Shenandoah visitors centers as resupply

[sharky]

Has anyone ever sent resupply packages to the visitors centers that you pass by in Shenandoah NP? I'm looking into this option, but the companion doesn't say that you can do it.

[jlb2012]

ARAMark runs those concessions and being the kind loving sorts of monopolistic capitalists that they are want you to buy your resupply at their inflated prices and as a result will not hold any resupply boxes for hikers

[Wrangler88]

I've never been through there but when I've read some journals the hikers have said on numerous occasions that they didn't need a lot of supplies through the area because they ate at a lot of road side concessions. So, if this is true, you might can get a lot farther on what you are already carrying than you think.

[Helios]

The waysides have a great, but slightly pricey, food selection. The Northern most wayside, Elkwallow, has an awesome blackberry shake! While none of these places will accept a mail drop, the towns at either end have places that will, as well the towns off the two major crossings. The AT guide has these listed.

[10-K]

It's pretty easy to get in and out of Luray which is about halfway through the park.

[Lauriep]

If you stay at Skyland Resort or Big Meadows Lodge, they will accept and hold a package for you. You'd need to contact the locations directly to get the address and give the front desk a heads up to expect you and your package. Let me know if you need the numbers.

The rates are pretty expensive by hiker standards. You can find current rates at www.visitshenandoah.com.

If you check ATC's shuttle list for the Shenandoah area, you can find people who can transport you in and out of the park to nearby towns for resupply.

Laurie P.
ATC

[sharky]

I was planning on splurging and spending one night at either Skyland or Big Meadows. Are the numbers 540-999-2212 and 540-999-2221 for Skyland and Big Meadows?

[Gator 65]

If y ou plan on 5- 6 days to transit the park, pack out 4 days of food. You will have ample opportunity to pig out on blueberry shakes and cheeseburgers. If you order one of the combo meals you get a free ice cream with it. It;s a great 100- 110 mile hike and plenty of places to eat well.

[Stir Fry]

I was planning on splurging and spending one night at either Skyland or Big Meadows. Are the numbers 540-999-2212 and 540-999-2221 for Skyland and Big Meadows?

Use Skyland. Big Meadown does not have AC. Although Big Meadows has a better resupply.

[bigcranky]

We stayed at Skyland for one night, it was very nice. We stayed in one of the historic cabins. Dinner in the lodge was pricey and not all that great, but breakfast the next morning was good. We especially enjoyed hanging out on the big stone patio outside the lodge.

[Appalachian Tater]

I wouldn't even think about sending packages to the wayside concessions. I would call before sending one to the inns.

Also be warned that at some of the fast food places in the park, the "blackberry" shakes are just made with blackberry syrup, not real blackberries. Ask which they serve before buying--the chocolate shake is better than the one made with blackberry syrup.

[johnnybgood]

Also be warned that at some of the fast food places in the park, the "blackberry" shakes are just made with blackberry syrup, not real blackberries. .

Get your Blackberry Shake at Skyland . It's the real deal .

[DirtyHippieBrian]

Actually they technically are made with real blackberries, because the syrup that the park uses in their restaurants is made with blackberry juice. I loved the syrup so much I bought some to take home, and the ingredients are as follows: sugar, water, blackberry concentrate, sodium benzate (preservative). I know it would be better if the syrup was made with something like blackberry puree, but at least it isn't all corn syrup & artificial flavors!

That being said, I'm still not a huge fan of the blackberry shake because it's too sweet for me. I'd go with chocolate or vanilla myself.

[mweinstone]

remember, the park has a ruel, they will under no curcomstanses wrap food to go. you get a plate and a napkin. they dont want trash leaving the consessions.it can be frustrating wanting to pack a burger even a mile into the woods on a paper plate. and the blackberrie shakes suck so bad but seem great when your there. and they sell them at all the consessions in snp.resupply in the park is as bad as it gets. dont do it.

[Bags4266]

.95 cent bottle beer!!! Ummmm

[restless]

i work in Shenandoah NP and live in Luray. I'd be willing to help out any hikers that need assistance although evenings and weekends are best. PM me if I can help.

[Dirty Nails]

I went a little overboard in SNP. I stayed at both lodges and one of the cabins. The lodges were pricey, but I was able to haggle and save about $40 at the one further north (Big Meadow???).
I was splitting costs by sharing a room with another guy. It seemed easy to find a roomie when there.
I do recommend the cabins. We split the $30...$15 each. It was nice to have a wood stove and a water spigot. Showers were avail. at the office, and laundry, but they were extra.
I entered the park with 2-1/2 days worth of food, and exited the park a week later with 1-1/2 day's food remaining. You could do it without going nut$. It will cost a little more to buy food there, but you will save the shipping/hitching and be a little spoiled...and a lot lighter in the pack.
Whatever you do, skip the shake, but don't miss the blackberry ice cream pie! I had to have it two nights in a row. It's awesome!
Oh yeah...the best part of all was indeed those $0.95 beers at the waysides...For imports! Domestic was $0.85/can. Cheaper than soda!!!!

[Monkeywrench]

Hiking trough SNP isn't particularly scenic -- in fact, I found it a huge disappointment -- but you can eat well! In addition to $0.85 beers and the camp stores, they also sell blueberry Uglies, maybe the best pastry ever invented.

[Blissful]

Hiking trough SNP isn't particularly scenic -- in fact, I found it a huge disappointment -- but you can eat well! In addition to $0.85 beers and the camp stores, they also sell blueberry Uglies, maybe the best pastry ever invented.

Granted summer is a bit of a bore with the leaf growth and overrun by visitors but any other season is excellent.

[Slo-go'en]

Although this is another dated thread, yes you can resupply at Big Meadows and some of the other camp stores- if your willing to pay the price.

A strange thing happened to me at Big Meadows. I just bought a $2.50 granola bar and put it down on one of the picnic tables, then walked away for a minute to see some friends who just showed up. I turned around to see a crow fly off with my granola bar! So, it's not just bears you have to look out for!

WHAT? 10 BUCKS FOR A BURGER AND FRIES, YOU GOT TO BE KIDING ME! Oh well, give me two! (Probably 15 now)