National Public Lands Day
Hike

Byrd Visitor Center
Shenandoah National Park
September 23, 2023
10 AM

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Join us to celebrate National Public Lands Day with a hike in the Shenandoah National Park on Saturday, September 23, at 10 am. 

Meet us at Byrd Visitor Center. We will be offering 2 hikes ranging from easy to moderate, led by certified PATC Hike Leaders.

The hikes are open to anyone with the ability to hike over uneven and sometimes rocky terrain.

Short Hike-  3.5 miles with about a 300' elevation gain to include Story of the Forest Trail, AT, Tanners Ridge Fire Road and horse trail back to the wayside with view from an overlook.

Moderate Hike- 7 miles and 1600 feet of elevation gain using the Rapidan fire road and Mill Prong horse trail we will visit Hoover Camp for lunch by the river and a chance to explore this unique presidential retreat. After lunch, we will return to the wayside by way of the Mill Prong and AT, passing a family cemetery along the way.

Make sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and bug spray. Appropriate footwear (trail runners, hiking boots, etc.) is encouraged.

See you there!

Information

Big Meadows is in the Central District of the Shenandoah National Park.  The area is covered by PATC Map 10.  (Map 10 has just been updated. This would be a good opportunity to buy the latest version if this valuable map.  The Central District is home Old Rag, Hawksbill, and several PATC cabins.)

For trails in the immediate area, consult the park's Big Meadows Area map.