Welcome to Shenandoah National Park and Hike the Appalachian Trail
Our adventure begins today at our host hotel where similarly minded intrepid travelers gather to begin a vacation of a lifetime. We load into our van and set off for historic Sperryville, a quaint community nestled in the foothills of Shenandoah National Park and the start of our adventure. After a quick stop to fuel up with a hot drink or delicious local pastry we continue on to the Appalachian Trail. Today's hike takes us along the Appalachian Trail with a short detour to explore Stony Man. Hiking on the Appalachian Trail affords us sprawling views of the Shenandoah Valley and the mountains beyond and allows us to hike directly into the Skyland Resort. The Skyland Resort was built in 1895 on the site that would later become the highest point on Skyline Drive at 3,680 feet. Tonight, we dine together at one of the park's historic lodge restaurants, we try local wine and soak in a Blue Ridge sunset. Lunch and Dinner included.
Hiking: 5.1 miles, Elevation gain/loss: +1,444'/-1,094'; Van transfer: 1.5 hours
Disconnect while exploring Dark Hollow Falls, Historic Rapidan Camp, and Big Rock Falls
Kickstart your day with breakfast at the lodge, preparing to lace up your boots for another day of adventure. After a brief transfer, we hit the trail, making our way towards Dark Hollow Falls, Big Rock Falls, and historic Rapidan Camp. Rapidan Camp holds a rich history, having been constructed in 1929 by President Herbert Hoover and First Lady Lou Henry Hoover as their secluded retreat. Here, they hosted trusted friends and advisors, in a space prime for recreation. After a day on the trail we unwind with time exploring the park's historic exhibits and dinner at Big Meadows Lodge with stunning views from the dining room. All meals included.
Hiking: 8.0 miles; Elevation gain/loss: +1,708'/-1,878'
Vibrant views of Hawksbill Peak and the tumbling falls of Whiteoak Canyon, and a rural vineyard
Start the day with a delicious breakfast and watch as the fog burns away opening to spectacular views of the Shenandoah Valley. We start with a short warm-up hike to Hawksbill Summit, the highest point in Shenandoah National Park at 4,050 feet. From Hawksbill Summit we traverse across Skyline Drive to one of Shenandoah National Park's most iconic hikes to Whiteoak Canyon Falls, where we can hike along a series of waterfalls. We keep our eyes peeled for wildlife and soak in each new waterfall along the way. Our hike continues, taking us to the edge of Shenandoah National Park where one of our guides will whisk us away to a local vineyard. We indulge in a vineyard tour that unveils the secrets of local winemaking. We savor the region's finest wines and enjoy the camaraderie of our fellow travelers. All meals included.
Hiking: 6.7 miles; Elevation gain/loss: +628'/-3,131'; Van transfer: 1 hour
A ridgeline hike eases us out of Shenandoah National Park and into the picturesque country town of Front Royal
On our final morning together, we dine at Skyland before taking a scenic drive on Skyline Drive to our trailhead. Our hike starts near Lands Run Gap and has us hiking parallel with Skyline Drive on Dickey Ridge towards the entrance to Shenandoah National Park and Front Royal. Today we experience views of the Shenandoah Valley and river, lush meadows, and a long gradual descent to the park's entrance. Tonight, we have a celebration dinner in historic Front Royal, an incredibly quaint town with a charming main street. After dinner we return to our host hotel where we say goodbye to our guides and fellow travelers. All meals included.
Hiking: 8.5 miles, Elevation gain/loss: +1,114'/-2,518'; Van transfer: 2.5 hours
*Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule above, the itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control, including weather and terrain conditions.