Beginner’s Backpacking Trip

Beginner’s Backpacking Trip

Date: March 25th and 26th

Time: Aiming at a just before noon start 

Where: Shenandoah National Park, Skyland area.

Day 1:  Start at Skyland around noon (either parking for the lodge or parking for the trail up to Stonyman/Little Stonyman).  We’ll hike 6.3 miles on the AT that day up and over Little Stonyman and Pinnacles Mountain, spending the night at Byrd’s Nest 3 shelter.

Day 2:  We’ll hike a total of 3 miles on the AT from Byrd’s Nest 3 to the Panorama Parking lot at the Thorton’s Gap entrance to the park (Rt. 211).  Along the way on this short day, we’ll take in the views from Mary’s Rock before we descend to the parking lot.

After the hike, we’ll drive to Sperryville and find some food.

Who: Open to 8 hikers. There’ll be a couple of other folks with me to answer questions/pass out free knowledge.  

This could easily be your very first backpacking trip. The miles are short and the views are wonderful.

What to bring:  The park charges an entrance fee. I will provide a list of suggested equipment and items for those who have never done this before.  The Shelter has a bear box, which makes it convenient to store your food and toothpaste.  It will be chilly, so extra layers will be suggested.

https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/backcountry-camping.htm. I will file the backcountry permit (free) for the whole group.

For questions or to sign-up contact Carl Albuquerque at csalbie@gmail.com. The size of the groups is limited, so you must contact Carl to participate!