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Shenandoah National Park: Women’s Hiking Tour

Itinerary
Shenandoah National Park: Women’s Hiking Tour
Guide(s)
Alicia Weaver, Carrie White, Adventures in Good Company
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Add-ons

The price of the adventure is based on double occupancy. If you’d like to have a room to yourself, add the single supplement to your booking now. Please note that single supplements are in limited supply.

All meals are included in the price of this trip. Some dietary requirements can be accommodated, please let us know down below if you have any. For more information, please check out the FAQ section.

Select a cancellation policy

Things come up, and sometimes plans need to be changed. Check out our flexible cancellation options.
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Deposits

When booking a trip, you can either pay for it in full or reserve your spot with a 30% deposit. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.

Cancellations

After 48 hours, booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. You can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:

Basic
  • If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  • If canceled 90 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  • If canceled within 89 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
  • Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period.
Flexible
  • If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  • If canceled 90 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  • If canceled 60-89 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  • If canceled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
  • Booking fees are non-refundable after 48 hours grace period.
Super Flexible
  • If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  • If canceled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  • If canceled within 59 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  • Booking fees are non-refundable after 48 hours grace period.
Shenandoah National Park: Women’s Hiking Tour
Itinerary
Shenandoah National Park: Women’s Hiking Tour
People
1 Person
Date(s)
--
Duration
6 day
Guide(s)
Alicia Weaver, Carrie White, Adventures in Good Company
Reserve deposit (30%) $0
Second Payment Amount: $0

  • Shenandoah is calling, and we’re answering with a week of summits, waterfalls, and wild Appalachian beauty. This all-women adventure takes us deep into the heart of Shenandoah National Park, where misty ridgelines, roaring cascades, and hidden forest trails set the stage for an unforgettable journey. We’ll hike sections of the legendary Appalachian Trail, scramble up rocky viewpoints, and chase mountain sunrises. Evenings bring cozy lodges, well-earned meals, and the kind of camaraderie only found on the trail. Ready to lace up your boots, hit the dirt, and claim your spot in the Shenandoah sisterhood?

    • Shenandoah National Park is a land bursting with cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, fields of wildflowers, and quiet wooded hollows. There’s much to explore with over 200,000 acres of protected lands that are a haven for deer, songbirds, and black bears! The best way to explore this park is on foot, and we’ll be covering as much of the park as possible during our week in the Shenandoah Mountains. 

      If you are flying in, plan to arrive at Dulles Airport (IAD) by 1pm. The guides will pick you up at the airport and make the hour-and-a-half drive to the park. If you are driving, you can meet the guides at our first lodging, the Big Meadows Lodge in Shenandoah at 3:30pm. We will gather to introduce ourselves and start getting to know each other before a trip orientation and dinner.

      Meals: Dinner
      Accommodation: Big Meadows Lodge

      Wildflowers in Virginia

    • After a hearty breakfast we’ll pack our day packs and head for the South River Falls Picnic Area. Our hike today is a lovely section of the famous Appalachian trail. This trail has a beautiful overhead canopy and lush fern fields. It is one of the easier parts of the trail, fairly level with just enough up and down to be interesting, giving us the perfect beginning to stretch our legs. 

      Along the way we may see deer, peregrine falcons soaring overhead, or notice brightly colored salamanders scurrying underfoot. We end today’s hike at Lewis Mountain Campground and Cabins where we can admire the rustic cabins and visit the camp store for a well-deserved treat. Tonight, we’ll enjoy dinner in the Big Meadows Dining Room before retiring to our comfortable rooms.

      Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
      Hiking: 6 mi (9.6 km)
      Accommodation: Big Meadows Lodge

       

       

       

      Hikers on the rocks

    • After breakfast at the lodge, we’ll begin our day with a short shuttle to the Rose River Falls trailhead. This circuit takes us through a federally designated Wilderness area, where we’ll marvel at a dazzling waterfall and serene forest cascades. We’ll experience a mix of peaceful trails, rocky climbs, and beautiful scenery, including an optional detour to Dark Hollow Falls. We will have lunch at the falls, or at Big Meadows in case of inclement weather.

