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This is a link to the food that we currently have on hand.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1J-EqhyYyf0KyFqfSVC0nQU2Y3nZ06Y3gE-bcvX1rIdQ/edit?usp=sharing

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Breakfast:

Eat before you arrive. Preferably not entire Chicken Ceasar Salad.

Lunch:

Pack your own lunch/car snacks or bring money to purchase food in the park. We are stopping at the Byrd visitor center/Big Meadows Wayside (gas station grill) for lunch and restrooms.

Dinner:

Ramen Noodles

Mashed Potatoes

Bacon bits

Canned chicken

Gold fish crackers

Cookie

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Breakfast:

Hard-boiled eggs

oatmeal

Raisins

Lunch:

Turkey meat sticks

String cheese

Chocolate chip granola bar

Trail mix

Peanut butter on cheese crackers

Electrolyte Packet

Dinner:

Rotini pasta with beef meat sauce

Cheese-its

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Breakfast:

Cereal bars

Poptarts

Fruit snacks

Lunch:

Chocolate chip granola bars

Cheese on cheese crackers

Peanut butter

Tortillas

Tuna/Chicken

Electrolyte drink mix

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Review this guide to see what the meals were at Philmont this summer. We will try to recreate similar meals as economically as possible. After you have reviewed the menu, place a sticky note in the section below (Food Votes) with some ideas you would like added or some foods that you really can't stand (e.g. If you hate Tuna but don't tell us you hate tuna, don't be surprised and disappointed when we give you tuna).

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We have a couple of options for how we want to use our time at Shenandoah. Since we are camping at a group campsite, we will be hiking trail sections each day rather than thru hiking from camp to camp. Please review the posts in this section and indicate which trail sections are most interesting to you in the section below. If there are trail sections missing here that you are interested in, please add it and a link to Alltrails (if available).

We may choose to do one or more longer likes or a series of several shorter hikes (driving between trailheads as required).

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Length 10.95

Elevation 2218

This hike would start from our campground (big meadows) and follow portions of the AT and some side spurs to visit Hawksbill (highest peak in park) and end at Stonyman. this would be a one way hike with vehicle(s) staged at the end.

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Shenandoah - Big Meadows to Stony Man via Hawksbill

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Check out this map I created on AllTrails.

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Difficulty Moderate

Length 1.5 mi

Elevation gain 321 ft

Stony Man is the second tallest peak in Shenandoah National Park. This is another trail that's perfect for beginner hikers and kids. From the top, there are sweeping views of the park, surrounding valleys and towns, Massanutten Mountain, and the Allegheny Mountains further in the distance. A large parking area accesses the Appalachian Trail, which connects to Stony Man Trail, eventually leading to the summit. This is also a great spot to watch the sunset over the mountains.

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• Fee Information: Shenandoah National Park charges a fee to enter. An annual pass is also available for purchase. For more information, please see https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/fees.htm From the parking area, you will take the Appalachian Trail (white blazes) to the trail post where you will connect to the Stony Man Trail (blue blazes). This trail makes a small loop leading to Stony Man Lookout before returning to the Appalachian Trail and leading back to the Stony Man Parking Area along Skyline Drive.

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Bearfence Mountain Trail (Day Pack Only Hike)

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Bearfence Mountain Trail (Day Pack Only Hike)

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Difficulty Moderate

Length 1.0 mi

Elevation gain 242 ft

Bearfence Mountain is a short hike leading to one of the few summits in Shenandoah with 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. While the overall distance may not be very long, you'll encounter a few rocky scrambles near the top, as well as a stretch of trail alongside a cliff. On the way back down, there's another nice viewpoint as you return by way of the Appalachian Trail. This fun and adventurous hike is easily accessible from Skyline Drive. While dogs are allowed on many trails in the park, you'll have to leave them at home for this one!

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• Fee Information: Shenandoah National Park charges a fee to enter. An annual pass is also available for purchase. For more information, please see https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/fees.htm After parking in the Bearfence Mountain parking lot, cross Skyline Drive and follow the blue blazes of the Bearfence Mountain Trail, one of the most popular trails in Shenandoah National Park. The Bearfence Trail leads up a steep slope that eventually turns into rock scrambles until you reach the summit of Bearfence Mountain. Blazes mark the best scramble climbing route. The view from the summit is well worth the climb as it is one of only three summits in the park that has a 360-degree view. Getting down from the summit requires a short scramble climb, after which the Bearfence Trail returns to a normal hiking surface. The Appalachian trail can be accessed from either one of two right turns from the Bearfence Trail. The second right turn should be followed to complete the one-mile loop. The Appalachian Trail leads back down the mountain to Skyline Drive. The scramble makes this trail a unique hike with a great view. Anyone who is reasonably fit and flexible should be able to handle the scramble climb, but hikers who have issues with heights may want to skip this trail. Near the summit, the climbing path occasionally passes within eighteen inches or so of sheer drops. This is also definitely not the trail for families with kids small enough that they have to be carried, and older children may also find the climb difficult.

