Hiking in the Shenandoah National Park

Last year, for Hank's birthday, I purchased an annual pass to all of the National Parks.  We were able to fit in a lot of short hikes up in the Shenandoah National Park on Skyline Drive.  We started out with the Hawksbill Summit.  That may not have been the best one for our first time, LOL  We took my sister and her husband with us.  It was a very steep climb to the top.  Hank and I had to back track to find my sister which we found both winded and resting on a rock.  My brother-in-law made the comment that if he could get his foot up he'd kick me in the ass, LOL  But we all made it to the top and enjoyed some breathtaking views.   We did find that there was another route down which was more moderate.   We probably should have used that route up.  The Stonyman hike over at the entrance to Skyland Resort is a much better, more moderate gradual hike that I would recommend highly to anyone that wants something a little easier. 

We've also hiked Mary's Rock.  That was a very nice hike at the Panarama entrance to Skyline Drive.  Some of our repeat guests; Sally, John Sr and John Jr did that hike following a snow.  Sally was not a happy camper and says that she would not recommend it after a snow.  It was slippery and the snow was falling off of the trees onto their heads.  They didn't make it to the top to enjoy the spectacular views. 

We've also done Bear Fence hike.  It has a rock scramble with fantastic views.  We did however have to rescue to ladies that got near the top of the rock scramble and couldn't seem to find their way off.  You could tell that they were scared, sitting there on the rocks when we found them.  The one was still snapping pictures left and right anyway.  LOL 

We are looking forward to many more hikes this coming spring.  We've had a lot of snow fall over the winter; 60.1 inches to be exact!!  The waterfall hikes should be spectacular!!!!!  We're also planning to do Old Rag.... more on that later. Need to plan your next hike, http://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/hiking.htm We look forward to seeing you up there!!  You might also enjoy some of our outdoor packages; http://www.pineyhillbandb.com/packages.html