HIKING LODGE TO LODGE ON THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL MAY 20-25, 2018 HIGHLIGHTS TRIP SUMMARY Hiking the Appalachian Trail through Shenandoah National Park without having to carry a backpack Enjoying the May wildflowers in this beautiful mountain forest Staying at beautifully situated lodges every night Being surprised at just how cool the Luray Caverns really are Having our luggage transported for us Phone: 877-439-4042 Outside the US: 410-435-1965 Fax: 410-435-3084 Email: info@goodadventure.com
TRIP AT A GLANCE Dates: May 20-25, 2018 Location: Shenandoah National Park, VA Cost: $1795 Activities: Hiking Arrive: May 20 at 2 pm at Washington Dulles airport (IAD) or at Luray Caverns motel at 4:30 pm Depart: May 25 at 1 pm at Washington Dulles airport (IAD) or at Mimslyn Inn at 11:00 am TRIP OVERVIEW Shenandoah National Park straddles the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains as they run north and south for over 100 miles. Embracing rolling hills, quiet hollows, abrupt hillsides, and verdant forests, the Park contains over 450 miles of hiking trails. The Appalachian Trail is the best known of these and this section of the trail is absolutely gorgeous in May. Because Skyline Drive follows this crest, the AT feels a little less remote here than in other sections, but that is more than made up for by the presence of well-spaced lodges along the way, offering warm beds and hot food at the end of every day. The human history of the Park is also very interesting and we'll learn about the people who inhabited this area for years as we go lodge to lodge on the Appalachian Trail. Maximum group size: 12 RATING This trip is suitable for any woman who either enjoys hiking or is new to hiking and wants to learn in a safe and fun environment. While the trail ups and downs are not huge (i.e less than 1000 feet at a time), they are continuous and there is little flat. A rating of 3 requires aerobic conditioning, such as walking vigorously up hills, jogging, cross country skiing or stair stepping for 30-45 minutes at least 3-4 times a week. If you choose to do all the longer hikes, your aerobic conditioning should be for at least 40-50 minutes 4-5 days a week. There are typically 4 to 6 hours of daily activity. Rating: 1 2 [3] [4] 5 WHAT'S INCLUDED experienced guides five nights double occupancy accommodation all transportation during the trip, starting and ending at Dulles Airport (IAD) all meals from dinner on Sunday through breakfast on Friday entrance fees to Shenandoah and Luray Caverns Not included: travel to and from Dulles, alcoholic beverages, and guide gratuities
OUR ITINERARY Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests. D A Y 1 MAY 20, SUNDAY If you are flying in, plan to arrive Dulles Airport by 2 pm. We will pick you up there and make the hour and a half drive to the town of Luray. If you are driving, you can meet us at our lodging (Luray Caverns Hotel East) at 4:30 pm. We will gather to introduce ourselves and start getting to know each other and then begin our trip orientation. We will stop for dinner and then finish up any topics not yet covered. D A Y 2 MAY 21, MONDAY After a hearty breakfast we pack up and head for the South River Falls Picnic Area. We will start our hike, appreciating the fact that the van carries our luggage to Lewis Mountain Cabins. The hike today is a lovely 5.5 mile section with great overhead canopy. It is one of the easier parts of the trail, fairly level with just enough up and down to be interesting, so it makes a good place to start. The Lewis Mountain Cabins are historic rustic cabins (yes, they all have indoor plumbing) and since we will be occupying most of them, we will enjoy the quiet of the area. Mileage today: 5.5 miles D A Y 3 MAY 22, TUESDAY Our destination today is Big Meadows. We start with a gentle ascent of Bearfence Mountain. We have a choice between taking the Bearfence Mountain Scramble Loop (weather permitting) which is an amazing hands and feet scramble up basalt rocks to a 360 degree view. Alternatively there is a very pleasant side trail. Next is Hazeltop Mountain (about a 600 foot climb) and a mile walking along the ridge, the "green tunnel" walking that the AT is known for. We descend to Milam Gap where our van is waiting. For those who feel finished for the day, we shuttle to Big Meadows Lodge, check in, and optionally take the path behind our rooms up to Blackrock, for a beautiful last view of the surrounding countryside before sunset. Alternatively you can choose to continue on the AT and hike directly into Big Meadow from Milam Gap. Mileage today: 6.1-8.4 milesmileage today: 6.1-8.4 miles
