Shenandoah National Park

imported
#1

Plan on hiking the length of Shenandoah National Park in mid September. Just a hair over a hundred miles. I should be able to complete this in a weeks vacation. Just wanting to know if anyone has done this before? I am trying to find a place to leave my car on the south end, and then take a shuttle to the north to hike back to my car. Any suggestions? Also, trying to figure how where would be a good place to get on the trail in the North end and where to get off in the south end, that would be close to my vehicle. Any thoughts or suggestions in regards that, along with any other suggestions for my hike will be appreciated. I have not mapped out my daily distances at this time. Preferring to get an early start on a Saturday morning and then hike to the following Saturday, approx.

Thanks in adavance for help,
Larry

Larry

#2

I did this 20 years ago. IIRC there is a small parking area just inside the southern boundary on Skyline Drive where you could leave your car. The AT goes right by it. For the northern end, I want to say that Compton Gap is the closest AT crossing inside the park. Outside the park, there’s a road crossing near Linden where you could get dropped off to walk southbound.

Mrs Joy

#3

Larry,

There are actually two places you can park at the southern end in Rockfish Gap. The first is the one mentioned by Mrs Joy. It is a National Park parking area that is monitored by the NPS and sits in between the start of the Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway. It has parking for about 6 - 8 cars, so first come - first served. Your car will have exposure to local traffic at this location.

The other is the Inn at Afton Mountain which sits atop the hill at Rockfish Gap. If you notify the front desk, they have ample parking and will let you park long term for the duration. I believe they also have a hikers rate for a room should you want to stay. I have included their contact information below. Just remember, once you come off the AT in Rockfish Gap, you will have to follow the uphill climb up the road to your car.

Inn At Afton?
185 Afton Circle
Lyndhurst, VA 22952
(540) 942-5201
theinnatafton.com?

Full Count

#4

Front Royal/Terrapin Station Hostel, 304 Chester Gap Road, Re Chester Gap, VA. (540)539-0509. (540)631-0777. This hostel, run by Mike, caters to thru-hikers and is open only from May to July 4. However, it is 1/2 mile from the northern entrance to the Shenandoah National Park at Compton Gap. I just hiked a section through there: Harper’s Ferry to mile post 31 in SNP. The Inn at Afton Mt. would be the safer place to leave a car at the Southern End.

bluevist

#5

I did the same thing, except early Oct. 3 years ago, but parked at the north end and shuttled south to start. Just out of the park at the north end is a boy scout camp/youth camp. Don’t remember the name,but with some searching I could probably find it again. The parking was safe, secure and free. I used “Mountain & Valley Shuttle Service.” A little pricey, but great service. Good luck and have fun. I saw 5 bears and about 10 or so South-bounders.

Dave

#6

I found where I parked. It was the Northern Virginia 4H Educational center.
http://www.nova4h.com/appalachian-trail-hikers/
It worked out great.

Dave

#7

Parking at 4-H instead of US522 is a good idea. Mountain & Valley Shuttle Service has the required forms, and will take care of all the details for anyone using its shuttle service, including submitting the form to the 4-H office on your behalf.

MVSS typically meets hikers at an easy-to-find spot in nearby Front Royal VA, and has them follow the driver to the proper place to park at 4-H. The 4-H Center not eaay to find if you’ve never been back to Harmony Hollow, and the place for hikers to park is not signed.

Call 877-789-3210 or check out www.MVshuttle.com.

Skyline

#8

Thanks all for your help and knowledge. My hike is not till mid-September, therefore any additional suggestions or items to be aware of are appreciated.

Larry