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April 2025 (Part 01)

A Weekend in Shenandoah National Park

Andy wanted to go camping with Steve.  He is hoping to hike the Appalachian Trail through the park before he starts his residency on 7 Jun and wanted to get more familiar with setting up the tent, cooking with the camp stove, and all the other stuff he just hadn't done before.  Getting the trip planned was a challenge.  First we couldn't get a campsite as it was Easter weekend, but fortunately there was a late cancellation.  Then we wanted to go hike Old Rag on Saturday, only to discover late the night before that there was now a permit system as both the trail and parking lot were simply getting too crowded.  Naturally, there weren't any permits left.  So, we changed and decided to hike Little Devils Staircase, starting from the parking lot at Keyser Run off Skyline Drive, which adds a mile and and back out to the loop over starting at the bottom.  Also realized, this route meant doing the harder uphill section later, when it was a bit warmer.  A challenging hike, but well worth it.

Andy brought subs from Jimmy Johns.  Here is our picnic spot.

We enjoyed camping at Big Meadows Campground.  Glad we had a tent spot which put us on the outside with a bit more sheltered and quieter spot.  On Easter Sunday, we went a bit on the AT, then went down to Rapidan Camp which was a rustic retreat and fishing camp used by President Hoovers from 1929-33.  This was a really nice valley and hike down, taking just under 2 miles each way.

Some spring flowers up.  These defied the mantra of leaves of three, let them be.