|
|
| *Vultures Knob>>>Trail Map |
Are there good tent sites for camping along the Appalachian Trail in the Shenandoah National Park? |
I am planning a section hike in the Shenandoah National Park in September/October. I've studied the maps and SNP guide book. Any information or suggestions that can be offered concerning camping sites near the trail -- especially in the Southern and Central Districts -- would be appreciated. Since the park can be crowded in the fall I would like to avoid the shelters/huts, especially on the weekends. In AT guide books, the trail log will mention camping/tenting sites, but the gide book on the SNP rarely mentions any. I am familiar with the backcountry camping requirements and restrictions (the Park has a really great brochure), but I figure those who have actually hiked the trail would have the best suggestions to where to find quite, uncrowded camp sites along the AT. Thanks for the info. Accommodations Throughout the length of the trail there are various shelters and camp sites available for hikers. The shelters, often called lean-tos, are generally open three-walled structures with a wooden floor. Some shelters are much more complex in structure; however, for the most part function opposed to form is the focus in their construction. Shelters are spaced less than a day's hike apart, most often near a water source and with a privy. They generally have spaces for tent sites in the vicinity as well. It is advisable always to carry a tent when overnighting on the Trail, because shelters may be filled to capacity. These shelters are generally well-maintained by local volunteers and kept in good condition, although in spite of this mice and other rodents often make their homes inside or nearby. Almost all shelters have one or more pre-hung food hangers (generally consisting of a short nylon cord with an upside-down tuna can suspended halfway down its length) for hikers to hang their food bags on. In hiker lingo these are sometimes called "mouse trapezes", and while they usually prevent mice from reaching hung food, they are not by any means foolproof. Another option is to hang one's food from a tree branch or between two trees, using the standard bear bagging method, which is recommended in bear country. Source(s): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/appalachian... http://www.shenandoah.national-park.com/... http://www.appalachiantrail.org/site/c.j... I'm not sure what you mean by campsites. Commercial campgrounds? Where I've been, you camp out in the woods, out of sight of the trail. Sleeping in the shelters is prohibited, although people do it. They think they're in such a remote place they'll never get caught, and then a guy drives up in a pickup truck on a road they didn't even see. Yes there are |
| Tags |
| Bike Race Bike Insurance Bike Repair Bicycle Shop Bike Tours Trail Map Bike Pedals Bike Lock Bike Lights Bike Helmet |
Bike Categories--Copyright/IP Policy--Contact Webmaster |