SNP: Dayhike suggestions...

[tlbj6142]

My 4yo son broke his arm so our family camping trip to a Pentwater, MI beach has been changed into a resort stay just outside of SNP (near Elkton, VA) the first week in June.

Any suggestions for a 4-8 mile day hikes in SNP (doesn't have to be along the AT)? I'm looking for something in which I'd get up at 6am drive to the park, hike, be back at the condo no later than 1-2pm. So, a loop or an "out-n-back" would be idea. Though I know hitching along the BRP is rather easy.

Thanks...

[Cookerhiker]

You have a lot of options. Elkton is on the road between the Central and Southern districts of the park. I suggest you pick up the PATC Circuit Hikes guide If you order it now, you'll receive it in time for your trip. If you don't order it beforehand, you can stop at one of the SNP Visitor Centers or concession stores - check the SNP website for hours and locations.

The closest good waterfall hike for you is the South River Falls, the trail of which begins at the South River Picnic Grounds.

You may see me there that week weedwacking the 2.2 mile stretch I maintain over HighTop Mountain. Lastly, prepare to meet some thruhikers.

[Hikerhead]

Hitching is a no-no in SNP.

[tlbj6142]

Thanks. I just ordered the guide.

Yeah, I figured this would be thru-hiker season given the bottleneck at Trail Days.

[Cookerhiker]

Hitching is a no-no in SNP.

But you can get away with it if you're discrete.

[tlbj6142]

But you can get away with it if you're discrete.

I know both my father and brother did it a few year back. And I doubt my father even knows the meaning of "discrete".

[jlb2012]

Actually hitchhiking is permitted but limited - the particular reg is:
36 CFR §4.31 – HITCHHIKING
Hitchhiking is permitted in the following areas under the conditions noted:
• To obtain transportation back to one’s vehicle after hiking a park trail.
• To obtain assistance for disabled vehicles.
o Many visitors under estimate the difficulty of park trails or encounter unexpected
weather conditions leaving them unable to complete a planned hike. In this
event, visitors want the option to solicit a ride back to their vehicle. Soliciting a
ride for short distances has been an accepted practice for many years without
any complaint or history of problems.

[Cookerhiker]

Actually hitchhiking is permitted but limited - the particular reg is:
36 CFR §4.31 – HITCHHIKING
Hitchhiking is permitted in the following areas under the conditions noted:
• To obtain transportation back to one’s vehicle after hiking a park trail.
• To obtain assistance for disabled vehicles.
o Many visitors under estimate the difficulty of park trails or encounter unexpected
weather conditions leaving them unable to complete a planned hike. In this
event, visitors want the option to solicit a ride back to their vehicle. Soliciting a
ride for short distances has been an accepted practice for many years without
any complaint or history of problems.

That's good to know HOI - thanks!

[Blissful]

If you want to hike with your 4 yr old, Dark Hollow Falls by Big Meadows is a nice family hike. And the meadow is great for wildflowers and deer. They have also redone the visitor center too which is pretty nice.

South River is a good suggestion. You can do a circuit hike where you head out along the AT, head down past Pocosin Cabin to the Pocosin mission ruins, and then return via South River falls. About nine miles. Pretty easy.

[Skyline]

A nice hike featuring a waterfall during the descent, followed by a moderate ascent along some pretty cascades, is the Rose River Loop. You park at Fishers Gap, SDMP 49.3, cross the Drive, and follow the trail markers. Total mileage about four. During the hike, you'll get to the bottom of Dark Hollow Falls as well--which you can enjoy without any more effort, or you can climb 0.3 extra mi. to get a better vantage point and then return to the loop route to finish.