Well, as we feared, the US Government has shut down, throwing a curveball into our plans to visit Shenandoah National Park later this month. Therefore, the exact location of this hike will be updated on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, (via this website and an email to those registered).
If Shenandoah is re-opened, then we will hike a six-mile loop with 800 feet of elevation change that begins and ends at Elkwallow Wayside Picnic area.
If Shenandoah is still closed as of noon, Oct 18th, then we will change our plans to hike a 4-mile loop with 570 feet of elevation change at Sky Meadows State Park, which is just a few miles north of the Shenandoah Front Royal entrance.
Entry/Parking Fees:
Shenandoah NP - $30/vehicle
Sky Meadows SP - $10/vehicle
We have deliberately chosen two options geographically near each other for the convenience of our members who live nearby or are willing to travel to the eastern Virginia mountains.
Both parks have bathrooms, plenty of parking, and picnic areas, so bring a picnic lunch to enjoy after our hike. Both loops were chosen for their views of the autumn leaves.
We understand if one hike appeals more than the other, that you may cancel once the final location has been announced. We'll send an email to all those registered on Oct. 18th with updated information. Feel free to register for this hike in the meantime.
Registration closes on Monday, October 20.
Note: We are aware that park trails may indicate they are open during the shutdown, but the bathrooms will either be closed or not cleaned, and there will not be garbage pickup. In the past, this has made the parks very unpleasant to visit during shutdowns, so we will avoid Shenandoah if the government is still closed. In fact, Skyline Drive is gated shut as of Oct. 1.
This activity is open to members and non-members of Women Outdoors. Non-members are welcome to attend two WO events as guests. On your third event, we'll ask you to join the Mid-Atlantic Region of Women Outdoors. You can also join right now by clicking on this Join Us link.
Bring:
- Water
- Trail snacks
- Brown bag lunch
- Dress for the weather
- Binoculars (optional)
- Hiking poles (optional)
- Credit/debit card/mobile app or National Park pass for entry to Shenandoah NP (no cash). Cash, credit card or VA State Park pass for Sky Meadows SP.
Specific meeting location and inclement weather information. Your automatic confirmation email will provide the exact location where we will meet for the event. It will also provide information on possible cancellation if required by weather conditions.
(Scroll all the way to the bottom of the confirmation email.)
RSVP and Cancellation – IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ
If you register but then are unable to attend, please cancel your registration. Events may be cancelled due to lack of attendance, as well as changes in weather or other circumstances.
If you must cancel at the last minute, call or text the trip leader (see your confirmation email for contact details) and let her know who it is who is calling/texting.
To Cancel: Go to your Registration List
- Click on this event in your list.
- Click on the Already registered link under the REGISTER button.
- At the next page that opens with your registration form, click on the CANCEL REGISTRATION button, and then again click on Cancel Registration on the pop-up form.
- Ignore the link to contact the administrator.
