Celebrate 2025 Hangout/Backpack Trip Beginners and Seasoned Backpackers Welcome

This is a beginner friendly trip, however, please note that this is a winter backpacking trip so please ensure that you have the proper gear. This trip is open to new and seasoned backpackers. New people welcomed! If you do not have all your backpacking gear reach out to us, we have gear we can lend.

No one will be left behind!!! Stacy will be leading the pack and Wally, and I will be sweeping.

We will enjoy the view from several different cliffs including North Mount Marshall along our trek. It is said that Mount Marshall is named for John Marshall. He served as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court from 1801 to 1835.

We will be taking a shuttle on this trip. All shuttle fees will be split evenly between everyone going.

Because this is a small parking lot with space for only 6 cars everyone will need to carpool. We will figure out carpool details and shuttle fees 2 weeks before the trip at which time RSVP's will close and shuttle fees will need to be paid.
FRIDAY:
Drive up Friday and park at US Route 522 AT Mile Marker 972.4 at 2834 Remount RD, Front Royal, VA 22630 (38.87804 N, 78.15065 W) and park our cars. Please arrive by 215pm the shuttle will arrive at 230pm.
We will shuttle to a parking area on Skyline drive AT mile marker 957.7. We will hike to…
Mile marker 959.0 Gravel Springs Hut - Space for 10 in shelter and tent sites, spring, privy, bear pole. This is a short 1.3-mile hike in for the night so let’s kick off the new year and have some fun by bringing in something to share with the group. Pick your poison…. cheese, crackers, wine, a fire log, glow sticks the sky is the limit.
SATURDAY:
We will hike 10.5 miles to AT mile marker 969.5 Tom Floyd Wayside Shelter – Space for 6, large porch with benches, a gear loft, bear pole, privy.
SUNDAY:
We will hike 2.9 miles back to our cars and head home at US Route 522 AT Mile Marker 972.4.
Everyone must register themselves for an overnight backcountry pass in the Shenandoahs individually, as there is now a small fee. Link here: Backcountry Permit & Regulations - Shenandoah National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
Backpacking Suggested Gear Link:
https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacking-checklist.html
Questions feel free to reach out to your hosts:
Stacy: 804-937-3943
Debdeb: 804-920-6340