Originally Posted by
Seawoods
Slightly more information regarding logistics. We flew to Charlottesville. Depending on the time of day we either got stanimals to shuttle us directly to the trail from the airport or stayed in a hotel in Charlottesville and then shuttle to the trail in the morning. We started at swift run gap. i planned to walk about 8-9 for the first 3 days (done around 3) and then slightly lengthened the distance for the second half after thornton gap. We stopped at Compton Gap, then shuttle from compton gap to front royal and a hotel. (I have also continued to 522, but once you leave the park shortly after Compton Gap I didn't think there was much to see YMMV). Next morning or whenever depending on flight time, shuttle to Dulles airport. Of course, there many possible variations. Go to guthook or online for informtion and make contact with stanimals in waynesboro, alison with open arems in luray and with nina/sharon in front royal for shuttle arrangements. A few other points, We have stayed with open arms hostel half way through. nice to get cleaned up and wash your clothes. Also, there is a coin operated shower and camp store at Lewis Mountain cabins. And a laundry facility at the big meadows campgrouns, not sure about any covid restrictions. The facilities along the train, Lewis Mountain, Big meadows, and Skyland are welcome imo. Lodging too if you want and they have availability. The shelters along the trail in SNP are extra nice imo, and they all have a metal pole to hang your food, smellables and they have a composting privy which beats the alternative imo. One more point, we have seen a few bears, they did not care about us at all. Overall, SNP is an excellent place for a hike, it was beautiful when we were there in early May. You may hear from thruhikers, as I have, that SNP is not too great as far as the AT goes, too easy, no dramatic views, etc. You have to remember that they have walked 900 miles before they got there. It's plenty hard for the occasional backpacker and I think there are excellent, expansive views over the valley, much better than other places on the AT that i have been, Georgia as an example, again, YMMV.