Shenandoah Backpacking

Shenandoah Backpacking Itinerary:

• Day 1

  We will meet at 9am at REI's Fairfax store where we will modify, or reaffirm, our gear choices and packing systems. Guides will hand out the group gear/food and help the group decide on a fair system for sharing the load. During this time the guides will also give a short lesson on packing a pack and traveling light. Once we're all suited up we'll hit the road for the trailhead, approximately an hour and a half travel time. A portion of that drive includes 22 miles along Skyline Drive, which affords some stunning vistas of the Shenandoah Valley. We begin our hike near the Rattlesnake Point Overlook, and follow the Piney Branch Trail for 2 miles as it leads us to the Piney River. Our campsite for the first evening will situate us right alongside the river, one of Shenandoah's premier trout streams. We will arrive in plenty of time to cook a hearty meal, stretch, and enjoy our evening next to this cool mountain stream.
  
  Hiking Distance: 2 miles; Elevation Loss: 1,000 ft

• Day 2

  Today will begin with a healthy breakfast, and continue with one of many hiking options. It will be a "choose your adventure day," that can be short or long, depending on how you want to spend your time in this beautiful park. We will leave our camp set up, and take with us only what we need for a day hike. Our options include, but are not limited to: exploring two of Piney River's waterfalls, hiking through two colonial cemeteries with graves dating back to the 1800's or charging up the aptly named Devils Stairs( 1,200 ft. in elevation) to an overlook just north of Piney River. We also have the option of heading over to the west side of Skyline Drive in order to reach Overall Run Falls (over 80 ft), the tallest waterfall in Shenandoah National Park. We will end the day back at our camp nestled next to the Piney River. After a delicious dinner we can enjoy some down time and rest up for a challenging day of hiking tomorrow.
  
  Hiking Distance: 6-10 miles; Elevation Gain: 2,000 ft; Loss: 2,000 ft.

• Day 3

  Today we'll climb up to the Appalachian Trail and follow this famous footpath for approximately one and a half miles, crossing over to the west side of Skyline Drive, where we will descend into the Jeremy's Run Valley. Here, we'll enter the lush and rich valley of Jeremy's Run, one of the most beautiful streams in the Park's North District. As we rock hop across the stream some 14 times we will be in a mostly hardwood forest full of Dogwoods, numerous varieties of Oak, and a fantastic display of Striped Maples. Brush and moss covered, the intertwining understory is home to Mountain Laurel, Virginia creeper and a myriad of shrubs and plants. This valley is also home to an abundance of fauna, including deer and a wonderful variety of birds and owls happy to share their songs and habitat with us. We will end our day camping next to Jeremy's run, falling asleep to the calming sounds of a flowing stream.
  
  Hiking distance: 8.4 miles; Elevation Gain: 400 ft; Loss: 1,800 ft

• Day 4

  After we enjoy our last breakfast in the wilderness we'll follow Jeremy's Run for a short distance and before we leave the valley we may find an opportunity to take a morning dip in one of the stream's deeper pools. After this we'll be ready for a good ridge climb on the Neighbor Mountain Trail which will take us up and over the Neighbor Mountain summit at 2,725 ft back to Skyline Drive. Energized from a few days in the backcountry we will load up and head back to the REI in Fairfax, stopping at some of the beautiful overlooks on the way.
  
  Hiking distance: 6.2 miles; Elevation Gain: 1,900 ft; Loss: 500 ft

Although we do our very best to adhere to one of the schedules listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control. There are numerous beautiful and suitable routes available to our guides, and these routes may be utilized instead of those published in this itinerary when circumstances or conditions warrant. This trip is operated rain or shine.

Professional instruction and guiding; all meals from dinner on Day 1 through lunch on Day 4; 2-person tents (ideal for warmth and reducing pack weight); group cooking gear; group first aid kit, water filter; campsite and permit fees; shuttle between trailheads.

Transportation from your hometown to group meeting point; insurance of any kind; alcoholic beverages; soft drinks; guide gratuities and items of a personal nature.

This trip is rated Moderate Plus (3-4). Participants will be carrying their own backpacks weighing 35-40 pounds distances of 4-6 miles daily over varied terrain. To maximize your enjoyment of the trip, we strongly encourage participants to be involved in a training regimen before the trip. Most important to your enjoyment of the trip is your overall fitness level.

Daytime temperatures usually range between 60° - 80° F, with evening temperatures dropping into the 40s - 50s. You may encounter freezing temperatures at some of the higher elevations. Afternoon thunderstorms are a distinct possibility so adequate raingear is important.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Weekend Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and detailed pre-trip information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

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