About This Route
Shenandoah National Park's 101-mile Appalachian Trail traverse from Front Royal (Mile 0) to Rockfish Gap (Mile 101) follows Skyline Drive with over 30 peaks above 3,000 feet, including Hawksbill and Old Rag access points. Shelters like Elkwallow and Lewis Mountain dot the route; backpackers love waterfalls at Doyles River and vistas from Stony Man. NPS mandates free backcountry permits; bear poles at shelters. High visitation per NPS stats requires early starts to beat crowds.
Safety Considerations
Bears active year-round; use NPS-provided cables, no canisters needed. Extreme weather: 50mph winds on ridges, winter ice; check NPS app. Deer ticks rampant; long pants, permethrin. Rockslides on steep descents to Thornton Gap. Limited water south of Waynesboro; treat all with Aquamira drops. ATC: situational awareness at trailheads near I-81; Garmin inReach for park interiors. Hypothermia common; pack Patagonia Nano Puff. Lightning: avoid peaks post-noon.
Essential Gear
Gregory Baltoro 65 pack. REI Half Dome 2+ tent, Primus EtaLite stove, GSI Pinnacle Duo cookset. Compass: Brunton TruArc. First aid: MyMedic Solo. Sat phone alternative: Zoleo.
Emergency Tips
Injured? Use NPS emergency phone at lodges or Skyline Drive pullouts. Bear charge: play dead in enclosure. Evac via helicopter from Pinnacles; check in at entrances.