Hostels and lodgin

[Gourok]

I was hoping to hike for a few days in Shanendoah. I noticed a thread about trail lodging--hostels etc.. I did not bring camping gear with me but can likely borrow it from colleagues. I am just here in DC working for the summer and really wanted to see some of the AT. Shanendoah seems the most accesible. THe guidebooks that I have do not mention anything about hostels--but that would be perfect if they exist on hte trail. COuld someone give me some advice on where to head for a few days? Thanks a lot.

[Spirit Walker]

There are no hostels in the Shenandoahs. Hostels are generally in towns. There are Park Lodges at Big Meadows, Skyland and Lewis Mtn. that rent rooms ($$$) and cabins you can rent through PATC. There are AT shelters in the park, but you would still need gear for sleeping. There is no guarantee of space in a shelter (Scouts, church groups, college groups, etc. often fill the shelters) so you really ought to have a tent or tarp.

[Sly]

There's no hostels in the Shenandoah NP but there is hostels before and after. The only lodging options in the Park is Skyland Lodge and Big Meadows. The SNP has free shelters with camping and paid campgrounds. You could start in Front Royal, stay at the Tom Floyd Wayside Shelter or the Terrapin Station Hostel and hike south to any number of crossings on Skyland Drive.

[yushan]

check out http://www.mvshuttle.com/lighthikelodgetolodge.html
It is a way to hike 1-4 days in the Shenandoah NP without carrying much gear.