The Appalachian Trail passes through 105 miles of Shenandoah National Park. The park offers a variety of lodging options clustered within 35 miles. With a little advance planning it is possible to hike this 35 mile section of the AT, sleep in a warm bed each night, and enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the hike.
This section of the Appalachian Trail passes beside some of the parks most scenic areas: South River Falls, Bearfence Mountain, Lewis Spring Falls, Dark Hollow Falls, Hawksbill, Stony Man, and Mary’s Rock are all less than a mile from the AT. A short detour leads to a variety of scenic excursions.
Logistics:
Hiking 35 miles over four days is manageable for many hikers as the elevation gains are moderate and seldom steep. A variety of local shuttle services can provide transportation to the first leg of the hike and can pick you up after the fourth day of hiking and take you to your vehicle. An internet search for “shenandoah hiker shuttle” will result in a variety of services.
If you are hiking in a group and have two vehicles, park one at your eventual destination (Thornton Gap if hiking northbound or Swift Run Gap if hiking southbound) and park the other vehicle at the starting point. The AT in Shenandoah runs beside Skyline Drive which provides another option: shuffling vehicles. Park a vehicle at the end of each day’s hike and another at the beginning. Hike to the vehicle at the end, pick up the first vehicle, etc.
Itinerary:
While this series of hikes may be done in either direction, most people tend to hike northbound on the AT. A northbound hike begins at US Route 33, near Elton VA, at the Swift Run Gap entrance station to SNP. A park pass/entry fee is required, currently $30 for seven days. The northern terminus of this four day hike is the Panorama parking area at US Route 211 near the Thornton Gap entrance station.
- Day 1: Swift Run Gap to Lewis Cabins (8.3 miles and 2,158’ elevation gain)
- Day 2: Lewis Mountain Cabins to Big Meadows Lodge (8.6 miles and 1,571’ elevation gain)
- Day 3: Big Meadows Lodge to Skyland (8.8 miles and 1,598’ elevation gain)
- Day 4: Skyland to Thornton Gap (9.5 miles and 1,522’ elevation gain)
Lodging:
Lodging in Shenandoah National Park is operated by Delaware North, the Park concessionaire. Visit the SNP website for more information about lodging options.
Check out our post for each segment of the inn to inn hike:
Day 1: Swift Run Gap to Lewis Cabins
Day 2: Lewis Mountain Cabins to Big Meadows Lodge
Day 3: Big Meadows Lodge to Skyland
Day 4: Skyland to Thornton Gap
