View Full Version : I have not been on the AT since the 70's early 80's
looking to do the shenandoah in november or december . how does it look up there in winter?..have been all over that country in a vehicle on skyline drive. but not walked that part . that is an awesome place, and wud love to walk it!!..
have walked most of the AT from Ga to Va when i wuz younger lol but not that part. so now i feel its time for the trail again lol. can you guys give me some tips and what ya think abt the section.. i hope i can still do this at 48...lol..tnx jim
stumpknocker
08-21-2010, 04:28
That's a GREAT time to walk Shenandoah!!
Plan on a longer food carry because the stores aren't open and shorter daylight. There is lodging at Big Meadows I believe, but would check that out before I left.
The weather could be pretty mild still....with lows in the 30's and 40's, but I remember one December walking through there and it was almost dark and I was starting to feel cold, so I checked out my little zipper thermometer and it was already down to 2 degrees. It ended up not getting much colder than that overnight.
You shouldn't see many other hikers. Maybe a couple late sobo's. :)
johnnybgood
08-21-2010, 09:07
Late fall in Shenandoah is indeed a great time to hike . There will be far less people since fall foliage is done and the trees are now bare. Word of caution though -- those leaves can really pile up on the trail obscuring rocks and roots beneath.
You can either carry your shelter or sleep in the huts . I'm sure there won't be many other hikers to contend with now that the car campers are gone . Section hikers and day-weekend hikers are the bulk of those out there this time of year.
The weather will be ideal for hiking but make sure you have a 20 degree sleeping bag 'cause the lows can dip into the 20's at night , especially in December.
The Lodge at Skyland stays open the latest in the season and Big Meadows campground is open usually till the end of November.
Check the park website I have listed as my signature for more information.
I hiked the park early last december and we had pretty good weather 'till the last night when we got about a foot of snow.:)
They closed the park and my truck was stuck there for 3 days until they escorted me in and out while it was still closed.:p
Saw only 3-4 hikers.:cool: FYI-Park Rangers seemed to have too much time on thier hands however and looking for somebody, anybody, to police.:eek:
Hiked from Bear-fence shelter to Front Royale in November a few years back. Mix of very nice, no shirt hiking, to rainy/cloudy days to a Blizzard that shut down the Skyline drive entirely for four or five days under 12 ft drifts.
We arrived at Gravel Spring Hut, washed my hair and cleaned up. As the evening progressed the rain started, then freezing rain, then sleet and finally snow. The trees were completely coated in ice and many began crashing down around us. Approximately two or three feet of snow accumulated on the trail and with the limbs all weighted down, one had to crouch to navigate the AT. The weather remained very cold and windy. Ended up hiking on the Skyline Drive most of the day, having to ease our way around the outside of the 10-12 foot drifts covering the roadway. Made it to Tom Floyd Shelter for another very cold night. Next morning, sun was out, temperature warmed somewhat, and the hike out to the Highway was one of the most beautiful hikes I've ever experienced with the trees all coated in ice ad the sun shining through them all around us.
Had to wait another 3 days before we could get back to our car which was parked along the Skyline Drive.
Guess what I'm saying is that while you can have beautiful, warm weather, you can also have extreme winter conditions in SNP. Prepare for what you expect to experience, but make sure you have gear to survive some harsh conditions as well. Know how to keep yourself safe.
tnx a million for your guys great and helpful info! i really appreciate you all taking the time to reply!
We arrived at Gravel Spring Hut, washed my hair and cleaned up. As the evening progressed the rain started, then freezing rain, then sleet and finally snow. The trees were completely coated in ice and many began crashing down around us. Approximately two or three feet of snow accumulated on the trail and with the limbs all weighted down, one had to crouch to navigate the AT. The weather remained very cold and windy. Ended up hiking on the Skyline Drive most of the day, having to ease our way around the outside of the 10-12 foot drifts covering the roadway. Made it to Tom Floyd Shelter for another very cold night. Next morning, sun was out, temperature warmed somewhat, and the hike out to the Highway was one of the most beautiful hikes I've ever experienced with the trees all coated in ice ad the sun shining through them all around us.
lyle, reminds me of the time in abt 95 at yosemite on way to half dome. the ranger warned us abt 7 ft of snow coming. we told him. that why we are here..lol . i wuz miserable but stunningly beautiful!
FYI-Park Rangers seemed to have too much time on thier hands however and looking for somebody, anybody, to police
tnx nean. that sound abt right. lol.
again tnx all.. i am going over my maps now. tnx jim