Planning a SNP hike

[CentralVaAt]

Hi all, this is my first post, but I've been watching and reading other posts for a while. I'm an avid day hiker, living only a few minutes from the trail, and my gradparents property actually borders that National Forest Property in the Ty River/Harper's Creek Shelter section of the trail in VA. I've logged many day miles, but have only been on a few weekend hikes.
I'm planning to hike SNP sometime in late June of '09. I've been planning on doing this for a while and already have a few supplies. The trip was supposed to take place in '08, but a baby postponed things a little! I'm wondering if anyone has any general advice. I don't want to bring too many things, but I want to pack the things I'll need. Are there any specific items that I definately should have or should not have? I'm also curious about how many changes/what types of clothes I need for the trip. Also, does anyone recommend any specific shelters or campsites in the park? Any advice is welcome.

[Spider]

I'm in a similar position as you. I've done a couple weekend trips and this summer I'll be hiking the whole Shenandoah section.

As for clothes, I wear running shorts and a t-shirt to keep the weight down, and pack a waterproof windbreaker for rain. A couple pairs of socks, and running shoes.

I use a hammock so most campsites are available to me... from what I've seen already of SNP it's never too hard to find a campsite, and the cabins are every 10-15 miles.

Resupply points are at Loft Mtn Campstore, Lewis Mtn Campstore (limited), Big Meadows Wayside/Campstore, Elkwallow Wayside (limited). Also, there are lots of restaurants along the way. I hear it can be pretty pricy so bring extra $$.

Any specific questions?

[mweinstone]

whiteblaze.net is the computer that knows everything,baltimore jack tarlin is the man.

[Press]

Expect to see a few bears, and a lot of Boy Scouts.

[Lyle]

Check out some gear lists and the comments they generate. This will give you a good idea of what to bring, and what some of the options are. Here is one current link, but there are many others as well:
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=44679

About your specific clothing list. For a summer hike, most hikers bring one set of clothes for hiking in 90% of the time. Many might add a cheap set of polypropylene long underwear to sleep in and for some added warmth if the weather turns bad.
Add to this one insulating top layer such as fleece or a light synthetic filled jacket such as a Thermawrap.

You will also need some type of rain/wind gear. I like Frogg Toggs - cheap and very effective.
One extra pair of socks should do you, some folks like two extra, or a pair strictly for sleeping. This is more important in winter, or colder temps.
Many of us do not wear underwear while hiking, but others will wear compression type briefs, this is totally a preference thing that comes with experience.
Bring a light, knit hat. Even in summer the evenings can get cool. Especially if you wear glasses, bring a ball cap too or something similar (with a brim) to keep rain off the glasses.

One or two cheap cotton (the only cotton that should be in your pack) bandannas are amazingly useful - pot holder, washcloth, towel, snot rag, brow wipe, bug deterrent, hat, cooling cloth when wet and tied around neck, etc. Just let your imagination go.

Optional may be one extra shirt, kept relatively clean for when you are interacting with the public - your hiking shirt will get pretty funky. In SNP that will be appreciated if you want to partake of any restaurant meals. Will also be appreciated in camp if your hiking shirt is wet. Always put your funky, wet clothes back on the next day for hiking - do not get all your clothing wet.

Ask away at any other questions you may have. SNP is a great place to do a first hike. Relatively gentle trail, plenty of bail-out options, many comforts along the way, and some real nice hiking.

Have fun!

[Spider]

One extra pair of socks should do you, some folks like two extra, or a pair strictly for sleeping. This is more important in winter, or colder temps.
Many of us do not wear underwear while hiking, but others will wear compression type briefs, this is totally a preference thing that comes with experience.

I always like to bring extra socks. Nothing greater a feeling than changing out your soaking wet pair for a fresh dry pair midday, but it is personal preference.

For compression briefs... I'll tell you this from experience: chafing = BAD!!!

[Lyle]

For compression briefs... I'll tell you this from experience: chafing = BAD!!!

I just realized that the OP is of the gentler sex, so this probably isn't much of an issue for her, but still an option.

[Spider]

AH, very true.

[johnnybgood]

As for hiking with extra clothes I would keep it to a min. since there are laundry facilities at Loft Mtn (milepost 79) and also Big Meadows (milepost 51). Do bring money for this purpose and also buying food at the campstores. While at Big Meadows I would absolutely eat a good hot meal at the Lodge as a reward for making it to the halfway point on your journey. A pair of hiking shorts made of light quick drying material like Nylon should be used along with light polyester shirt. Don't forget about raingear bc at higher elev. storms pop up with little warning. Bring shelter of some kind, tent or tarp unless you don't mind bunking up in a AT hut prolly with some late thru hikers. Huts are a days hike apart for thru hikers doing GA-MA journey. Hope your hike will bring you peace and every once of joy that can be attained.

[sly dog]

Mabye I'll see ya out there. I am doing the SNP and the 50 miles after it this summer. I am takin 2 weeks off to do it. Last week of May and first week of June.

[Skyline]

By late June, many but not all of the NOBO thru-hikers will already be done with SNP, so it won't be quite as crowded at shelters or the nearby designated tentsites. You'll still get to meet some NOBOs and section hikers, tho, and summer will have kicked in so the tourists and their kids may be in evidence in greater numbers. Most of the latter stick to Skyline Drive overlooks, commercial campgrounds, lodges, etc.