      After lunch, we’ll set out on our second hike: a stretch of the Appalachian Trail from Bootens Gap to Milam Gap. This section starts with a steady ascent, climbing to Hazeltop’s summit at 3,812 ft (1,161 m). This section of trail provides a rewarding challenge. From there, the trail becomes more forgiving, with short switchbacks easing the climb. The descent from Hazeltop leads us to the Mill Prong Trail junction and Milam Gap, where our van will be waiting. We’ll wrap up the day with dinner and a relaxing evening back at the lodge.

      Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
      Hiking: 7 mi (11.2 km)
      Accommodation: Big Meadows Lodge

      Hazeltop Mountain

    • After breakfast, we’ll go to Skyland Lodge. At Milam Gap, we’ll begin our hike on the Rapidan Trail, which will take us to Rapidan Camp. We’ll enjoy a scenic lunch on the trail before we return to the vans. After the hike, there’s an option to relax at the lodge or hike on the Bearfence Rock Scramble or Bearfence Loop Trail. 

      The Bearfence Scramble is an exhilarating hike that includes a challenging rock scramble, leading to a stunning view of the Virginia Piedmont and Shenandoah Valley. This section is for experienced hikers—those with fear of heights are advised to skip it. Those not up for the scramble can still hike the loop section of the trail. Both trails are relatively short but require effort. Finally, we’ll head to our new accommodation at the Skyland Lodge. Tonight’s dinner will be in the dining room at Skyland.

      Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
      Hiking: 6 mi (9.6 km)
      Accommodation: Skyland Lodge

      Rocky path in Shenandoah

    • After breakfast, we’ll set out for the Hawksbill Trailhead, starting our day with a hike to the park’s highest peak. The loop trail ascends to the Hawksbill summit, offering sweeping panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley. At the summit, we’ll pause to soak in the scenery before continuing to the nearby Appalachian Trail Shelter, where we’ll enjoy a well-earned lunch in the heart of nature. Following lunch, we’ll complete the Hawksbill loop and return to Skyland Lodge for a brief break.

      In the afternoon, there’s an option to relax or hike the Stony Man loop. This loop leads us to the Stony Man summit, which boasts another incredible vista and is a perfect way to round out the day’s adventures. Tonight, we’ll gather for dinner in Skyland’s dining room.

      Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
      Hiking: 5 mi (8 km)
      Accommodation: Skyland Lodge

      Top of the mountain

    • We will leave the Shenandoah’s and head to the caverns for an hour-long tour of this underground spectacle. After enjoying the cool temperatures and amazing sights, we will begin the 2-hour drive to the Dulles Airport. We’ll be at the Washington Dulles (IAD) airport by 1pm, and participants can plan to fly out any time after 2:30pm. Those driving can plan to be on the road from the Luray Caverns by 11am.

      Meals: Breakfast

      Luray caverns

    • Included:

        • 1 or 2 experienced hiking guides with extensive knowledge of the area
        • 6-day Shenandoah National Park hiking tour
        • Accommodation: 5 nights in Shenandoah National Park Lodges with rooms based on double occupancy
        • All meals: From dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 6
        • All transportation during the trip, starting and ending at Dulles Airport (IAD)
        • Entrance fees to Shenandoah and Luray Caverns
        • Luggage transfers

      Add-ons:

        • Single supplement — $695 (limited supply)

      Not included:

        • Flights
        • Meals not indicated in the itinerary
        • Alcoholic beverages
        • Travel and medical insurance  — optional
        • Guide gratuities — optional

    • This Shenandoah National Park hiking tour is rated moderate. It is suitable for any woman who either enjoys hiking or is new to hiking and wants to learn in a safe and fun environment. As in any mountainous area, trails will be up and down, but because the Shenandoah National Park is on the ridge, these ups and downs are very manageable. 

      The adventure requires aerobic conditioning, such as walking vigorously up hills, jogging, cross-country skiing, or stair stepping for 30-45 minutes at least 3-4 times a week.

      You will have the chance to hike anywhere from about 3 mi (4.8 km) to upwards of 8 mi (12.9 km) per day. The trails include a few tricky ups and downs, exhilarating rocky scrambles, and many nature viewing opportunities. Be prepared for a beautiful, naturistic challenge within each day.

