Top Trails: Shenandoah National Park. Johnny Molloy
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Top Trails books contain information about features for each trail, such as old-growth trees, waterfalls, great views, and more. Shenandoah National Park is blessed with an incredible diversity of terrain and associated flora and fauna—no matter what your interests, you’re sure to find a trail to match them. Hikes range throughout the vast variety of ecosystems, from the spruce–fir pockets to the great oak forests to the deep canyons where verdant streams house waterfalls tumbling still deeper into the back of beyond. Those who love a view will find plenty of rock outcrops, meadows, and other vista points where rewarding views can be had. Photographers will be glad that we live in the age of the digital camera and handy smartphone, since they can shoot limitless pictures of showy spring wildflowers and vibrant fall-color panoramas.
Campgrounds, cabins, and lodges throughout the park make for great base camps for hikers. Backcountry camping allows hikers to extend their trips beyond day hiking. Anglers can toss a line in more than 50 fishable waterways. Some Shenandoah streams also harbor swimming holes. Wildlife can be seen in the clearings of Big Meadows and other places between.
Multiple Uses
All of the trails described in this guide are suitable for hiking. Some of the trails can also be enjoyed by equestrians, though the number of horseback enthusiasts in Shenandoah is far outstripped by hikers. Very few trails see more than sporadic equestrian use, though the Skyland area offers guided rides during the warm season. Bicyclists are relegated to Skyline Drive and paved roads, except for a mile-long stretch of Rapidan Fire Road. Fishing is done primarily along backcountry streams.
Unlike most national parks, Shenandoah allows pets on the vast majority of its backcountry trails, provided they’re on a 6-foot leash. Certain paths that don’t allow pets are signed as such and are noted in the trails tables and elsewhere in the book.
On the Trail
Every outing should begin with proper preparation, which usually takes only a few minutes. Even the easiest trail can turn up unexpected surprises. People seldom think about getting lost or injured, but unexpected things can and do happen. Simple precautions can make the difference between a good story and a dangerous situation.
Have a Plan
Before You Go
Choose Wisely The first step to enjoying any trail is to match the trail to your abilities. It’s no use overestimating your experience or fitness—know your abilities and limitations, and use the Top Trails difficulty rating that accompanies each trail.
Leave Word About Your Plans The most basic of precautions is leaving word of your intentions with friends or family. Many people will hike the backcountry their entire lives without ever relying on this safety net, but establishing this simple habit is free insurance.
It’s best to leave specific information—location, trail name, intended time of travel—with a responsible person. It takes but a minute to shoot a friend or loved one a text. If, however, this isn’t possible or if your plans change at the last minute, you should still leave word. If there’s a ranger station, trail register, or visitor center, check in.
Review the Route Before embarking on any hike, read the entire description and study the map. It isn’t necessary to memorize every detail, but you do want to have a clear mental picture of the trail and general area.
• Know your abilities and limitations.
• Leave word about your plans.
• Know your route and the area.
Because virtually all of the described trails are well used and easy to follow, a supplemental topographic map isn’t a must, but for those who prefer to use them, a list of U.S. Geological Survey topos is provided at the beginning of each chapter.
Carry the Essentials
Proper preparation for any type of trail use also includes gathering certain essential items to carry. Your trip checklist will vary according to trail choice and conditions.
Clothing When the weather is good, light, comfortable clothing is the obvious choice. It’s easy to believe that very little spare clothing is needed, but a prepared hiker has something tucked away for any emergency from a surprise shower to an unexpected overnight in a remote area.
Clothing includes proper footwear, essential for hiking and running trails. As a trail becomes more demanding, you will need footwear that performs. Running shoes are fine for many trails. If you will be carrying substantial weight or encountering sustained rugged terrain, step up to hiking boots.
Shenandoah can be notoriously humid in summer. Hikers often sweat more than normal. Breathable, moisture-wicking clothes will help keep you cool and dry. In cooler weather, particularly when it’s wet, carry waterproof outer garments and quick-drying undergarments (avoid cotton). Shenandoah can also be a rainy place. Unless the forecast calls for absolutely no chance of rain, bring a rain jacket or poncho. As general rule, whatever the conditions, bring layers that can be combined or removed to provide comfort and protection from the elements in a wide variety of conditions.
Water Never embark on a trail without carrying water. At all times, particularly in warm weather, adequate water is of key importance. Experts recommend at least 2 quarts of water per day; when hiking in heat, a gallon or more may be more appropriate. At the extreme, dehydration can be life-threatening. More commonly, inadequate water brings fatigue and muscle aches.
For most outings, unless the day is very hot or the trail very long, you should plan to carry sufficient water for the entire trail. Unfortunately, in North America natural water sources are questionable, and generally loaded with various risks: bacteria, viruses, and fertilizers.
• Dress to keep cool, but be ready for cold.
• Carry plenty of water.
• Have adequate food (plus a little extra).
Water Treatment If you find yourself needing to make use of trailside water, you’ll want to treat it before you drink it. There are three treatment methods: boiling, chemicals, and filtering. Boiling is the most effective but often impractical—it requires a heat source, a pot, and plenty of time. Chemical treatments, available at outdoors stores, take care of some problems, including the troublesome giardia parasite, but they won’t combat many artificial chemical pollutants, plus they tend to add an unpleasant aftertaste. The preferred method is filtration, which removes giardia and other contaminants minus the chemical aftertaste. Today’s filters, such as those made by Sawyer, are small, lightweight, and inexpensive.
If this hasn’t convinced you to carry all the water you need, here’s one final admonishment: be prepared for surprises. Water sources described in the text or shown on maps can change course or dry up completely. Never let your water bottle run dry in expectation of the next source—fill up wherever water is available, and always keep a little in reserve.
Food While not as critical as water, food is energy and its importance shouldn’t be underestimated. Avoid foods that are hard to digest, such as candy bars and potato chips. Carry high energy, fast-digesting foods: nutrition bars, dehydrated fruit, trail mix, and jerky. Bring a little more food that you think you’ll need—it’s good to bring along on an outing that turns unexpectedly long, perhaps because of inclement weather or losing your way.
Useful but Less-Than-Essential Items