3 days in Shenandoah?

Hi Folks,

I am visiting Richmond, Virginia for business in late march and have decided to add on a few days to visit Shenandoah. I will be in Shenandoah April 3-7 and plan on staying at Skylands. I am a keen landscape photographer and enjoy walking...so seems great to me ! A few questions

1) How long will it take to drive from Richmond?

2) What will the climate be like? Do I need full on walking gear or will trail shoes be fine? Will there be snow?

3) I%26#39;m getting ';A guide to asy day hikes in Shenandoah';, but anyone recommend a ';must-do'; walk for great views?

Cheers

Graham

3 days in Shenandoah?

Shenandoah Natl Park is a beautiful place, you%26#39;ll enjoy your time there.

From Richmond, the Park (Skyline Dr) is about 1 1/2 hrs, Skyland lodge might take another 15-20 minutes or so, speed limit on Skyline Dr is usually 35mph.

April is nice, cool, often sunny, some partly cloudy, cooler at night, sometimes rain, snow unlikely but not impossible, it can be a bit of everything. For hiking, I use regular hiking shoes, small backpack with plenty of water %26amp; snacks, small 1st aid kit, trekking poles if you normally use them can be helpful because of elevation gain and decline.

Your guide book will be a big help in selecting trails, also go to www.nps.gov/shen for complete info on trails, climate, etc. Also, when you arrive in the park, stop at one of the visitors centers, explain your interest and hiking abilities to the ranger and they will suggest good hikes for you and provide trail maps. Here are a few of my favorite hikes:

Stony Man, easy, milepost 41.7, 1.6 mi, 1.5 hr, gradual climb to nice views (Little Stony Man trail good too, mp 39.1, easy)

Dark Hollow Falls, moderate, mp 50.7, 1.5 mi, 1.5 hr, great views of falls

Hawksbill, moderate, mp 46.7, 2.1 mi,2 hr, rocky trail to summit of park%26#39;s highest peak 4049%26#39;

Rose River Loop Trail moderate, mp 49.5 Fishers Gap Overlook, 4 mi, 4 hr, shady trail w/ stream, cascades, waterfall

Hope this helps. Happy trails.

3 days in Shenandoah?

Goneagain2,

Thanks a lot for taking the time to reply.

Really appreciate your comments.

Cheers

Graham