This week? It’s all about hiking like we mean it, laughing till our stomachs hurt, and tackling trails with the confidence of a woman who just aced a rock scramble. Shenandoah is our domain—waterfalls, ridgeline hikes, and summit selfies included. The Appalachian Trail is practically rolling out a red carpet for us, and every day, we’ll earn our post-hike feast. Cozy lodges, luggage transfers, deep sleeps, and views that’ll make us want to write poetry (or at least a dramatic Instagram caption). Bring your best hiking boots and your loudest laugh—we’re about to make some memories!
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
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
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
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
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
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
I am making a return to hiking, and the trip was perfect for someone with more limited experience. I felt well-cared for. The most special part was all of the women in the group, and how we got along and shared the experience. Our guides were excellent, I made new friends, and the park was beautiful.
The group of ladies was very cohesive and enjoyable. The leaders were accessible and adaptive. The hikes were beautiful and well suited to the group’s abilities.
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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:
Footwear:
Equipment/essentials:
Toiletries:
Optional:
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
A Shenandoah National Park hiking tour can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
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!
Deposits
Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.
Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.
Basic
Flexible
Super Flexible
Great hikes, guides and location! Such a sense of joy and laughter and beauty is how I will remember this trip.