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DifficultyModerate

Length 2.7 mi

Elevation gain 744 ft

This route leads to the top of Hawksbill Mountain, the highest point in Shenandoah. You'll have great views along the way and pass by Byrd's Nest Shelter #2. This wooden day-use shelter was built in the 1960s and is a good place to stop for lunch. This is one of the most popular hikes in the national park — we recommend getting an early start. The top of the mountain is a large rocky area, so there's usually space for hikers to rest and enjoy the view before heading back down, even on busy days.

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DifficultyModerate

Length 1.6 mi

Elevation gain 583 ft

With its short distance leading to a series of cascades, Dark Hollow Falls is one of the most popular waterfall routes in the park. The trail has a dedicated parking area off Skyline Drive and follows Hog Camp Branch to Dark Hollow Falls. The trail is shaded in the summer months, offering some relief during the hottest parts of the year. There's a viewing platform to get the best views of the falls, and you can also continue down the trail to reach some smaller waterfalls. Dogs are not permitted on this trail.

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• Fee Information: Shenandoah National Park charges a fee to enter. An annual pass is also available for purchase. For more information, please see https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/fees.htm Dark Hollow Falls is one of the closest scenic falls to Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park. This is a fairly easy walk down, but the trek back up on the way out may be slightly challenging. This is a very popular hike at mile 50.7 of Skyline Drive that starts at the Dark Hollow Falls parking area. There are some sitting rocks along the trail if you need to rest especially on your way back up. In the spring the blossoms of Mountain Laurel adorn the path with bright pink blossoms. The trail follows the Hogcamp Branch stream as it leaves the Big Meadows spring and eventually drops over the falls. The trail is cool and shaded by a canopy of trees that offers welcome relief in the summer. As you are hiking down listen to the sounds of the water and also to the sounds of nature. One of the birds that may serenade your hike is the Blue-Headed Vireo. This neotropical migrant that breeds at high elevations in the park has a very sweet melodious voice that seems to say “Look-Up, In-the-Trees”. If you happen to see a dragonfly it may be one of the uncommon species that require pristine, shaded mountain streams. When you spot one of these you know you are in a special place. Near the bottom of the trail, you will come to a viewing platform where you can see the top of the falls. If you continue another tenth of a mile down the trail you will reach the base of the falls for a much more impressive view. Legend says that Thomas Jefferson was quite fond of these falls and spent time quietly contemplating the wonders of nature at the foot of Dark Hollow falls.

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Difficulty Hard

Length 8.5 mi

Elevation gain 2,306 ft

If you're looking for waterfalls and a place to cool off in the summer, this is the trail for you. While this loop can be challenging due to the distance and some steep sections, there are several spots to stop and jump in the creek along the way. The most notable waterfall along the trail is the 86-foot-tall Upper Whiteoak Falls. There are several creek crossings along the route, so be prepared to get your feet wet! Look for diverse wildlife and wildflowers along this trail, like mountain laurel, woodland sunflower, trillium, black bears, and white-tailed deer.

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Whiteoak Canyon and Cedar Run Trail Loop

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• Fee Information: Shenandoah National Park charges a fee to enter. An annual pass is also available for purchase. For more information, please see https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/fees.htm This route is made up of the White Oak Canyon Trail and Cedar Run Trail to make a great backpacking trip or long day hike in the Shenandoah Valley! The 1st section of the trail takes you to the right along about 30 big and small waterfalls! This is the strenuous section of the trip. There is a great rock wall for climbers on this section approximately 1-1.5 miles from the trailhead (road 643) parking lot (weakly hollow road) which also makes a great place for lunch. The yellow trail, marked by yellow markers, is the 2nd part of the loop, you will go over a steel bridge crossing the river where there is a fork. The yellow trail is to the LEFT, and the blue trail on the right goes 3 miles to skyline drive (which is not part of this loop). The yellow trail is a horse trail, but still climbs to approximately ~3200 feet gradually. There are no stair steps here, and you still may need to stop and catch your breath. You will encounter the next intersection which you should follow to the left (still yellow blazes). This leg of the loop ends at the skyline drive parking lot which can be your other entry point for this trail. At this intersection (4 way) you will take the blue blazed trail which returns in the direction that you came. The 3rd and final part of the trail is blue marked and starts from the skyline drive parking lot intersection. This leg has a very notable waterfall called “the slide” because it is a sheer gradually sloped face with lots of waterflow over it, kind of like a slide. Having reached the peak of the hike in the 2nd leg end, this leg of the hike is downhill all the way. BEWARE that there are 3 river crossings, and this can be dangerous because they are on logs if you don’t want to get wet. You can safely scoot along on the logs and make all the crossing. The final crossing will have red blazes on the trees marking all the crossing (approximately 4 log crossings). Be careful as the rocks may be slippery and can result in serious injury. This hike can be considered more strenuous than Old Rag Mountain, which is right near by. If you are taking tons of pictures of the falls, stopping at the swimming holes, or taking an extra long lunch, then you should plan on 6-7 hours for this hike. The trail has groups come through heading to big meadows and can be busy at times, so start early. Larger wildlife such as black bears may be present, especially on foggy days.

