Included: 1 or 2 experienced hiking guides with extensive knowledge of the area 6-day Shenandoah National Park hiking tour Accommodation for 5 nights in Shenandoah National Park Lodges (double occupancy) All meals, from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 6 All transportation during the trip, starting and ending at Dulles Airport (IAD) Entrance fees to Shenandoah and Luray Caverns Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout): Single occupancy room Not included: Flights Alcoholic beverages Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout Guide gratuities — optional

How fit do I need to be?

This Shenandoah National Park hiking tour 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 most you’ll hike within a day is up to 8 miles (13 km). 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. The trails include a few tricky ups and downs, exhilarating rocky scrambles, and many nature viewing opportunities. Be prepared for a beautiful 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 !

What do I 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

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and pricing For this Shenandoah National Park hiking tour , the usual client-to-guide ratio is 6 :1. It takes a minimum of 7 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 12 participants . Shenandoah National Park hiking tours 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.

Is a single occupancy room available?

The price for this Shenandoah National Park hiking tour is based on twin-share rooms , but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee . You can add it to your booking at checkout.

What about special dietary requirements?

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 .

Getting there and meeting location

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.

Safety measures and insurance

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout. Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors 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.

SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK | VIRGINIA

Shenandoah National Park: Women’s Hiking Tour

6 days | Moderate | 5.00

From $3,195 ()

Book a call

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!

Carrie

Adventure Highlights

Sisterhood of the traveling boots: Because hiking and chasing waterfalls is better with an all-women crew
A view from the top: Summit the park’s highest peak, Hawksbill Mountain, and soak in the views
Lodge living: Rest, recharge, and refuel in cozy lodges after each day’s adventure

Duration

6 days

Season

May through October

Group size

Up to 8 people

The adventure, day by day

Download itineraries

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?

Day 1: Arrival

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

Day 2: South River Falls to Lewis Mountain Campground

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

Day 3: Hike Rose River Falls and summit Hazeltop Mountain

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

Day 4: Rapidan Camp and Bearfence Scramble

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

Day 5: Summit Hawksbill Mountain and hike the Stony Man nature trail

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

Day 6: Luray Caverns and departure

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

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Accommodation

Shenandoah National Park Lodges

We’ll be spending our nights at the Shenandoah National Park Lodges. The two lodges have standard rooms with 2 beds and a bathroom in each room.

The Big Meadows Lodge was built in 1939 with stones hewn from the Massanutten Mountains and native wormy chestnut. The lodge has an easy, natural feeling and is officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The legacy of Skyland Lodge begins in 1888, when George Freeman Pollock Jr. makes it his mission to find the perfect spot for a summer retreat. He calls the property’s breathtaking views of the Shenandoah Valley “beauty beyond description.”

Adventure, packed to go

Shenandoah National Park: Women’s Hiking Tour

Adventure Brochure

Adventure brochure

Download to share and explore full itineraries, key info, FAQs, and guide details.

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Meet your guides

Seasoned pros, local legends, and passionate adventurers—your trip is in the best hands.

5.00

Alicia

Alicia resides in Colorado, where she relishes the opportunity to ride her bike every day! She also enjoys hiking, backpacking, trail running, and snowshoeing, often accompanied by her family and dog (who famously proved that she is truly part border collie when she spontaneously herded 100+ head of cattle in Boulder open space!). Alicia has a well-rounded adventure background and a great appreciation for the friendships that can be forged among adventurous women, across different backgrounds and different generations. When not guiding, Alicia works in academia as a SAS programmer and data analyst.

5.00

Carrie

Carrie has lived in Saranac Lake, NY in the Adirondack Mountains for 34 years. Her first guiding experience was when she was 20, a job that entailed taking US students to the USSR and Siberia. Her love of the outdoors comes from her parents. They taught her many outdoors skills and showed her how to hike, ski, row, sail and fish from an early age; in fact, the first peak she climbed was Camels Hump in Vermont at the age of 6! These days she is an avid downhill, cross-country and backcountry skier and is a licensed guide for whitewater rafting, hiking, camping and paddling.

What others say about this adventure

5.00 (3 reviews)

Karen H.

Great hikes, guides and location! Such a sense of joy and laughter and beauty is how I will remember this trip.

Kathleen W.

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.

Diane J.

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.

Show all reviews

Things to know

Included:
- - 1 or 2 experienced hiking guides with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 6-day Shenandoah National Park hiking tour
  - Accommodation for 5 nights in Shenandoah National Park Lodges (double occupancy)
  - All meals, from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 6
  - All transportation during the trip, starting and ending at Dulles Airport (IAD)
  - Entrance fees to Shenandoah and Luray Caverns
Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout):
- - Single occupancy room
Not included:
- - Flights
  - Alcoholic beverages
  - Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above
  - Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout
  - Guide gratuities — optional
This Shenandoah National Park hiking tour 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 most you’ll hike within a day is up to 8 miles (13 km).

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.

The trails include a few tricky ups and downs, exhilarating rocky scrambles, and many nature viewing opportunities. Be prepared for a beautiful 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!
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
Got everything you need? Grab your gear through Active Junky and earn cash back on top outdoor brands — plus a $10 bonus on your first $25+ purchase. Shop now at Active Junky!
Group sizes and pricing
- - For this Shenandoah National Park hiking tour, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 6:1.
  - It takes a minimum of 7 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 12 participants.
Shenandoah National Park hiking tours 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 price for this Shenandoah National Park hiking tour is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. You can add it to your booking at checkout.
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.
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 insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors 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.
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
- - 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.
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.
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.

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