r/ShenandoahPark

I am planning a backpacking trip in Shenandoah and its supposed to be rainy for the entirety of my trip. I refuse to cancel- but I'm looking for pointers on making the most of my trip regardless of the sucky weather conditions. Any and all suggestions are welcome. I have backpacked in the rain before- but only an overnight. This will be my first multi-day trip in the rain and I am annoyed about it but trying to be positive. I am planning to eventually thru-hike the AT- and because of that, I am thinking it will be a good experience for me to "embrace the suck" that can happen on trail. My questions are: will I be able to actually see anything in the park? Since expansive views are likely to be off the table- what other things should I be on the lookout for? Plants? Mushrooms? Flowers? Animals? Unique things that happen because of rainy weather?

Had tickets to do Old Rag for the first time this Saturday. Even if the forecast changes and there isn't too heavy of rain on Saturday, will the trails be too wet from the days of rain leading up to it? Not afraid of a little mud or some showers while hiking, but do want to avoid any actually dangerous rock scrambling.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

Hi, I just wanted to see if anyone whose actually swam in any of the waterfalls has gotten poison ivy or even parasites before. I've hiked Shenandoah with no problem but have never gone swimming there.

Going tomorrow and hoping to do two short hikes interspersed with going down skyline drive. It’s a day trip and we’re getting there very early, plan to go from north to south and then leaving by about 330. Wife is a trail runner and in good shape, I am more of a beginner with hiking. Thanks!

Hello! Context, a few friends and I are staying near the park next month, and me and some of said friends recently did a hike down Washington’s Ditch in the Great Dismal Swamp. I hadn’t thought about ticks in months until going out there, but when we reached Lake Drummond I’d sat down waiting for my friend to catch up. Big mistake, didn’t notice any ticks on the way up, but when I stopped moving oh my god they just didn’t stop coming. Found multiple on my clothing as I was walking back, one on the top of my head in the parking lot, one had crawled up my leg and I noticed it the car, it was awful….

Basically, I’m asking to prevalence of ticks in the park compared to that, how worried should I be hiking some of the trails up here in the summer? I was definitely interested in doing some swimming hole hikes, but this experience with ticks has me second guessing.

Any knowledge at all is appreciated!

Hi, I’m looking for a nice, somewhat remote, cabin to rent for a few days in the middle of the week. WiFi is a must. I would really love a view and some walking access to a few trails. I need a few days of quiet to get caught up on work, organize files, planning, etc…. Doesn’t have to be a luxury rental, just clean and comfortable. Any recommendations for a good place to look? Thanks in advance for any ideas.

I’m looking for a well maintained weekend backpacking trip in the park for a beginner (I’m the beginner, but I’m going with someone very experienced that’s hiked the AT). I’d like the trail not to be overgrown because I’m very nervous about ticks. So anyplace that’s not likely to have many ticks is good. It will need to start from a place with parking.

Just FYI for anyone looking to hike Old Rag:
The main parking lot is closed for construction. The overflow lot is not large enough to hold cars for the 400 passes issued daily, and the park is not scaling back on the number of passes they issue.
Some locals are willing to sell parking on their properties. Figure $20 or $30 per car in cash. You will still need your Old Rag pass plus pay the park entrance fee. If you’re walking in because you parked off site then theoretically the entrance fee is $15 per person.
No idea why they don’t just cut back on how many Old Rag passes they issue per day. In any case, bring cash.

My family and I are coming from PA in June. We’ll be camping in Luray (just outside of the park). We have an 8 year old and a 6 year old who love to be outdoors, but we are pretty novice hikers.

Does anyone have any suggestions for some hikes in the park that would be good for little legs but also rewarding with some nice views? Any advice would be welcome!

Was looking to do a loop of Laurel Prong/AT/Mill Prong. Not sure if I can park at camp Rapidan or if a reservation is needed for that