Share Save

Array
(
    [0] => Array
        (
            [DisplayOrder] => 1
            [HighlightText] => Hike on the Appalachian Trail right into Skyland Resort, with views of the Shenandoah River Valley
            [Description] => Hike on the Appalachian Trail right into Skyland Resort, with views of the Shenandoah River Valley
            [Image] => 
            [VideoLink] => 
        )

    [1] => Array
        (
            [DisplayOrder] => 2
            [HighlightText] => 
Soak in the pools below Whiteoak and Dark Hollow Falls in Shenandoah National Park
            [Description] => Soak in the pools below Whiteoak and Dark Hollow Falls in Shenandoah National Park
            [Image] => 
            [VideoLink] => 
        )

    [2] => Array
        (
            [DisplayOrder] => 3
            [HighlightText] => 
Discover an early 20th century presidential retreat at Rapidan Camp and other Blue Ridge Mountain history
            [Description] => Discover an early 20th century presidential retreat at Rapidan Camp and other Blue Ridge Mountain history
            [Image] => 
            [VideoLink] => 
        )

    [3] => Array
        (
            [DisplayOrder] => 4
            [HighlightText] => 
            [Description] => waterfall
            [Image] => https://mts-wp-uploads.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/trips/5SN_2006881328.jpg
            [VideoLink] => 
        )

    [4] => Array
        (
            [DisplayOrder] => 5
            [HighlightText] => 
            [Description] => woman hiker
            [Image] => https://mts-wp-uploads.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/trips/5SN_1050865499.jpg
            [VideoLink] => 
        )

    [5] => Array
        (
            [DisplayOrder] => 6
            [HighlightText] => 
            [Description] => trail
            [Image] => https://mts-wp-uploads.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/trips/5SN_1447637660.jpg
            [VideoLink] => 
        )

    [6] => Array
        (
            [DisplayOrder] => 7
            [HighlightText] => 
            [Description] => sunset
            [Image] => https://mts-wp-uploads.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/trips/5SN_1754014697.jpg
            [VideoLink] => 
        )

    [7] => Array
        (
            [DisplayOrder] => 8
            [HighlightText] => 
            [Description] => cubs
            [Image] => https://mts-wp-uploads.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/trips/5SN_1971767066.jpg
            [VideoLink] => 
        )

    [8] => Array
        (
            [DisplayOrder] => 10
            [HighlightText] => 
            [Description] => resort
            [Image] => https://mts-wp-uploads.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/trips/5SN_SkylandResort.jpg
            [VideoLink] => 
        )

)

Your Guides

---

The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.

Ansley S.

Ansley grew up in the city of Atlanta and spent weekends and holidays in the southern Appalachian mountains. After college she worked in Wilderness Therapy in the North Carolina mountains with troubled youth. In the winters, Ansley goes out west to Utah to ski. She has hiked all around the United States, but the Smoky Mountains always call her back. Her favorite activities include, rock climbing, whitewater kayaking, rafting, scuba diving, yoga, canyoneering, skiing and, of course, backpacking.

Jack L.

Jack Lloyd was raised in Shelby, North Carolina. He grew up playing in creeks and chasing critters in the foothills of Western North Carolina. Before coming to A Walk in the Woods, Jack was a head guide for the Nantahala Outdoor Center, leading ziplining trips and guiding rafts down the river. Over the winters, Jack is a ski instructor working with kids on the slopes. As an avid whitewater paddler, he loves spending hot summer days on the water. He also enjoys gardening and foraging.

China W.

China Whitmire, a Chattanooga native, spent 15 years in Chicago working in non-profit theater and higher education upon completing her undergraduate studies at the University of Chicago. In 2021, China returned to her Appalachian roots by thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. Now, leveraging her skills, China brings a unique blend of creativity and expertise to her role as a guide. Her love of storytelling and connection with the southern Appalachian region ultimately led her to A Walk in the Woods.

Array
(
    [itinerary] => Array
        (
            [0] => Array
                (
                    [DayFrom] => 1
                    [DayTo] => 1
                    [Headline] => Arrive in Shenandoah National Park & Hike on the Appalachian Trail
                    [ActivityOverview] => 5.1 miles/2-3 hours hiking with 1,444\' elevation gain and 1,094\' loss
                    [EstimatedLength] => 
                    [ActivityLevel] => 
                    [ItinBlock] => 
Meet your guides and fellow hikers this morning for a short introduction and orientation at our host hotel before setting off for Shenandoah National Park. Stop for a hot drink or delicious local pastry in Sperryville, a quaint community nestled in the foothills of the park. Continue into the park and begin hiking on the Appalachian Trail, with a short detour to explore Stoney Man. As you trek toward Skyland Resort on the storied trail, take in the sprawling views of the Shenandoah River Valley and the mountains beyond. The Skyland Resort was built in 1895 on the site that would later become the highest point on Skyline Drive at 3,680 feet. Enjoy sunset views from the lodge\'s balconies and restaurant, daydreaming of tomorrow\'s adventures.
                    [Breakfast] => 0
                    [Lunch] => 1
                    [Dinner] => 1
                    [Travel_Type] => 1.5-hour private van transfer
                    [Quotation] => 
                    [Quotation_Attribution] => 
                    [Quotation_Location] => 
                    [Itinerary_Location] => 
                    [Latitude] => 38.94
                    [Longitude] => -77.46
                )