IMHO the best way to "do" SNP is to combine some side trails with the AT. Use the AT as a kind of spine from which you venture off to the east or west to take in waterfalls, historic sites, etc. You can camp in the backcountry almost anywhere--so if you'd like to spend a night or two near the sound of a babbling brook, this would be the way to do it.

If you need help with logistics or transportation, check out www.mvshuttle.com.

[Spider]

Mabye I'll see ya out there. I am doing the SNP and the 50 miles after it this summer. I am takin 2 weeks off to do it. Last week of May and first week of June.

Ah man, I don't get off school until late June so it's going to be early July at the earliest. =[

And Skyline, sounds great but that'd be tough on my dad.

[CentralVaAt]

Thanks for everyone's replies! I've day hiked many trails on and off the AT in SNP, but I can't wait to get out an do the whole thing. I may even add a couple of extra days and go from front royal to rt. 56/ty river while I'm at it...I'll have to see how things go. My grandfather lives about 1 mile from the road there. I thought up another question though...I know it will depend on how the rain's been at the time, but how reliable/far apart are the water sources in SNP?

[Blissful]

SNP will be hopping in June with visitors and bears. Be sure to have a tent and don't rely on shelters. You need a backcountry camping permit which you can get and backcountry registration stations on the trail.

Best bet is to check threads here for those who have posted gear lists for ideas on what to bring. But a summer hiker requires a lot less gear clothing-wise (polypro t- shirt, convertible pants, a fleece jacket or long sleeve shirt for camp at night, several pairs of socks to avoid blisters, rain jacket like frogg togg) and a 40 degree bag will suffice.

[Skyline]

Thanks for everyone's replies! I've day hiked many trails on and off the AT in SNP, but I can't wait to get out an do the whole thing. I may even add a couple of extra days and go from front royal to rt. 56/ty river while I'm at it...I'll have to see how things go. My grandfather lives about 1 mile from the road there. I thought up another question though...I know it will depend on how the rain's been at the time, but how reliable/far apart are the water sources in SNP?

Here's a link to a list of SNP water sources:

http://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisi...sources_at.htm

The springs/streams are dependent to an extent on precipitation during a given year or season, of course. The other sources should be self-explanatory.

The following springs are prone to dry up before the rest: Tom Floyd Wayside (Ginger Spring), Hogwallow Flats spring, and the spring at South River Maintenance Hut.

The frost-free pump at Elkwallow Picnic Area, last time I saw it, was spurting nasty brown water not fit for consumption IMHO. Better source would be the spring along the AT about 0.2 mi. south of the picnic area.

The list is dated Oct. 2006. Since then, the Panorama facilities have been razed and the whole area is currently a fenced-off construction zone (for future parking, restrooms, backcountry permit station). The Dundo Group Campground in the South District has been closed and converted to a picnic area (not sure if that changes water availability).

[Spider]

Ah man Skyline, this'll help me too. Thanks.

[jonestownpenn]

hi - I was wondering if I could start this thread up again- I am also planning a short hike in SNP this summer (late July). I want to start around Route 211 (or further north) and end up near swift run. I am going to then meet my family for a vacation at nearby Massunuten resort. Since my wife can pick me up - I am looking for a place to park - any suggestions? Once I enter the park at 211, can I leave the car for a few days - is it safe. I'm looking forward to the hike - thanks!

[Ashman]

Another request for a good parking spot. I am looking to thru hike the park this summer starting in Ashby Gap and hiking through to Waynesborough. Where is a good spot to leave the car at the southern end?

[Skyline]

hi - I was wondering if I could start this thread up again- I am also planning a short hike in SNP this summer (late July). I want to start around Route 211 (or further north) and end up near swift run. I am going to then meet my family for a vacation at nearby Massunuten resort. Since my wife can pick me up - I am looking for a place to park - any suggestions? Once I enter the park at 211, can I leave the car for a few days - is it safe. I'm looking forward to the hike - thanks!

At present, all parking at Thornton Gap is closed due to the razing of all buildings including the old restaurant/gift shop, and the permanent closing of the entrance directly off US211. A new restroom/backcountry permit office is being constructed. The Park will not approve parking near the Thornton Gap Entrance Station.

Mountain & Valley Shuttle Service has been having clients park at either Pinnacles Picnic Area, about five miles south of Thornton Gap; or Beahms Gap, about three miles north of TG. The AT is routed so it goes near both. A third alternative requires a mile-plus blue-blaze from the AT to the Meadows Spring trailhead, but that's a small trailhead and often full.

Another alternative would be to park (free) at MVS' property near Luray and get a shuttle (nominal cost) from there up to Thornton Gap. Details at www.mvshuttle.com.

Eventually (sometime in '09?) the reduced parking at Thornton Gap should reopen.

[Skyline]

Another request for a good parking spot. I am looking to thru hike the park this summer starting in Ashby Gap and hiking through to Waynesborough. Where is a good spot to leave the car at the southern end?

Three options:

1) An AT trailhead just north of the US250 overpass and the Skyline Drive/Blue Ridge Parkway divide--technically along Skyline Drive.

2) At the Inn at Afton in Rockfish Gap. See the registration desk to sign a release form and get directions to where to park.

3) About a mile west of US250 at the Colony Inn. Hikers who have stayed here in the past have been permitted to leave a vehicle there while they hike.