The A.T. Runs through the Shenandoah National Park. All hikers look forward to it, and I’m not quite sure why. I think they have heard rumors about the waysides where they have a grill to get burgers and the legendary Blackberry Milkshakes. There are also Campgrounds, a lodge and a few expensive restaurants. All of the above are usually about a half mile off trail, which means that you have a half mile to walk back. Other than these things, the trail in the Shenandoahs is just more green tunnel, IMHO. The rocks also began increasing through the latter half of the park. Don’t get me wrong…there were some very beautiful views, and the woods were peaceful. Also, everyone’s perspective is different, too, and that is okay.
The shelter spacing is strange through the Shenandoahs. You can either do 12 or 13 miles, or 20-23 miles. The terrain was very jungle-like. The word, “thicket” kept coming to mind. It really wasn’t conducive to stealth camping due to all of the underbrush.
I just bit the bullet, and did fewer miles, rather than kill myself. I tried to look at it as a time to rest. I still had one 19.5 mile day, and the slackpack I did from Waynesboro knocked out 20 miles, and one day’s worth of food I didn’t have to carry. 5 1/3 days worth of food was still excruciatingly heavy!
I stayed at one Campground, which was nice. Someone asked me why a thru hiker would pay to stay in a campground, when you can camp anywhere along the trail. (He was a hammocker.) For me, it is the flush toilets, the flat tent site, not having to filter water, the camp store with sodas and snacks, security, and a shower. I had to pay $1.50 for a five minute shower but it was very hot and very worth it!
I stopped by several waysides in the park. Since I had shorter days than I normally do, I took my time, charged my phone in the bathroom, washed my face and hands, and sat at a picnic table to eat my burger and fries. The weather was very nice during my time in the park, which made hanging out very nice!
At one wayside, I tried a Blackberry Milkshake. I felt like I had to at least try one since I have heard so much about them. It was pretty darn good–better than I was expecting, but I probably wouldn’t shell out $5.00 for another one.
I think another draw for the park is the wildlife. It was pretty tame! The deer weren’t much afraid of humans, and I even saw some rabbits. There are lots of bears in the park as well. Every day, someone would either ask if I had seen the bear I passed (I usually missed it) or they would warn me of one up ahead. I only saw two bears while I was in the park. It ran away from me. I didn’t have to scare it off.
Almost all of the shelters had signs warning of bear activity. There were Bear poles at each shelter to hang our bags; however, one morning I went to take my bag off the pole and I saw a bag on the ground. There was one on the pole that had a rip in it with some of the contents on the ground! Some were speculating that a raccoon got it, but that night I kept having realistic dreams that something was outside of my tent. I yelled out three times that night. Embarrassing.
I didn’t think the Shenandoahs were ‘easy’, nor did I think Virginia as a state was ‘easy’. I enjoyed my time in Virginia much more than on my last thru hike. I am feeling so much better at this point than I did on my last hike. I’m grateful for that, and it has really helped me to enjoy my hike more.
I passed out of the park with little fanfare. There was only a sign indicating the park boundary that I almost missed!
It took me 5 1/2 days to get out of the park and into Front Royale, VA. I was more than ready for a shower!
I loved the Shenanadoahs. I couldn’t believe all the deer that I saw. Glad to hear you are feeling better.
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Lots of people do! I guess I’m in the minority. There really were lots of deer! …and bears. Someone told me they read that Grayson Highlands were shut down due to bear activity. Do you know if this is true?
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Beautiful photos! I had heard that the trail crosses the road several times throughout the park. You got amazing photos of wildlife! I’m so glad you’re feeling better this round. You look amazing! I’m praying that all the goodness continues!
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Thank you, Helen. I loved the wildlife in the park. I could almost always hear cars on the Blue Ridge Parkway while on the trail, and the trail crossed it many times.
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Curious…when they close a section of the trail due to bear activity is it a case where they advises you not to use it but you are allowed to do so at your own risk…or does the ‘closing’ carry the weight of ‘law’ where there is a penalty if you go into a closed area?
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I have no idea! I hadn’t heard of this happening before. I’ve seen shelters that are closed due to bears, but not the trail. I’d consider that a rumor until it is confirmed. When shelters are closed, I highly doubt it’s enforced by law. There are many places that have signs telling you there has been bear activity and to exercise caution, but they don’t close the shelter.
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The only time I experienced a trail closing was in 2016 at Hot Springs, NC and they shuttled us around it for free.
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What…you don’t know EVERYTHING about the AT? I am shocked and bewildered….
Just kidding of course. Thanks for patience with those of us that are curious…but still on our couch
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I love questions. 😊 …even if I don’t know the answers. I like the interaction with people on my blog.
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