This is the lovely place that inspired us to offer mountain hikes across the country. For 100 magnificent miles, Shenandoah National Park straddles a crest of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Join us as we revel in:

• Breathtaking vistas and sunsets

• Cascading waterfalls and mountain streams

• Abundant wildlife

• Crisp autumn air and mountainsides of spectacular fall colors

•Distinctive shops with Appalachian gifts

•Optional horseback trail-riding

Unwind your spirit and body in this haven of unmarred, tranquil wilderness.

Live adventurously:

• Sit atop a rock outcrop where a waterfall begins its 86-foot plunge
• Hike a stretch of the famed Appalachian Trail
• Take unparalleled hikes along waterfalls and cascades
• Frolic under a tumbling waterfall
• Watch for wildlife and try to glimpse one of the park’s non-aggressive black bears
• Delight in wine, cheese, and a mountainside view of Shenandoah sunsets
• Enjoy Skyland Resort, with your private balcony and view overlooking Shenandoah valley

Shenandoah itinerary highlights…

• Drive to our mountaintop lodge near Luray, Virginia. Or, fly into Washington’s Dulles International Airport and let us drive you to our lodge.

• Settle into your cozy room with private balcony and panoramic view

• Enjoy the valley view and great food in Skyland Resort’s windowed dining room

Day 2

• Hike 5.2 miles along a gentle stream winding through a woods blanketed with ferns

• Perch on a rock outcrop to watch the stream plunge 86 feet into the canyon

• Savor wine and sunset on a Shenandoah mountainside

Day 3

• Hike 3.9 miles beside a sparkling river that cascades, tumbles, and pools deep in a sun-dappled forest.

• View a gentle waterfall’s plunge down the cliff where Indians stampeded buffalo over the edge to gather winter food and supplies

• Let old gravestones and the memorial at a pioneer family’s plot paint a poignant picture of early Appalachian life

• Enjoy free time back at the lodge

Day 4

• Take a 5- or 7-mile hike on the famous Appalachian Trail, visit the shelters where thru-hikers bunk, read selections from their journals, and hope to meet some on the trail

Day 5

• Learn about the area’s rich heritage and history at the visitor center

• Hike 2.5 miles deep into the Appalachian wilderness to view an 81-foot waterfall

• Enjoy an optional hike or relax

• Opt for a horseback trail ride

Day 6

• Hike 5 miles on the leader’s favorite trail, where we’ll frolic under a waterfall, rock-hop across streams, spot wildflowers, and feel tiny next to enormous, ancient trees

Day 7

• Enjoy your last morning in Shenandoah

• Drive home or let us shuttle you to Dulles airport

Cost includes (TBA):

• 6 nights in mountaintop Skyland Lodge
• 6 guided wilderness hikes
• Transportation throughout the week
• Shuttle to and from Dulles International Airport
• Booklet packed with information to prepare you for the trip and to familiarize you with the region’s highlights and history
• Photo CD of your trip
• Reunion party following the trip

We are not currently taking deposits for this trip.

Testimonials:

“This week-long trip changed my life. I saw gorgeous scenery and I saw a newfound physical, emotional, and spiritual strength within me. Thank you. ” ~Anonymous

“This has been a week that I’ll never forget. ” ~Bambi

“The trip went beyond my expectations in setting, in friendship, in your leadership, in spiritual encouragement, in every way. I loved it! ” ~Eagle B.

“Thanks for the adventure of a lifetime! ” ~Peppermint Patti

“I cannot imagine a better week at this point in my life. Your leadership and sweet spirit have been such a blessing to me, and the trip itself has renewed my faith and my confidence in myself! Thank you! ” ~Ranger

Links:
• Shenandoah National Park: www.VisitShenandoah.com and www.shenandoah.national-park.com
• Skyland Resort: www.nationalparkreservations.com/shenandoah_skyland.htm
• Dulles International Airport: www.metwashairports.com/Dulles/