D A Y 4 MAY 23, WEDNESDAY Before continuing our hiking today, we will pay a visit to the Visitor's Center at Big Meadows where we can tour the exhibits, watch the park movie, and buy those 'souvies'. We will then continue on the AT to Skyland Lodge - but it would be a shame not to take a couple of the blue-blazed trails that detour to panoramic overlooks. One in particular, the Salamander Trail, leads to the top of Hawksbill Mountain, the highest peak and widely considered to have the best views in the park. We then descend to the Hawksbill parking area where we can either shuttle into Skyland Lodge or continue another 3.1 miles via the AT. Tonight's dinner will be in the dining room at Skyland which has a lovely panoramic view overlooking the valley below. This time of year there is often entertainment during the dinner hours as well. Mileage today: 4.2-8.5 miles D A Y 5 MAY 24, THURSDAY This is our last hiking day today so we will go out in style, as we hike to as many beautiful vistas as possible in one day. We will start with a detour off the AT on a blue-blazed trail, the Stony Man Nature Trail. This gentle trail leads to the top of Stony Man with a view over the valley to the Massanutten Mountains beyond. We will then continue to Pinnacles Picnic area where a shelter and lunch await us. After lunch we will shuttle north to Meadow Spring Trail, and ascend to the AT again via the Meadow Spring Trail and continue to our last amazing spot of the week - Mary's Rock, with its many varied folk tales. Backtracking to Meadow Spring Trail again we will descend to the vans for the short drive into Luray. After a chance to clean up, we will go into town for a final dinner in celebration of our week! Mileage today: 7.4 miles D A Y 6 MAY 25, FRIDAY But wait, there's more! If you grew up on the East Coast, you have undoubtedly heard of Luray Caverns, which is advertised by countless ugly billboards. So you know it is a tourist trap, but what you may not know is that the Caverns are really cool and definitely worth a visit. We will take the hour-long tour before driving back to the airport. We will have you back there by 1:00 and you can plan to fly out any time after 2:30. If you drove you can plan to be on the road by 11:00am.
ADDITIONAL TRIP INFORMATION GETTING THERE Flying: Plan to fly into the Dulles Airport in Washington, DC (IAD) not later than 1:30pm in time to meet the group at 2:00 pm. You'll be meeting @ door #4 (the doors are numbered) in the Baggage Claims area, inside the building. There are chairs just opposite the door. Your guide will find you there. Driving: If you're driving, the address is 831 W Main St, Luray, VA 22835. If you would like help with any travel plans we recommend our travel agent Barbara Nelson, Scan East West Travel, at bnelson@scaneastwest.com or call 206-395-7836. ACCOMMODATIONS We'll spend the first night at Luray Caverns Inn in Luray, Virginia and the last night at the Mimslyn Inn. In between we'll spend one night at each of the Park Lodges: Lewis Cabins, Big Meadow Lodge, and Skyland Lodge. At Lewis Cabins the accommodations are double cabins (2 rooms with a bed in each and a shared bathroom). The other two lodges and the Luray rooms are standard rooms with 2 beds and a bathroom in each room. We can accommodate a variety of dietary preferences and restrictions but, depending on your specific circumstances, we may ask you to bring supplemental food. Please contact the office if this is a potential concern for you. WEATHER The weather on this trip varies based on the altitude. During the month of May, it will be very pleasant in town, up to the low 80s. As we climb up, the weather becomes changeable mountain weather, which could include rain, cold wind, bright sunshine, and temperatures that are about 10 degrees cooler. You can expect temperatures along the trail hike to range from nighttime lows in the low 40s to highs during the day in the 70s to 80s depending on the current weather system. TRAVEL INSURANCE WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND TRIP CANCELLATION/TRIP INTERRUPTION INSURANCE, WHICH COVERS YOUR COST IF YOU NEED TO CANCEL OR INTERRUPT YOUR TRIP for medical reasons, trip delay, lost baggage, and other unforeseen emergencies. Adventures in Good Company will send you information about travel insurance with your registration information, or you may purchase coverage through your own insurance company. In order to avoid disappointment and expense in the event that you must cancel your trip we strongly urge you to purchase some type of insurance coverage. You can also sign up for it online at Travelex Insurance. To get the best rates, use 20-0016 as your location number on the Get A Quote page.
