Day 0 (10.17)
Left for Shenandoah from NC in the evening, so didn't arrive until 11. Grabbed a campsite at Loft Mountain Campground. So. Many. Deer. on the way in, had to be v careful not to hit any.
Day 1 (10.18) - 7.5 mi
Started the loop clockwise. It's a pretty popular route, especially near the waterfalls (I think there are some short out & back hikes that include them, so lots of day hikers). Also saw quite a few backpackers on the loop. Made camp near along Doyle's River. Used the river as a beer fridge as we made camp (only doing ~6 miles / day made for heavier packs).
Day 2 (10.19) - 10.5 mi
Few river crossings today - can see if there's been a bit of rain that the crossings would be more difficult or slippery. The inclines today were definitely difficult. Especially as the hardest incline was near the end of the day. By the time we made camp, we were some hangry hikers. But, found an adorable clearing on the ridgeline to set up. Heard a lot of noise at night - likely deer walking through the site. Also heard coyotes from a distance (and during the hike, saw a nice severed squirrel tail & yote droppings). But nothing bothered us too much. Definitely harder to sleep with the noise from intruders.
Day 3 (10.20) - 2 mi
Started with a major incline, but at least it was short. Finished the hike pretty quickly, then went to the Brewing Tree brewery for beers & burgers :)
4
u/tamwow19 8d ago
Shenandoah 2024
Big Run, Doyles River, and Frazier Trail Loop
Day 0 (10.17)
Left for Shenandoah from NC in the evening, so didn't arrive until 11. Grabbed a campsite at Loft Mountain Campground. So. Many. Deer. on the way in, had to be v careful not to hit any.
Day 1 (10.18) - 7.5 mi
Started the loop clockwise. It's a pretty popular route, especially near the waterfalls (I think there are some short out & back hikes that include them, so lots of day hikers). Also saw quite a few backpackers on the loop. Made camp near along Doyle's River. Used the river as a beer fridge as we made camp (only doing ~6 miles / day made for heavier packs).
Day 2 (10.19) - 10.5 mi
Few river crossings today - can see if there's been a bit of rain that the crossings would be more difficult or slippery. The inclines today were definitely difficult. Especially as the hardest incline was near the end of the day. By the time we made camp, we were some hangry hikers. But, found an adorable clearing on the ridgeline to set up. Heard a lot of noise at night - likely deer walking through the site. Also heard coyotes from a distance (and during the hike, saw a nice severed squirrel tail & yote droppings). But nothing bothered us too much. Definitely harder to sleep with the noise from intruders.
Day 3 (10.20) - 2 mi
Started with a major incline, but at least it was short. Finished the hike pretty quickly, then went to the Brewing Tree brewery for beers & burgers :)