What is the closest National Park to Cleveland (after CVNP)? I would have guessed Great Smoky Mountains NP... but it is Shenandoah NP at about 350 miles driving distance from Akron, OH!
A group of us are doing The Old Rag Mountain Trail on Friday, Nov 15th / very difficult 9.4 miles round trip / with large boulder scrambling. On Saturday we have yet to decide, maybe Hawksbill and Stony Man Mtn. summit loops, and Sunday is open for suggestions.
This is a car/RV/tent type camping trip. Not overnight backpacking. No electric hookups, limited cell phone coverage, but the campground has hot showers ($5 for ten minutes) and flush toilets. Campground closes Dec. 1 for the season. Suggest getting a reservation soon as possible as all weekends are nearly filled up through the 2024 season. A few people are renting a private Airbnb (accommodating 4 people) nearby so contact me if interested in that. Skyland Lodge within the park is also nearby and has (expensive) rooms available this weekend of our trip.
There is a $30 entrance fee/pass per vehicle to enter Shenandoah NP, good for one week. Also, a permit costing $2 per person/ per day is required to hike the Old Rag Mountain Trail.
While not guaranteed, if there are any remaining tickets after the 30-day and 5-day booking windows, they will be available to purchase the day of. Cell service or an internet connection is needed to make the transaction, neither of which is available at the Old Rag Entrance Station.
The Big Meadows campsites and entrance passes can be reserved and purchased in advance at www.Recreation.gov and seniors (over 62) can get 50% off camping fees and a free entrance pass with a Lifetime Senior/or Golden Passport card.
My campsite reservation is in the 'A' loop of Big Meadows Campground for 5 nights, but most of the group so far are only staying 3 nights Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. You can choose to stay two, three, or five nights, whichever works for your schedule!
How to stay warm in near freezing (at night) outdoor camping conditions? Without an outlet for powering an electric heater?
===Mr. Heater Little Buddy propane heaters are safe to use indoors (with proper ventilation) and can run 5 hours on a one lb. disposable canister.
===Hot water bottles (like flexible rubber ones available at drug stores) fill with very hot water (from boiling stove water) and will not leak inside sleeping bag, warm for hours.
===Long synthetic or wool/cotton blend underwear, a knit hat, and a cold weather (at least rated to 20 degrees) sleeping bag.
===A fabric folding cot or several closed foam sleeping pads to insulate from the cold tent floor/ground causing much heat loss when sleeping.
===Eat or drink hot foods before going to bed, your body will generate more heat during the night. Vacate the bladder during the night as needed because that water in your abdomen can make you feel cold at night.
## Big Meadows Campground
This expansive campground offers more than 200 campsites, including sites that can accommodate larger groups. Picnic areas are provided, as well as conveniences like flush toilets, showers and a dump station which creates a comfortable camping experience. There is limited WIFI access at the Byrd Visitor Center and Big Meadows Lodge. Cell phone reception is available at the Amphitheater.
## Natural Features
Shenandoah National Park spans 300 square miles of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the southern Appalachians. The park rises above the Virginia Piedmont to its east and the Shenandoah Valley to its west.
The scenery at Big Meadows Campground never disappoints, with a stunning array of colors in the fall and a blanket of bright wildflowers in the spring. This green and shady campground is a wilderness paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
## Recreation
Shenandoah National Park has over 500 miles of trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Some trails lead to a waterfall or viewpoint while others wind deep into the forest and wilderness.
Big Meadows is near many of the major facilities and popular hiking trails in the park. Three waterfalls are within walking distance, and the Meadow, with its abundant plant growth and wildlife, is an ideal nearby attraction.
Wildlife viewing is also a popular pastime, with black bears, wild turkey, deer, birds and countless other animals thriving in the park.
The campground is also located right off the famous Skyline Drive, which runs 105 miles north and south along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Stunning views are visible from any of the 75 scenic overlooks.