PACKING LIST 1 pair of lightweight hiking boots: boots need to be well broken in, comfortable and come above the ankle. 1 pair of comfortable shoes (crocs, athletic shoes, sandals) for wearing after hiking 2-3 pairs of hiking socks (wool or synthetic Thorlo, Smartwool, etc.) 1-2 pair synthetic sock liners (optional: some women prefer not to wear them) CLOTHING 2 pairs of comfortable long pants: one nylon/supplex for hiking and one for wearing other times. Zip-offs work well 1 pairs of shorts or hiking skirt 1 lightweight, light-colored, long-sleeved shirt to protect you from the sun (button up front-style works well) 3 T-shirts or short-sleeved shirts (synthetic or lightweight wool) 1 pair lightweight long underwear top and bottoms: silk or synthetic equivalent (Capilene, Thermastat, MTS, Polartec, or polypropylene) 1 medium-weight top layer: wool shirt/pull-over or synthetic equivalent ( expedition weight long underwear, micro fleece). A fleece vest can work for this layer. 1 mid-weight fleece jacket 1 rain parka AND rain pants: coated nylon or a waterproof/breathable fabric like Gore-tex. Underwear/nightwear 1 pair wool, Capilene, or Polartec gloves and a lightweight wool or fleece hat 1 wide-brimmed hat with a strap that will keep it on your head Whatever clothes you like to wear around the lodges ESSENTIALS Sunglasses (100% UV protection) Insect repellant Croakies or other sunglasses retainer 1 daypack large enough to hold your supplies for the day 1 Sandwich size container for lunches. Small bowl, cup (for hot or cold) and fork/spoon. 1 tall kitchen size trash bag and/or pack cover (to waterproof your day pack) 2 one-quart water bottles or a hydration system that fits in your pack Trekking poles (highly recommended) Headlamp or small flashlight TOILETRIES (small everything) Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, shampoo, contact lens paraphernalia, and sanitary supplies Sunscreen and lip protection with sunblock of at least SPF 15 personal patch kit : Band-Aids, 1 safety pin, moleskin, compeed (or blister bandages), ibuprofen, personal medications, if any. Individuals allergic to insect bites must bring an anaphylactic kit. Please consult your doctor. OPTIONAL Camera (extra battery) and film/memory card Book, notebook, journal, pencil/pen Binoculars Ear plugs (for a good night s sleep!) Your favorite snack(s) Playing cards, games wrist watch with an alarm or travel clock Bandana (multi-useful)
NOTES ON PACKING Please note: You are packing and unpacking your luggage every day and you are responsible for handling your own luggage. Sticking to the packing list and keeping your suitcase as light as possible will increase your enjoyment of the trip. Daypacks: Your daypack should be large enough to hold the following items: 1 2 liters of water, rain gear, lunch/snacks (for the day), sun screen, warm layer (fleece pullover or vest), personal first aid kit, lightweight gloves, warm hat and personal items such as camera, etc. We recommend a daypack with a capacity of between 1800 and 2400 cubic inches with a hip belt, padded shoulder straps, and lifters. Line your daypack with a durable plastic bag to keep your belongings dry, or have an elasticized pack cover that fits snuggly over it. Before you leave home check to be sure that it is comfortable to wear all day and has sufficient space for all of your items. Note: Fanny-packs and hydration packs are not large enough to hold all of the items you will need for the day. Footwear: Well-fitting, sturdy boots or trail shoes are very important to your safety and enjoyment. If you plan to buy new boots, break them in by wearing them around town and taking some short hikes before your trip. For general hiking, lightweight or midweight cordura or leather boots with a Vibram sole work well. If you have weak ankles or are recovering from an ankle injury, get boots that come above the ankle you ll find that this will give you more support in uneven or slippery terrain. Remember to waterproof your boots before the trip. Even boots billed as waterproof need to be treated with a waterproofing product. Personal First Aid Kit: Bring a small first aid kit with familiar medicine and first aid supplies you might need. Recommendations include the following: blister or foot remedies like moleskin, Compeed, blister bandages, or similar, a small role of duct tape (always useful!), remedies for respiratory ailments, stomach ailments, sore muscles or joints. The guides will have a first aid kit but having what you know works well for you is a good idea. Clothing: The clothing listed on the packing list has been chosen for your specific trip conditions and for its versatility for layering. NO COTTON for your active wear! It should all be made from synthetic/synthetic blends, down/down blends or wool/wool blends. Layering is the most practical and efficient method of insulating the body. Several layers of varied weight materials provide better insulation than one thick Layer of clothing. Also, adding or subtracting layers allows you to adjust to the temperature at your particular level of activity. Hydration: Being able to easily access your water without assistance, so that you can drink frequently, is important to your safety and enjoyment. One method is to have a water bottle attached to your waist strap. Another option is to use a HYDRATION SYSTEM such as CamelBak, Platypus, and MSR bladder bags, which are collapsible water bags with a hose attachment that you drink from. The bags fit inside or outside your pack with the hose positioned over your shoulder so that you can access your water as you hike. Bladder bags can hold 1-3 liters of water. Trekking Poles: Trekking poles are highly recommended for this trip. Trekking poles contribute to your safety by improving your balance and stability, and to your health by saving stress on your hips and knees. If you are not familiar with trekking poles, read this blog post that addresses the most commonly asked questions: http://blog.adventuresingoodcompany.com/blog-women-travel/bid/154714/trekking-poles-for-hiking-trips-the-4-mostcommon-questions.