If i were hiking this id probably want to do something different for the amount of time it would. This is the shenandoah national park entry in the extensive falcon guides series. With the help of many volunteers that idea became a reality and by 1937, the appalachian trail was completed. But another characteristic, one that i believe enriches the thruhiking experience or any hiking. A fire in 2006 left the mountain top open with sweeping vistas in every direction. The trails vary in length from shortstretchers to a 101 mile segment of the appalachian trail that runs the length of the park.
When looking for a hiking guide book of a park, we generally look for the falcon guide first. Many skyline drive trailheads connect with the appalachian trail and lead to hidden waterfalls, sylvan hollows, and. Over the next quarter mile, the trail becomes steeper and more open. Hiking in shenandoah national park is a rewarding experience, with over 500 miles of trails covering the most scenic stretches, including 101 miles of the iconic appalachian trail. Shenandoah books include general guides, hiking guidebooks, and photo books. Shenandoah national park hiking guide national park. A few good books to help prepare you for visiting shenandoah national parknps theres nothing like a good book or two to help you prepare for a national park visit, whether youre looking for some historical background, a trail or two to hike, or interested in the natural resources or local culture.
For many longdistance hikers, the value of shenandoah national park is usually measured in easy trail miles, beautiful views, plentiful black bears, and easily accessible waysides where they can fuel up on cheeseburgers and blackberry milkshakes. Aug06 i have the 3rd edition, and it helps fillin the gaps to the waterfalls books of virgina i bought. Hiking shenandoah national park, 3rd regional hiking. Over the years the trail was encroached by civilization until 1968 when congress designated the appalachian trail as the nations first national scenic trail.
Park operated lodges and campgrounds in shenandoah national park can provide a unique base for exploration. A few good books to help prepare you for visiting shenandoah national park nps theres nothing like a good book or two to help you prepare for a national park visit, whether youre looking for some historical background, a trail or two to hike, or interested in the natural resources or local culture. Read on to learn about our top recommended hiking trails and book your fall getaway today. Hike lodge to lodge in shenandoah national park hiking in shenandoah national park is a rewarding experience, with over 500 miles of trails covering the most scenic stretches, including 101 miles of the iconic appalachian trail.
Skyline drive, which runs for 105 miles along the crest of the blue ridge. How to plan and prepare to backpack the 100 miles of the appalachian trail running through shenandoah national park. A guide to the parks greatest hiking adventures regional hiking series gildart, robert c. With over 196,000 acres 79,000 of them designated wilderness, shenandoah offers a wide variety of rich in human history and wildlife, shenandoah national park is truly one of the jewels of the east. The shenandoah national park guide covers 107 miles of the appalachian trail and roughly 400 miles of popular side trails in the virginia region between front royal and waynesboro. The trail is shaded by the tree canopy, keeping it relatively cool in the summer. A good pair of trail running shoes is an essential piece of gear at the park, along with a slim pack with some basic supplies.
Trails in shenandoah national park virginia trail guide. Shenandoah national park is one the few national parks that allows pets on trails. When you are out on the trails, look for the concrete trail markers with directional information at trailheads and intersections. Better yet, strap on a gopro for bragworthy footage. Hiking shenandoah national park, 4th regional hiking. The main spine of the park stretches for 70 miles endtoend, dividing bucolic shenandoah valley from the piedmont to. Take training hikes, practice knots, test equipment and technology, prepare for bears and ticks, find camp sites, determine water sources and food resupply, arrange for transportation, and complete a backcountry camping permit. We recommend purchasing any of the following books for those looking for more information on hiking in great smoky mountains national park. This is a great reference book for someone looking for a strong assortment of trails in the shenandoah national park. Whether youre looking for paths to majestic waterfalls, a trek along the appalachian trail, or day hikes along skyline drive to enjoy with the kids, this book has the. Park boundary trailhead accesses are generally in remote areas. Appalachian trail guide to shenandoah national park author. Some trails lead to panoramic vistas, some to spectacular waterfalls, while others penetrate deep into shenandoahs. These fees are important to supporting the maintenance and rehabilitation of park trails.
Check out nearly 100 different books and guides written about the appalachian trail. Whether youre a firsttime visitor to shenandoah or a seasoned veteran, there are several mustdo trails worthy of exploring. Appalachian trail guide to shenandoah national park. Nov 09, 2016 in august 2016, a friend and i backpacked the 104mile section of the appalachian trail that runs through the lovely shenandoah national park. With few exceptions, they are very good at what they do, and we like to have a consistent format to get used to. Oct 26, 2016 how to plan and prepare to backpack the 100 miles of the appalachian trail running through shenandoah national park. Self registration kiosk on the appalachian trail at the southern end of shenandoah national park in virginia. The superfeet guide to backpacking at shenandoah national park. Hiking shenandoah national park by bert gildart goodreads. Jan 01, 2006 hiking shenandoah national park features fiftynine of shenandoah s finest trails from short day hikes to overnight adventures.
