About This Route
Explore 10-mile loops on the Appalachian Trail (AT) in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, from Skyland to Hawksbill Summit (4,051 feet). Access via Skyline Drive; ski rolling meadows and rocky balds with 2-4 feet snowpack per NPS winter reports. Beginner-friendly with gentle pitches; connect to Whiteoak Canyon for steeper runs. Park mandates day-use only in winter; no huts, so dawn patrols essential.
Safety Considerations
Southern exposures melt fast; rocks protrude per NPS alerts. Ice on Old Rag slabs deadly; avoid post-thaw. Black bears active; use YogiBear-proof canisters. NSAA code: observe park signs, no night skiing. Thunderstorms even in January; monitor NWS Sterling. Deer overpopulation increases ticks year-round.
Essential Gear
Salomon MTN skis; Atomic bindings. Pieps DSP Sport beacon. REI Co-op Magma quilt, ExOfficio layers. Personal Locator Beacon; Petzl Tikka. NPS map, compass.