Harpers Ferry to Rock Fish Gap

[tawa]

Original plan was to leave from home--Southern IN--this Sunday and drive to Rock Fish Gap and have Stan shuttle me to Front Royal. Plan was to hike Shenandoah.
Now considering on going further north and starting from Harpers Ferry.
Would like to hear how you would shuttle this if you were going from Harpers Ferry south to Rockfish Gap.
Where could I leave my truck and are shuttles available if I left my truck at Front Royal and shuttled north to Harpers Ferry.

Also what can you tell me about that section of additional trail. Toughness--resupply--water?
Looks like the weather is going to be quite warm next week for the end of Sept but it is what it is.
Really looking forward to getting back on the trail!!

[globetruck]

Original plan was to leave from home--Southern IN--this Sunday and drive to Rock Fish Gap and have Stan shuttle me to Front Royal. Plan was to hike Shenandoah.
Now considering on going further north and starting from Harpers Ferry.
Would like to hear how you would shuttle this if you were going from Harpers Ferry south to Rockfish Gap.
Where could I leave my truck and are shuttles available if I left my truck at Front Royal and shuttled north to Harpers Ferry.

Also what can you tell me about that section of additional trail. Toughness--resupply--water?
Looks like the weather is going to be quite warm next week for the end of Sept but it is what it is.
Really looking forward to getting back on the trail!!

Hope to see you on the trail! I'm starting at Manassas Gap and heading south.

There's a climb out of Harpers Ferry, but once on top of the ridge line, it's fairly smooth hiking until you hit the roller coaster. Roller coaster is more tedious than strenuous- I kinda laughed at it for the first several miles, but by the end I was glad to be done with it. Some of the climbs and descents are steep and rocky, but it's really not that bad. I don't recall any significant dry stretches when hiking this section last month.

Shenandoah looks to have plenty of options with several waysides, a few shower/laundry spots, etc. it seems that the southern 20 or so miles may be have fewer water options.

Suggest the guthook app!

Good luck and hope to see you out there


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[Gambit McCrae]

Call Stan and See if he shuttles all the way to HF. I would say he says and the only difference would probably be about an additional $40. If he does not shuttle that far call Gary Serra. I know he will do it and is a first class guy PH#: 757-681-2254.

HF - Front Royal...Nice section, nothing crazy on the terrain or toughness.
Key Points:
C&O Towpath
Blackburn Trail Center
Bears Den Hostel (Stay Here). If you want an outstanding meal and beer get a ride down into town to Magnolias.
The Roller Coaster (Several 500+ climbs in a 13 mile stretch...I think 11?)
In Front Royal
The Mountain Home Hostel (Stay Here)
Front Royal is a great resupply to get you into the park.
-Laundry
-Good food spots
-Walmart
-Pool Hall I went to which they gave the group of hikers free pool
-Taxis into town are stupid cheap like 2-4 bucks

I would say if staminal is shuttling you, see if you can drive to his hostel in Waynesboro, It would be a peace of mind knowing its parked there VS Rockfish gap.

[Skyline]

Call Stan and See if he shuttles all the way to HF. I would say he says and the only difference would probably be about an additional $40. If he does not shuttle that far call Gary Serra. I know he will do it and is a first class guy PH#: 757-681-2254.

HF - Front Royal...Nice section, nothing crazy on the terrain or toughness.
Key Points:
C&O Towpath
Blackburn Trail Center
Bears Den Hostel (Stay Here). If you want an outstanding meal and beer get a ride down into town to Magnolias.
The Roller Coaster (Several 500+ climbs in a 13 mile stretch...I think 11?)
In Front Royal
The Mountain Home Hostel (Stay Here)
Front Royal is a great resupply to get you into the park.
-Laundry
-Good food spots
-Walmart
-Pool Hall I went to which they gave the group of hikers free pool
-Taxis into town are stupid cheap like 2-4 bucks

I would say if staminal is shuttling you, see if you can drive to his hostel in Waynesboro, It would be a peace of mind knowing its parked there VS Rockfish gap.

If the hike is between HF and Rockfish, and there will be only one resupply stop, Luray is located almost exactly halfway. In addition to all the amenities of FroRo, Luray has a decent independent outfitter--Appalachian Outdoor Adventures. The hostel there--Open Arms--at 540-244-5652, www.openarmsluray.com has been getting great reviews. Open Arms seems to be a B&B, with prices more like a typical hostel. You can also tent on the property for a small fee.

When you get to the AT crossing at US211 near Thornton Gap, just head west to Luray. About a 10 +/- minute ride. But don't try to hitch right where the trail crosses. Walk uphill a short distance to just beyond the Skyline Drive bridge over US211. Hikers have much better luck there because westbound traffic can see you from further away, and there is ample room for a car to pull over. These two important elements are missing at the AT crossing. Or if staying at Open Arms, they will provide shuttles to/from Thornton Gap, and also for resupply, for guests.

[MuddyWaters]

Id leave vehicle at 4h center. At front royal.

First, hike south to vehicle. Get resupply out of it.
Eat in. Town, maybe night inm hotel.
Then shuttle to rockfish and hike north back to it.

What u pay for shuttle is basically same even though you split it in two.

[Skyline]

Id leave vehicle at 4h center. At front royal.

First, hike south to vehicle. Get resupply out of it.
Eat in. Town, maybe night inm hotel.
Then shuttle to rockfish and hike north back to it.

What u pay for shuttle is basically same even though you split it in two.

4H is a great place to park--FREE. Go to their website to get details and a form to fill out. http://www.nova4h.com/appalachian-trail/

[TwoSpirits]

I'm doing this same section in a couple of weeks (taking Amtrak from Indy, and returning with Amtrak from Staunton.) I hope you have a great trip!