Photo of 75 hikes in virginias shenandoah national park book. At the top of the mountain, the terrain levels out and you will reach an open outcropping. Parkoperated lodges and campgrounds in shenandoah national park can provide a unique base for exploration. The lewis peak trail actually continues to the parks western boundary, but you will stay on the summit trail. In august 2016, a friend and i backpacked the 104mile section of the appalachian trail that runs through the lovely shenandoah national park. A guide to the park s greatest hiking adventures regional hiking series gildart, robert c. Some trails lead to panoramic vistas, some to spectacular waterfalls, while others penetrate deep into shenandoah s wilderness and offer solitude for hikers and backpackers.
Located along the blue ridge mountains, shenandoah national park runs with the broad shenandoah river, valleys, and rolling hills. Easy to follow route with some good scenery and elevation gain. Any one interested in hiking trails in snp, can also access the national park service web page and choose shenandoah and they have trail maps. A hint of color in shenandoah national park announces the beginning of leafpeeping seasonthe parks busiest time. Scroll down to see a list of suggested hikes with links to maps. This guide describes 110 hikes covering more than 430 miles of trails. The set includes three, fivecolor topographic maps. This is a nice hike in the woods if you like solitude.
Shenandoah national parks comprehensive trail network allows hikers to craft adventures exploring all shenandoah has to offer. There are over 500 miles of hiking trails in shenandoah national park. Hiking shenandoah national park shenandoah national park. There are over 500 miles of hiking trails here, along with what many say is the most scenic stretch of the appalachian trail. Shenandoah national park association has a great selection of park hiking books, maps, and nature guides. Dogs arent allowed anywhere in the park, including along the appalachian trail. Appalachian trail guide to tennesseenorth carolina. Some trails will lead you to spectacular waterfalls or viewpoints while others penetrate deep into shenandoahs wilderness. I like hiking to waterfalls, and this book adds more hiking details, than the waterfalls books. Whether youre a firsttime visitor to shenandoah or a seasoned veteran. Read more about hiking to learn about the trails and prepare for your trip.
Trayfoot mountain isnt actually that impressive, its got tons of trees at the top so you dont have that great of a view. Hiking shenandoah national park features fiftynine of shenandoah s finest trails from short day hikes to overnight adventures. There are a couple of great views at the beginning of the hike at the big run overlook and near the end of the hike as you pass through the doyles river overlook on the appalachian trail the big run basin is the largest single watershed area in shenandoah np. Pets must be restrained on a leash no longer than 6 feet 1. There is so much more to explore including scenic overlooks, waterfalls of the shenandoah river, and hawksbill mountain, the highest peak. Its along the top of this narrow strip of mountains that shenandoah national park is situated, with the appalachian trail running down the middle for its entire length. The trail is especially pretty in the spring when mountain laurel blooms along the path with vibrant pink blossoms. Gen dropped me off in rockfish gap at the bottom of the access trail to shenandoah national park snp and i started hiking up the train to the selfregistration kiosk, about a mile away. Best nature trips trails in shenandoah national park.
Backcountry regulations for shenandoah national park appalachian trail beagle gap to rockfish gap south district 5. While it offers a variety of inclines, this is a great. Some trails will lead you to spectacular waterfalls or viewpoints while others penetrate deep into shenandoah s wilderness. If you are planning a backcountry trip or longer hike that is not included on the dayuse maps, you can purchase a topographic map of the park at any of the visitor centers or online from the shenandoah national park association or the potomac appalachian trail club patc. A guide to the parks greatest hiking adventures regional hiking series.
Shenandoah national park covers the rolling, treetopped terrain of virginias blue ridge mountains. Covered in forest, skyline drive and the famous appalachian trail run the entire length of this narrow park. Shenandoah national park is temporarily closed apr 09, 2020 virtual exploration of the appalachian trail is available apr 08, 2020 snp closed to all access 8. Park trails lead to sweeping views, rushing waterfalls, and historic points. The potomac and shenandoah rivers meet at harpers ferry, 60 miles northwest of washington. Jun 07, 2016 because it is an easily accessible preserve delivering national park level scenery. Nov 29, 2018 its along the top of this narrow strip of mountains that shenandoah national park is situated, with the appalachian trail running down the middle for its entire length. There are over 500 miles of hiking trails in shenandoah ranging from easy to very strenuous. Day 2 finishes the riprap trail if you didnt finish it on day 1 and then follows the wildcat ridge trail 2. The first 14 pages give general information including a brief history, information on weather, fees and permits, hiking with children, safety, and hiking essentials. A 2,160mile expedition for charity on the appalachian trail author. The big run basin is the largest single watershed area in shenandoah np. Preparing to section hike the at through shenandoah.
