Hike in Shenandoah National Park via the Appalachian Trail

4 day inn-to-inn hike in Shenandoah National Park in north/central Virginia offers an opportunity for four days of continuous hiking, with lodging at convenient intervals along the A.T. (which roughly parallels and frequently crosses the scenic Skyline Drive.) Although there is some elevation gain and loss, the footpath here is well-graded. Climbs and descents are seldom steep.

Rewarding views from 3-4,000' mountains and an abundance of flowers and wildlife make this a popular destination. For four days and three nights, you can plan to walk 8-10 miles a day with no more than a day pack if you make reservations ahead of time to ensure a spot. Here is the day-by-day itinerary, listed south to north. The hike can also be walked in the opposite direction.

All three overnight destinations have either camp stores and/or restaurants (food options at Lewis Mountain are limited to a small camp store). Big Meadows and Skyland both have restaurants offering lovely views, and taverns where you can grab a cold beer after your hike.

For a true inn-to-inn hike, eliminate the first day between Swift Run Gap and Lewis Mountain, as there are no meals served at Lewis Mountain, just a camp store.

From: https://appalachiantrail.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Inn-to-Inn-hikes-on-the-A.T.pdf

Additional resources: Central Map of Shenandoah National Park: https://www.atctrailstore.org/books-and-other-guides/trail-club-published-guides-maps/shenandoah-national-park-map-central-district/

goshenandoah.com

Operating Dates & Hours - Shenandoah National Park (U.S. National Park Service): https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/hours.htm