Week three of backpacking training, we went on a 10 mi hike up in the Shenandoah Mountains yesterday. Starting with a mystical mist down the mountain to an intense loop back up the mountain. After 8 miles and a 1923 ft ascent, we had a nice rest at a little waterfall. It was amazing to take the boots and socks off and step into some refreshing water. These adventures are really starting to become a staple, the more we put into it, the more fulfilling and confidence come out of it. After every trip, I learn a little more about how to prepared for the next one and little more about myself. Overnight trip next week 👌🏽 . If you’re interested in how to find trails or how to route your own check out SUBSCRIBE to our email list. Much more coming.

If you want to enjoy some scenic driving on this trip, go to the Compton Gap Parking Lot. This will take you through the park entrance will cost $15 per person. (worth it). This does have about 1.5 mi of paved and gravel road but very lightly trafficked. Start at the Compton Gap Parking lot, the trailhead goes straight into the Appalachain trail. Make sure to not miss your turn as there are some 4-way trail intersections. Be safe as you enter the descent section, rock can be slippery! Do not miss the trail that goes off the Appalachain towards the 4H Center, as you can tell, the trail is not on the map.

Once you hit the parking lot, follow the road down and go left on Harmony Hollow Rd. Stay on this until you hit a fork in the road, stay LEFT! This road will turn into gravel and will lead straight into the trail. After ascending back up, if you want to hit the waterfall, cross the road and turn left in the parking lot (don’t make the mistake of going straight as we did :p.

After the waterfall, the trail continues on the same side of the road you came out but is just a tad south. Its the trail that keeps ascending not descending. From there continue until you cross the Appalachain that you started on which will take you back the parking lot you started at.

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