Hike Recommendations

[naa10104]

Hello,

Did a couple days and one night on the AT last year. Would like recommendations for either a 2 day one night or 3 day two night hiking loop where I could park my vehicle hike out and return to my vehicle. I live in Reston, VA so I would like to stay within an app. an hour of Reston. Last year I hiked from Front Royal north for about 22 miles. Thanks

[Chive]

Hey! One recommendation I have would be to park at Bears Den hostel (18393 Blueridge Mountain Road, Bluemont, VA 20135). This is located just off of Rt 7 and probably about a half hour's drive from you. You could then head north towards Harpers Ferry for an out-and-back, or you could head south for an out-and-back along the Roller Coaster.

Another spot to start could be to park at Sky Meadows State Park (11012 Edmonds Lane, Delaplane, VA 20144). Probably within an hour's drive of Reston. Plot an out-and-back from there. Given you've launched from Front Royal before you may have already hiked this area(?).

A couple resources I use that you might already be familiar with but I will post:

Hiking Upward: http://www.hikingupward.com/ Has a great interactive map with hikes and their reviews. Zoom into the northern Virginia area to narrow down some choices close to home.
Interactive AT map: http://www.appalachiantrail.org/hiking/find-a-hike/interactive-map Toggle on the shelters and the parking and zoom in to NoVa. Can help plot your options but you may need to further research if a particular Parking spot allows overnight parking.

[Spirit Walker]

There are a lot of possible loops in the Shenandoahs, depending on how many miles per day you want to hike, or you could just hike the AT and hitch back to your car.

There is a nice two day loop out of Caledonia SP in southern PA using side trails and the AT.

[naa10104]

Thanks very much !