      For more hiking adventures in the USA, click here! And if you’re interested in more women-only adventures, click here!

    • Due to this specific lodging, dietary accommodations can be challenging. A completely gluten-free diet and a kitchen free of cross-contamination cannot be guaranteed. If you are vegan, please bring some additional protein bars; and if you are gluten-sensitive, please bring some gluten-free snacks. 

      If you have severe allergies, Celiac disease and/or other significant dietary restrictions, please let us know before booking. Breakfast is either ordered off of a menu or continental-style with a selection of options. Dinners eaten in restaurants can be ordered off of menus. Check out the menus here: Lodge 1 breakfast menu, Lodge 1 dinner menu, Lodge 2 breakfast menu, Lodge 2 dinner menu.

    • Here’s a list of everything you need to bring:

      Clothing:

        • 1-2 pairs comfortable, synthetic long pants for hiking (zip offs work well)
        • 1 pair of shorts or 3/4 pants (lightweight and quick drying)
        • 1-2 lightweight, long-sleeved shirt for sun/bug protection (button up front is the best)
        • 2-3 synthetic or lightweight merino wool T-shirts or shortsleeved shirts
        • 1 pair lightweight long underwear top and bottoms (silk, wool or synthetic equivalent)
        • 1 lightweight jacket or vest
        • 1 midweight fleece jacket or sweater
        • 1 puffy jacket
        • 1 rain jacket and rain pants
        • Cap or hat
        • Underwear and nightwear
        • 1 pair wool, Capilene, or Polartec gloves
        • 1 lightweight wool or fleece hat
        • 2-3 changes of comfortable clothes for casual wear (e.g. pants and/or skirt, with a couple of tops)
        • Swimsuit

      Footwear:

        • 1 pair of lightweight to midweight hiking boots or shoes (waterproof and broken in)
        • 1 pair of alternate trail running shoes (In case you get blisters from your main hiking shoes. Can be helpful to have a size slightly larger than your hiking shoes)
        • 1 pair of comfortable athletic shoes, Keens, or Teva/Chaco sandals: for sightseeing, walking & general use
        • 2 pairs of thin liner socks: silk or synthetic equivalent – optional
        • 2-3 pairs of hiking socks: (wool or synthetic equivalent: Smartwool, Bridgedale, Darn Tough)

      Equipment/essentials:

        • Hiking poles
        • Daypack (24-30L) with a rain cover
        • Water bottle or a hydration bladder (2-3L)
        • Sunglasses
        • 1-2 bandannas or buffs
        • Sunscreen and lip balm
        • Earplugs
        • Plastic or Tupperware container
        • Spork (for trail lunches)

      Toiletries:

        • Toothbrush and toothpaste
        • Dental floss
        • Hand sanitizer
        • Shampoo and conditioner
        • Personal items (contact lens supplies, sanitary items, personal medications)
        • Personal first aid/patch kit: Band-Aids, 1 safety pin, moleskin, Compeed (or blister bandages), ibuprofen, etc.

      Optional:

        • Camera and film/memory card (extra batteries)
        • Pocketknife
        • Short ankle gaiters
        • Cell phone, charger
        • Wristwatch/travel alarm clock
        • Compact binoculars
        • Book/journal and pen
        • Lightweight umbrella
        • Small headlamp or flashlight
        • Kula cloth
        • Sit pad
        • Extra snacks

      Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

    • Group sizes and pricing

        • It takes a minimum of 7 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 8 participants.

      A Shenandoah National Park hiking tour can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

      Min. age requirements

        • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
        • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the Shenandoah National Park hiking tour on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

      If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

    • The starting point of your Shenandoah National Park hiking tour is Dulles Airport or the Big Meadows Lodge in Shenandoah. To get there, most people fly into Dulles Airport (IAD) or drive to the Meadows Lodge.

      If you’re flying in, your guides will meet you at the airport by 1pm, and then you’ll be transferred to the park. If you’re driving, meet your guides at the Big Meadows Lodge at 3:30pm.

    • We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

      Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

      Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

Have more questions? Read our FAQ
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