How about those in march? Would it be possible to hike from Waynesboro to Front Royal in a 7 day period in March? Like from a Saturday to a Sunday March 4th-12th? Id really like to try that, if the mileage is feasible.
nightrunning4eva
Shenandoahs - Appalachian Trail
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#3
It is doable, but it will be cold and may be snowy. The trail is at about 4000’ elevation - higher in some places. Enough to be cold that time of year. Check the weather before you go. If there is any snow, they will close the road through the park, but you can always bail by descending on the many side trails. None of the park facilities will be open that time of year (stores, lodges, or restaurants). We did a hike in the Shenandoahs at New Years one year - had much of the trail to ourselves. It was cold, but beautiful.
Ginny
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#4
I thnk Big Meadows and Skyland should be open in March.
If you are stuck there because of bad weather, you can always buy and read the fascinating book “Skyland” to learn how George Pollock first began making the area a place for vacations.
Bob J
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#5
Skyland Lodge typically opens at the END of March, or in the first week of April–as does Big Meadows WAYSIDE. The Big Meadows LODGE and restaurant/lounge opens about a month later.
Weather in March here can be warm for a few days here and there, or it can be January-like. I’d plan and pack for the latter, but hope for the former. Some of our biggest snowstorms ever (measured in FEET of snow) have occurred in mid-March. 1993 and 1996 come to mind.
Until Skyland, etc. opens Park staff is skeleton-crew size. You can hike all year 'round, but in the Winter don’t count on services.
Skyline
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#6
The Shenandoahs are awesome any time of year! March is usually pretty cold, but doable I think. Just Do It! Lucky me…the Shennendoahs are in my own back yard (Rockfish Gap) and I am up there all year long!
Pam
pam