Parking in the Shenandoah Park.

[Doctortom]

I am planing a section hike this fall and I would like to know if you allowed long term parking in Skyline Drive parking lots and if it is safe to do so. I would leave my vehicle there for somewhere between two and three weeks. I would be using the Black Rock parking lot at about 87.4 on the Sky Line Trail. If this is not possible or recommended what other options would I have. I would like to shuttle south from here and hike back. this was a beginning point for a previous section hike. recommended shuttle are also welcomed.

[Gambit McCrae]

I parked at Bootens Gap, for a total of 14 days, 2 different trips.. One trip for 9 days. No problems. FYI, I always felt that because I have an AT sticker on my back window, they knew why I was parked there :)

[TwoSpirits]

If you don't already have an annual park pass ($55 as of 6/1/18), you may want to consider it. The regular park entrance fee is now $30 per vehicle, and is good for 7 days.

I'm guessing that if you park anywhere in the park for more than those 7 days, you'll need to pay another fee as you exit the park -- another $30, making the annual pass the smart choice.

[Gambit McCrae]

If you don't already have an annual park pass ($55 as of 6/1/18), you may want to consider it. The regular park entrance fee is now $30 per vehicle, and is good for 7 days.

I'm guessing that if you park anywhere in the park for more than those 7 days, you'll need to pay another fee as you exit the park -- another $30, making the annual pass the smart choice.

Rules may have changed, but when I went in the park, I told them I was only staging a vehicle for my foot traffic only trip thru the park, 2 different years, 2 different rangers allowed me to enter at no charge since I was dropping a car, and heading back out. As well, they do not check any vehicles as you leave the park, only upon entering.

[Huntmog]

You'll be fine. Iv often seen cars not move between me starting and ending a trip.

[Shaker]

I recently backpacked in Shenandoah. They require you to get a free backcountry permit, on which you have to write your vehicle information and license plate number. After that, you can park in any of the parking lots in the park. I didn't experience any problems leaving my truck for 5 days, nor did my hiking partner who parked in another area.

Shaker

[TwoSpirits]

Rules may have changed, but when I went in the park, I told them I was only staging a vehicle for my foot traffic only trip thru the park, 2 different years, 2 different rangers allowed me to enter at no charge since I was dropping a car, and heading back out. As well, they do not check any vehicles as you leave the park, only upon entering.Cool -- that's good to know.

[Kaptainkriz]

I've used those areas extensively and would say they are among the safest parking areas. Very deep within the park. The Black Rock lot is a little small and that area gets a lot of use. https://www.google.com/maps/@38.2067402,-78.7495155,3a,60y,282.36h,69.82t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1skKnvp1ni3HvdeQD_6IrOJg!2e0!7i3 328!8i1664 I might suggest using the lot a little further South at RipRap: https://www.google.com/maps/@38.1772478,-78.7653145,3a,75y,18.06h,81.46t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sx-fvQkIrbQnizNoIg7fX_Q!2e0!7i3328!8i1664 It is a little bigger.
I am planing a section hike this fall and I would like to know if you allowed long term parking in Skyline Drive parking lots and if it is safe to do so. I would leave my vehicle there for somewhere between two and three weeks. I would be using the Black Rock parking lot at about 87.4 on the Sky Line Trail. If this is not possible or recommended what other options would I have. I would like to shuttle south from here and hike back. this was a beginning point for a previous section hike. recommended shuttle are also welcomed.

[bbikebbs]

When I was filling out my back country pass in April, the ranger told me that the info is placed into a database for rangers to access. They will check on cars in the lots to see if someone is overdue. If so, they will then start a search. That's part of the reason for wanting to know your itinerary.

[Doctortom]

Thanks for the info

[Doctortom]

Thanks, I have numerous hiking stickers and is PA ATC license plate.

[Doctortom]

I want to thank everyone, you have answered my question and removed a major obstacle. Yes, I do have a NPS pass.