We enjoyed our early May 2019 trip to Shenandoah National Park so much that we made another trip three weeks later in late May 2019. Our first hike was on the Appalachian Trail from Swift Run Gap north 3.0 miles to the South River picnic grounds.
For the first two miles, the trail climbs at an average grade of 10½% passing the Saddleback Trail intersection at 1.5 miles. The final mile descends about 300 feet for an average descending grade of 5½%.
A Shenandoah National Park entry fee of $30 per vehicle, $25 per motorcycle, or $15 per person is valid for seven consecutive days. Other fee payment options include the America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands passes including the Annual Pass ($80), Senior Pass ($80 for a lifetime), Access Pass (free with a documented disability), and Military Annual Pass (free for active-duty personnel). Also available is a Shenandoah Annual Pass for $55.
Topographic map with GPS route |
Elevation profile |
One of two parallel parking areas on Skyline Drive at Swift Run Gap |
Trailhead |
First blaze |
Sidehill climbing |
The fallen tree ahead took out the canopy allowing sunlight to reach the forest floor |
Sunlight on the ground here is due to a powerline right of way |
Typical trail conditions |
Just cut out enough to get one knee at a time through |
Straight into a denser forest |
Well-spaced log stairs |
Spring ephemerals have been overtaken by other vegetation |
Saddleback Mountain Trail junction |
Typical trail conditions |
Blowdown sculpture |
Approaching South River Hut Road junction (Turn left here and follow the dirt road) |
Follow the road for about 900 feet... |
...until the trail turns right at another double blaze |
The trail quickly reverts to a footpath |
Another clearing in the forest |
Definitely a duck-under |
A plethora of ferns between the trail and the picnic grounds |
End of the line for us as we take the 500-foot side-trail to the left |
Trailhead signage at the picnic grounds |
The Shenandoah National Park website is https://www.nps.gov/shen/index.htm.
The Appalachian National Scenic Trail website is https://www.nps.gov/appa/index.htm.
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy website is http://www.appalachiantrail.org/.
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