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  1. #1
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    Default Parking in the Shenandoah Park.

    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.

  2. #2

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    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
    Trail Miles: 4,927.6
    AT Map 1: Complete 2013-2021
    Sheltowee Trace: Complete 2020-2023
    Pinhoti Trail: Complete 2023-2024
    Foothills Trail: 0.0
    AT Map 2: 279.4
    BMT: 52.7
    CDT: 85.4

  3. #3
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    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.
    fortis fortuna adjuvat

  4. #4

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    Quote Originally Posted by TwoSpirits View Post
    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.
    Trail Miles: 4,927.6
    AT Map 1: Complete 2013-2021
    Sheltowee Trace: Complete 2020-2023
    Pinhoti Trail: Complete 2023-2024
    Foothills Trail: 0.0
    AT Map 2: 279.4
    BMT: 52.7
    CDT: 85.4

  5. #5
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    You'll be fine. Iv often seen cars not move between me starting and ending a trip.

  6. #6

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    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

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by Gambit McCrae View Post
    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.
    fortis fortuna adjuvat

  8. #8
    Registered User Kaptainkriz's Avatar
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    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/@38.2067...!7i3328!8i1664 I might suggest using the lot a little further South at RipRap: https://www.google.com/maps/@38.1772...!7i3328!8i1664 It is a little bigger.
    Quote Originally Posted by Doctortom View Post
    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.
    Plaid is fast! Ticks suck, literally... It’s ok, bologna hoses off…
    Follow my hiking adventures: https://www.youtube.com/user/KrizAkoni
    Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alphagalhikes/

  9. #9

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    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.

  10. #10
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    Thanks for the info

  11. #11
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    Thanks, I have numerous hiking stickers and is PA ATC license plate.

  12. #12
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    I want to thank everyone, you have answered my question and removed a major obstacle. Yes, I do have a NPS pass.

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