Shenandoah National Park Women's Hiking - Lodge Based

Trip Length 4 Days
Group Size 4-11
Activity level
Starting from
$2,499 for REI Members
$2,749 for non-members
Departures Sep 2023-Oct 2024
Live Chat 1 (800) 622-2236
Mon–Fri 7am–5pm PT

Find yourself invigorated and renewed after four days of hiking the highlights and hidden gems of Shenandoah National Park. We sleep and dine in comfort at two of the park’s historic lodges. Let us handle the details so you can reconnect with nature on fully guided point to point hikes.

Perfect for women looking to stretch their legs, expand their horizons, travel with expert guides, and walk away with new friends. This journey into the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains reveals Shenandoah National Park’s natural beauty, rich cultural history, and incredible vistas. Point-to-point hikes enable us to explore more fully. We summit the park’s highest peak, visit President Hoover’s private retreat, and cool ourselves in the refreshing mist of waterfalls. We may even catch glimpses of black bears foraging, hear the call of wild turkeys, or see salamanders plodding along in the undergrowth. Each night we stay in historic lodges where the panoramic vistas are the main event, and we savor local wine while dining at restaurants that offer awe-inspiring views. After a strenuous day on the trail, nothing is better than a delicious meal and a soft bed!

By the end of this four-day trek you’ll understand the history of the park’s creation, appreciate the challenges of hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains and have a newfound appreciation for this region’s charm. If you’re ready for this one-of-a-kind experience, join us on the trail!

New adventures, new friends, new memories.

Trip Highlights

  • Explore beautiful Shenandoah National Park with fellow hikers and expert guides
  • Learn to identify native species of plants and animals in their wild habitat
  • Visit some of the most iconic waterfalls Shenandoah has to offer
  • Overnight in exquisite Shenandoah National Park lodges bathed in history
  • An REI Women’s Adventure – designed for women, guided by women

Activities

This trip is rated Moderate [3]. Trip members should be capable of hiking 5-8 hours each day (up to 10 miles) with as much as 3,000' elevation gain and loss. Trails can be rough with rocky terrain and steps built into rock, there is significant elevation changes throughout each day. All hikes fit the Moderate [3] rating with our hike into Whiteoak Canyon at the upper end at close to 9 miles with 2,745' of elevation gain.

  • Hiking

What's Included

Any park or other admission fees or permits; guides; round-trip transportation from Herndon, VA to all destinations visited during the trip; all meals and snacks from lunch on Day 1 through dinner on Day 4; see trip gear list for details on gear provided during this adventure.

Accommodations

Historic National Park lodges, 3 nights

Your Adventure Itinerary

Itinerary map for Shenandoah National Park Women's Hiking - Lodge Based
Day 1

Hike into Shenandoah National Park with stunning views of Overall Run

Our adventure begins today at our host hotel where similarly minded intrepid travelers gather to begin a vacation of a lifetime. After a brief orientation we load into our van and set off for Front Royal, the gateway into Shenandoah National Park. After a quick stop in Front Royal to fuel up with a hot drink or delicious local pastry we hit the trail in Thompson Hollow. Today’s hike takes us on a steady climb towards Overall Run Falls, at 93 feet Overall Run Falls is the highest drop of any waterfall in Shenandoah National Park. We continue towards Elkwallow Wayside where we’ll be whisked off to 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: 6.6 miles, Elevation gain/loss: +2,242’/-723’; Van transfer: 2 hours

Day 2

Vibrant views from Hawksbill Peak and the tumbling falls of Whiteoak Canyon

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. 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. A more varied and beautiful hike would be hard to come by! At trail’s end we have a short transfer to Big Meadows Lodge, our home for the next two nights. All meals included.

Hiking: 8.7 miles, Elevation gain/loss: +2,745’/-2,613’; Van transfer: 15 minutes

Day 3

Disconnect while exploring Historic Rapidan Camp, Big Rock Falls, and a rural vineyard

This morning we fuel up on a healthy breakfast in the lodge before donning our boots. We hike through Big Meadow with eyes alert for the wildlife that call this meadow home and on to Rapidan Camp. Rapidan Camp was built by President Herbert Hoover and First Lady Lou Henry Hoover in 1929 as a retreat where they could relax, and host trusted friends and advisors. From Rapidan Camp we hike to Big Rock Falls and are reunited with Skyline Drive at Milam Gap. Our adventures aren’t over yet, we head south on picturesque Skyline Drive and into the Shenandoah Valley. The gorgeous drive takes us to a local farm and winery. Our guides prepare dinner while we tour the farm, taste the wine, and recharge the soul. All meals included.

Hiking: 4.1 miles, Elevation gain/loss: +625/-887; Van transfer: 2 hours

Day 4

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 in Big Meadows 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. We expect to return to our host hotel between 8:30-9:30pm. All meals included.

Hiking: 8.5 miles, Elevation gain/loss: +1,114’/-2,518’; Van transfer: 2.5 hours

Itinerary map for Shenandoah National Park Women's Hiking - Lodge Based

Gear List

This gear list has been created to help you choose the best equipment for the trip. Try to bring only what is necessary, as this will help you and the field staff. The weather and other conditions at the time of your arrival will dictate what clothing and equipment you will be required to use each day and what (if anything) can be left behind. It may be a necessary precaution that you bring certain items on the list, even if it is uncertain whether or not they will be needed.

Already booked this trip? Sign into your online traveler profile for a more detailed list of what you'll need.

REI members can shop for gently used gear online or at most REI stores. Members can also trade in pre-loved used gear online or at any REI store in exchange for REI gift card credit. Check out Re/Supply at REI to learn more.

What to pack

Provided by REI

  • Group First Aid Kit

Provided by you (Required)

Recommended

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Travel documents

  • Final Bulletin (Emailed Prior to Departure Date)

Contact Us

Feel free to give us a call at 1 (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and Direct Sales ( 1 (800) 426-4840 ) will also be happy to help you with gear questions. Or check out REI Expert Advice , which has great information to help you prepare for your trip.