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Difficulty Moderate

Length 3.9 mi

Elevation gain 892 ft

This loop is one of the most popular hikes in the park. Hikers are treated to the sound of a rushing mountain stream most of the way. The trail leaves from Fishers Gap Overlook and crosses Skyline Drive, then heads downhill to the Rose River. In addition to passing Rose River Falls, the trail passes by many smaller cascades too. There are several deep pools to stop and swim in during the summer months. The Rose River Fire Road climbs back up toward Skyline Drive, passing an old cemetery along the way.

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Mary's Rock (Western side of ridge - nice for sunset hike)

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Mary's Rock (Western side of ridge - nice for sunset hike)

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Difficulty Hard

Length 3.4 mi

Elevation gain 1,210 ft

Mary's Rock is easily accessible from U.S. 211 and Skyline Drive. The trail leads to a viewpoint with a beautiful view of Massanutten Mountain and the surrounding Shenandoah Valley. A steady climb up the Appalachian Trail leads to the overlook at Mary's Rock. There are many stories surrounding how the mountain got its name, but no one knows for sure! In late spring, the trail is surrounded by blooming mountain laurel. Wildlife such as deer and bears are often spotted in the area, along with the occasional rattlesnake.

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Old Rag Mountain Loop (Permit Required) (Day Pack Hike)

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Old Rag Mountain Loop (Permit Required) (Day Pack Hike)

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Difficulty Hard

Length 9.4 mi

Elevation gain 2,604 ft

Old Rag is the most coveted summit in Shenandoah. Hikers are rewarded with stunning 360-degree views after scrambling to the rocky top. Before reaching the summit, there are several switchbacks and false summits — you'll know you've reached the top when you see a sign pointing toward the peak! On the way down, you'll pass Byrd's Nest Shelter and Old Rag Shelter. These are great places to stop and rest before finishing your hike. You need to purchase a day-use ticket in advance if you plan to hike Old Rag from March through November.

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Leave Hickory at 8:00am

Arrive at Byrd visitor center around 12:00pm

Eat the lunch your brought or plan to buy something at the wayside (gas station/grill)

~1:00. Hike Bearfence Mountain scramble (with day packs)

~2:30. Check-in to camp, early dinner, setup tents in daylight, complete camp duties (food storage, cleanup)

4:00. Leave camp to hike Mary's rock for sunset with partially loaded packs (tents/sleep system can stay in camp)

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Please leave a comment on this post if you plan to attend the Shenandoah shakedown. Indicate what day/time you are available to travel to Shenandoah and what day/time you need to leave to come home.

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Able to leave Friday evening around 5:00. Can return anytime Monday.

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The scouts need to make a decision about what we plan to do on Sunday.

My recommendation is to hike at least 8 miles with fully loaded packs (including distributed crew gear). We can do this as one longer hike (e.g. hike to the several summits along AT from our camp) or as several smaller hikes.

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Leave camp early and drive to Old Rag Parking area:

https://g.co/kgs/VPFsp31

Hike Old Rag (with day packs)

Drive home

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Old Rag Parking And Fee Station - Google Search

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Dec 31, 2020 — Park and pay the entrance fee here for entering Shenandoah National Park to hike Old Rag. Parking is limited, and will often fill up…

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I want to see the sunset at mary’s rock and do atleast one of the taller mountains to see the view from them. Thats about it

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White Oak Canyon/Cedar Run Loop looks like a decent length, but has a good view. I feel that this would be a good hike, if scouts do not want to do Old Rag Mountain Loop. Aside from that, "Old Rag," sounds like an exciting trail.

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Nicholas and I can:

Friday - leave 4:00 PM.

Monday - return anytime but prefer not to arrive back too late.

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Won't be able to make this one unless someone else is coming back early on Sunday night that he could ride with. He can miss school on Friday but unfortunately not Monday. Hopefully there will be another opportunity like this one where his school off has off too

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I plan to drive Patrick down on Saturday, where/when would he be meeting up with everyone? A couple options I can think of:

if Saturday is a morning hike and then an afternoon hike, he could join everyone at base camp in between the two hikes or at the start of the afternoon hike trailhead

If Saturday is an all day long hike he could join everyone at base camp in the evening

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Here is a PDF Map all can use for this weekend's hikes.