            [1] => Array
                (
                    [DayFrom] => 2
                    [DayTo] => 2
                    [Headline] => Discover Dark Hollow Falls, Historic Rapidan Camp & Big Rock Falls
                    [ActivityOverview] => 8 miles/5 hours hiking with 1,708\' elevation gain and 1,878\' loss
                    [EstimatedLength] => 
                    [ActivityLevel] => 
                    [ItinBlock] => 
Kickstart your day with breakfast at the lodge, hop in the van for a brief transfer, then hit the trail. Hike through delicate maple forest to the mossy banks and cascade of Dark Hollow Falls, the rushing water of Big Rock Falls, and historic Rapidan Camp. Once the private retreat of President Herbert Hoover and First Lady Lou Henry Hoover, Rapidan Camp was constructed in 1929. Trusted friends and advisors were hosted here, in a beautiful space perfect for outdoor adventures. After a day on the trail, unwind with time to explore the park’s historic exhibits and have dinner at Big Meadows Lodge with stunning views from the dining room.
                    [Breakfast] => 1
                    [Lunch] => 1
                    [Dinner] => 1
                    [Travel_Type] => 0.5-hour private van transfer
                    [Quotation] => 
                    [Quotation_Attribution] => 
                    [Quotation_Location] => 
                    [Itinerary_Location] => 
                    [Latitude] => 38.59
                    [Longitude] => -78.381
                )

            [2] => Array
                (
                    [DayFrom] => 3
                    [DayTo] => 3
                    [Headline] => Summit Hawksbill Peak & Hike Whiteoak Canyon Falls
                    [ActivityOverview] => 6.7 miles/4 hours hiking with 628\' elevation gain and 3,131\' loss
                    [EstimatedLength] => 
                    [ActivityLevel] => 
                    [ItinBlock] => 
Start the day with a delicious breakfast and watch as the fog burns away to reveal spectacular views of the Shenandoah Valley. Start with a short warm-up hike to Hawksbill Summit, the highest point in Shenandoah National Park at 4,050 feet. From Hawksbill Summit, traverse Skyline Drive to one of the park\'s most iconic hikes. Tracing a series of waterfalls that make up Whiteoak Canyon Falls, you\'ll cross bridges over the rocky banks of the river and stop to soak in the pools below each cascade, watching for wildlife along the way. In the afternoon you\'ll have the chance to tour and sample wines from one of the East Coast\'s oldest and largest wineries, Prince Michel Winery. Return to the Skyland Resort and discuss the next day\'s adventure.
                    [Breakfast] => 1
                    [Lunch] => 1
                    [Dinner] => 1
                    [Travel_Type] => 2-hour private van transfer
                    [Quotation] => 
                    [Quotation_Attribution] => 
                    [Quotation_Location] => 
                    [Itinerary_Location] => 
                    [Latitude] => 38.59
                    [Longitude] => -78.38
                )

            [3] => Array
                (
                    [DayFrom] => 4
                    [DayTo] => 4
                    [Headline] => Take a Drive on Skyline Drive & Hike Dickey Ridge to Front Royal
                    [ActivityOverview] => 8.5 miles/4-5 hours hiking with 1,114\' elevation gain and 2,518\' loss
                    [EstimatedLength] => 
                    [ActivityLevel] => 
                    [ItinBlock] => 
Today is your final day in Shenandoah National Park, but the adventure is far from over. After breakfast, depart Skyland for a scenic drive along one of the prettiest sections of Skyline Drive. Start today\'s hike near Lands Run Gap, hiking parallel with Skyline Drive on Dickey Ridge towards the entrance to Shenandoah National Park and the town of Front Royal. Take your time and relish views of the Shenandoah Valley and River, and lush meadows, before a long, gradual descent to the park\'s entrance. This afternoon, explore historic Front Royal, an incredibly quaint town that was a focal point during the Civil War. Return to the host hotel in Herndon for final farewells.
                    [Breakfast] => 1
                    [Lunch] => 1
                    [Dinner] => 0
                    [Travel_Type] => 2-hour private van transfer
                    [Quotation] => 
                    [Quotation_Attribution] => 
                    [Quotation_Location] => 
                    [Itinerary_Location] => 
                    [Latitude] => 38.94
                    [Longitude] => -77.46
                )

        )

    [ActivityHighlight] => Trip members should be capable of hiking 5-8 hours each day (up to 10 miles) with as much as 3,100\' elevation gain and loss. Trails can be rough with rocky terrain and steps built into rock, there are significant elevation changes throughout each hike.
    [Trip_Level] => 3
)

Accommodations

---

Spend three comfortable nights in historic National Park lodges.

Skyland Resort

Comfortable Hotel

Perched atop the Blue Ridge Mountains, Skyland Resort offers an unforgettable retreat within Shenandoah National Park. Wake up to sweeping views of the Shenandoah Valley and unwind by the cozy fireplace after a day of hiking scenic trails.