Hiking Alone in Shenandoah

imported
#1

Is it relatively safe to hike in the Shenandoah region alone? I planned on camping in the Loft Mountain campgrounds and hike some of the trails around it. I also planned to go up the Lewis Peak trail. I’ve done some hiking before but not alone do you think it is safe?

monkeyhand

#2

I’ve hiked every mile of every trail in SNP–most multiple times. Never had a problem. Stay away from the trails most popular with tourons and you might even get lonely.

Disclaimer: I’m an experienced male in decent shape. I’ve seen plenty of people on our trails in SNP not in great shape, and/or of the female gender. While they may have concerns I never experienced I think 99.9% of them go on to enjoy the woods without issues.

Skyline

#3

I can second Skylines remarks. While I have not hikes all the trails in SNP I have many of them. Probably some where around 90% of the time solo. I have been hiking in and around that area since 2000 and have never had any problems. Enjoy your hiking.

Furlough

#4

sweet I need to quit rerading bear stories :eek:

monkeyhand

#5

Hiking alone anywhere can become dangerours. Lots of things could happen you could have a great time too. I do hike alone quite often but mostly in winter {no snakes}. I have seen bear in snp. Mostly on the southern end. I had one run up the hill and then stop and watch me i made movement and it ran up the hill and stopped and watched me some more and then i moved on and never saw it again.

dw

#6

As with dw’s example, bears aren’t much of a problem in SNP, unless:

  1. You get in between mother and cubs.

  2. Your food becomes a magnet for them.

If you encounter #1, just back of slowly and quietly so mother can reunite with cubs, then proceed cautiously.

If you find yourself in predicament #2 and you are eating or cooking, make lots of noise. They will almost always leave you alone. If you don’t properly store your food when not eating/cooking, that is most likely when a bear will think it is OK to come in and try to take it.

The bear population in SNP and nearby is overwhelmingly shy, avoiding human contact. Count it as a good day when you see one of these magnificent creatures from a distance.

Skyline