Shenandoah 2nd Week October and WATER?

imported
#1

Ok… so I think we are finally going to hit the trail this year. We will be in the Waynesboro area on the 8th of October and can hike until Friday morning (the 11th). I am thinking that Seth and I can manage to make it about 45-50 miles in that time. Do you think that I could get from Waynesboro to Big Meadows and hitch back (or find some kind of ride) from Monday night to Friday at noon?
Is there a more realistic distance? I am so not used to hiking sections and really want to re-do the Shenandoahs because I hated them the first time.
ALSO… IS THERE WATER IN THIS SECTION? Anyone been there lately?

windex

#2

I can prob get you ride back from my bud Strider. If he’s free. I’d need more info.

Bushwhack

#3

The water situation between Rockfish Gap, north to Loft Mt. Campground, is not good at all. From Loft Mt. Campground north there are non-spring sources you can rely on.

Starting at Loft Mt. Campground with a full supply of water, there are also faucets or frost-free pumps going NOBO at:

Simmons Gap Ranger Station
Swift Run Gap Skyline Drive Entrance Station
South River Picnic Area
Lewis Mt. Campground and Campstore
Big Meadows Wayside
Big Meadows Lodge
Big Meadows Campground
Skyland Lodge
Pinnacles Picnic Area
Thornton Gap Backcountry Permit Station
Thornton Gap Skyline Drive Entrance Station
Elkwallow Picnic Area
Elkwallow Wayside
Piney River Maintenance Facility

You may also find water at the Pass Mt. Hut spring (as of a week ago). Other springs I dunno.

So, you can almost certainly hike and be confident of staying hydrated from somewhere south of Loft Mt. Campground in the South District with whatever water you start with, and however much further north you can get from your fillup at either Elkwallow or Piney River Maintenance in the North District. How far south of Loft or north of Elkwallow/Piney depends on how much water you can carry and how much you need to drink.

Skyline

#4

Thanks… we are contemplating the whole thing and I will be getting out the maps tonight. I’m going to Virginia to job-shadow to see if I want this position, and I fear that if I hit the trail I won’t ever want to work again :slight_smile:

windex

#5

As of today, 9/26/07, the spring at Pass Mt. Hut is dry. Historically, it is one of the last ones to go, so be advised.

Skyline