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            [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
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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
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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
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            [Description] => waterfall
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            [Description] => woman hiker
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            [Description] => trail
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            [Description] => sunset
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            [Description] => cubs
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Your Guides

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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.

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                    [Headline] => Arrive in Shenandoah National Park & Hike on the Appalachian Trail
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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.
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                    [Travel_Type] => 1.5-hour private van transfer
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                    [Latitude] => 38.94
                    [Longitude] => -77.46
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                    [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
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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.
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                    [Travel_Type] => 0.5-hour private van transfer
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                    [Latitude] => 38.59
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                    [Headline] => Hike Whiteoak Canyon to See Six Waterfalls
                    [ActivityOverview] => 6.1 miles/4 hours hiking with 154\' elevation gain and 2,667\' loss
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Start the day with a delicious breakfast and watch as the fog burns away to reveal spectacular views of the Shenandoah Valley. Your guide team has arranged for a point-to-point hike that descends on switchback trails into iconic Whiteoak Canyon. Tracing a series of cascading waterfalls, you\'ll cross bridges over the rocky banks of the river and stop to soak in the pools below, watching for wildlife along the way. In the afternoon, head to DuCard Vineyards to sample their award-winning wines and take in the view of the eastern slope of Shenandoah. Return to the Skyland Resort and discuss the next day\'s adventure.
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                    [Dinner] => 1
                    [Travel_Type] => 2-hour private van transfer
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                    [Latitude] => 38.59
                    [Longitude] => -78.38
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                    [Headline] => Follow the Appalachian Trail & Summit Hawksbill Peak
                    [ActivityOverview] => 7.1 miles/4 hours hiking with 1,896\' elevation gain and 1,430\' loss
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Today you\'ll hike from Fisher\'s Gap to Skyland Stables on a section of the legendary Appalachian Trail. The “AT” covers 2,200 miles, passing through 14 states and connecting Georgia to Maine. Get a glimpse of through-hiking culture as you walk along this beloved route, pausing to take in the views. The trail passes through groves of mountain laurel and forest as it wraps around the rocky slopes of Hawksbill Mountain. Hike up to Hawksbill Summit—the highest point in Shenandoah National Park at 4,050 feet—for spectacular panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley, Old Rag Mountain, and Betty\'s Rock. Return to the host hotel in Herndon for final farewells after another exhilarating day in Shenandoah.
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                    [Latitude] => 38.94
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    [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.
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Accommodations

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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.