Below, ive divided my favorite day hikes in shenandoah national park into five categoriesviewpoints, waterfalls, easy, wilderness, and long ill provide a short description of each trail, along with details such as distance and type of hike, duration, level of difficulty, and location of the trailhead. Guide to shenandoah national park and skyline drive home. But another characteristic, one that i believe enriches the thru hiking experience or any hiking. Lewis peak is a majestic summit in shenandoahs southern district. But its also a little sad, because data books dont convey the rich natural and human history of a place like shenandoah national park and this book does. Many of the trailheads are located on skyline drive and in the developed areas. Big run hike hiking virginia, maryland, west virginia. Hiking shenandoah national park, 3rd regional hiking series. At a clearing near the intersection with the lewis peak trail, there was an interesting view of the huge rock fold on rocky mountain, across the valley.
If your planning a thru hike of the at you should check out the following books to help plan your hike, appalachian trail thruhikers companion 2018 and appalachian trail data book 2017. The 15th edition 2016 of the appalachian trail guide to shenandoah national park and side trails has just been released. These regulations protect your experience as well as native animals, park resources, and other visitors. Explore the park from your smartphone with detailed maps, selfguided digital tours, points of interest, and park information.
Shenandoah national park hiking top 5 must hike trails. Best nature trips trails in shenandoah national park alltrails. With this comprehensive guide, veteran hikers bert and jane gildart provide all the information you need to get the most out of hiking virginias majestic shenandoah national park. Its not as wellknown or traveled as other hikes in the park, but it has spectacular views.
It probably isnt necessary for a quick dayhike, but it certainly comes in handy when doing overnight backpacking trips. The gildarts provide a map and directions for each of the 59 hikes included. Park at the doyles river parking area and then walk about 100 yards south on skyline drive to the big run overlook. Today, shenandoah national park is, in the words of an old mountain woman, a play place for city folk. In addition, a wealth of attractions lies outside the park to enhance your shenandoah national park experience. To be more precise, lynn and i began as mere acquaintances, but a friendship slowly emerged through months of online planning, and then blossomed over 7 12 days of 24hour togetherness. Follow the rocky switchbacks to the summit of lewis peak. In 1921, benton mackaye had an idea and a vision to build the appalachian trail. From easy day hikes to strenuous backpacking trips, this guide will provide readers with all the latest information they need to plan virtually any.
A shenandoah national park annual pass and other longterm passes may be purchased at the park or by mail information. Atc guide to shenandoah national park, th edition amc. A great place to start is within the shenandoah national park. Hiking in shenandoah shenandoah national park hiking trails.
Hiking shenandoah national park, 4th regional hiking series. With this guide, you can plan almost any kind of hike in shenandoah national park, short or long, fairly easy or strenuous. Hiking in shenandoah national park shenandoah national park is home to roughly 516 miles of trails, including 101 miles of the appalachian trail. Easy hike for beginners shenandoah national park forum. The superfeet guide to trail running at shenandoah national park.
I have the 3rd edition, and it helps fillin the gaps to the waterfalls books of virgina i bought. This edition, with the familiar black bear on the cover, contains essential information about hiking and resources in the shenandoah national park as well as current park regulations related to hiking and camping. Shenandoah national park books and guides national parked. Nestled in the blue ridge mountains of virginia, shenandoah national park has over 500 miles of trails, including 101 miles of the appalachian trail. Preparing to section hike the at through shenandoah national park. Extending your day in shenandoah national park by a few hours is worth it. So if you want to enjoy a great section of trail, take this book and accompanying maps, and plan a great adventure. If youre looking for one shenandoah trail map to cover the entire national park, then you might want to get the national geographic trails illustrated map from amazon. Patc guidebooks covering trails and hikes in our region. One of the best loops in the shenandoah national park, white oak canyon is the trail to take for waterfall chasers. Well continue our sectionhiking journey by traveling the length of this popular national park, from us 250i64 near waynesboro, va, in the south, to us 522, just a few. Before it was a park, it was home to nearly 500 families in more than 300 square miles of virginia countryside a microcosm of an earlier america. Big run hike hiking virginia, maryland, west virginia, and.
1518 1471 1299 903 676 1020 1319 442 940 99 365 1073 1683 480 1185 391 1346 1342 361 592 317 1112 1648 659 1197 1533 970 1611 1088 898 125 168 1299 1255 70 1131 362