Comments on: Appalachian Trail – Skyland to Big Meadows

By: virginiatrailschristine

virginiatrailschristine — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 11:01:10 +0000

You could start at the Lewis Mountain Campground and have a 7.8 mile walk to Big Meadows. Or, you could start where the Pocosin Mission Fireroad crosses the AT for 9.7 mile walk. Both of these entry points onto the AT are pretty close to the road and make east drop-off points.

By: Matt

Matt — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 22:31:05 +0000

Christine you rock! Thank you .

One more question, Our plan is to do two nights out 8-10 miles South of Big Meadow one night at the lodge then two nights out from Big Meadow to Skyland which you already covered.

Do you have any idea what might be a good starting point/trail 8-10 miles south of Big Meadow?

Thanks again!

By: virginiatrailschristine

virginiatrailschristine — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 21:38:26 +0000

Hi Matt…

I can’t imagine you’ll have any trouble finding places to string up your hammock. We have lots of friends who prefer hammocks to traditional tents, and all of them have said Shenandoah is one of the easiest places to find suitable hammock sites. If you stretch the hike out to two nights, I would highly recommend camping near the base of Hawksbill Mountain and climbing the blue-blazed trail to the summit to catch sunset. It’s an easy walk to the summit of Hawksbill from the AT. I hope you have a great trip, and thanks for the visit.

Christine

By: Matt

Matt — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 19:21:42 +0000

I’ll be doing the reverse hike from Big Meadow to Skyland in Oct and was wondering if you think Hammock Camping is going to be a problem on this trail, we are going to stretch it out to two nights between the lodges. Any help is greatly appreciated!

Best, Matt

By: virginiatrailschristine

virginiatrailschristine — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 00:17:57 +0000

We see lots of hikers hitching rides in the park. I’m not sure if Shenandoah has an official policy on hitchhiking, but we’ve definitely picked up our share of hikers along the road. I know there is also a hiker shuttle service working out of Luray. They cater to a lot of longer distance hikers, but I can’t imagine they couldn’t help you out with a shuttle. This is their website: http://www.mvshuttle.com/

By: Jean

Jean — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 17:18:16 +0000

What a great description of that section. Thanks!

We’re going to stay at Big Meadows campground but will only have one car. Do you have any suggestions for getting a ride over to Skyland (to start there and then hike back to Big Meadows)?

By: virginiatrailschristine

virginiatrailschristine — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 19:11:24 +0000

Hi Dan… I would love to recommend the Rose River loop to your family. It starts across the drive from the the Fisher’s Gap overlook. It’s a four mile loop that passes two of the park’s best known waterfalls (Dark Hollow and Rose River) and many other small, unnamed falls. There is good camping near where the Hog Camp Branch and Rose River meet (and of course, water access is close and easy). On the hike, you also pass an old copper mine and a cemetery with graves dating back to the Civil War. The hike would be great for kids just getting used to carrying a pack weight. Rose River hike: http://virginiatrailguide.com/2009/05/16/rose-river-loop/

Another option for a shorter out-and-back backpack trip would be to hike down to the Rapidan Camp. It’s President Hoover’s old presidential retreat. The house and several other building have been restored to historical accuracy. There is nice camping down there along the Laurel Prong. You have to camp a half mile away from the Rapidan site, but again, there are many nice campsites and good water access. Big Run Falls on the hike is pretty, too. Rapidan Camp hike: http://virginiatrailguide.com/2009/05/31/mill-prong-rapidan-camp-trail/

By: Dan Ireland

Dan Ireland — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 02:15:56 +0000

What a great site! Your trail descriptions go beyond what most hiking sites share. I love the personal narrative. I’ll be visiting Shenandoah with my wife and two children (9 and 12) in July. I am an avid backpacker and have hiked in Smoky Mountain NP but never Shenandoah. My kids have hiked since they were little, but are just beginning to do overnights with us in the backcountry. We are planning to spend two nights with them in Shenandoah. I’m looking for a hike that would be appropriate… a short route where we can hike 2-3 miles each day. Is there a place you would recommend? I’d like to take them past some streams/waterfalls if possible. My kids are strong hikers, but are just getting used to hiking with a pack on their back.

Thanks for any advice you can give. I’m going to take a look at some of your other trail descriptions. Thanks for this great site!

By: virginiatrailschristine

virginiatrailschristine — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 14:48:30 +0000

Thanks for the visit! I had forgotten some of the PATC cabins were available to the public, and have corrected the statement in our post.

I would agree that this section of the AT isn’t wildly interesting, but it is lovely and pleasant. And some days, I just really enjoy a pleasant walk in the woods.

By: bennington200

bennington200 — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 13:50:01 +0000

Nice writeup of a trail section that I never found that interesting! Makes me want to go back sometime. Note that the Rock Spring Cabin, like all cabins within the boundaries of SNP, can be rented by the general public and not just members of the PATC.