles to the Gravel Springs Hut heading south.
2. On Day 2 you will hike right past a wayside where you can have lunch, buy supplies, etc. Pass Mtn Hut is 13 miles away.
3. On Day 3 the trail to Skyline is 10 miles away. The climb up Mary's Rock was the only part of SNP that I found hard - mostly because I hate rocks.
This way if you decide to do another section you will have one end of the park covered.
Make sure to get a blackberry shake at the Wayside!