Swift Run Gap to South River Picnic Grounds - Appalachian Trail - Shenandoah National Park

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%.

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

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. 

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/.