Details:

Hiking Level

Intermediate

Distance and Parcours

5-11 miles daily, 3 days, small mountains

What's Included:

• Fully guided tour with 2 on-trail guides including at least one Wilderness First Responder
• Pre-tour group call to discuss details of the trip and how to pack and prepare
• All camping gear if you need it
• Access to and assitance using backpacking cooking supplies (stoves etc.)
• Blaze Adventure Tours tri-blend T-shirt and nalgene water bottle
• GPS mapping
• Free post trip pictures and video

What You Need

• Hiking and camping clothing
• Packed meals
• Ability to hike comfortably for a minimum of 5 hours with a 30-lb pack. Make sure to practice on similar terrain. We are happy to give advice on how to prepare if you need a bit more bike experience
   

The Lowdown

Join us for an unforgettable 3-day, 23-mile backpacking journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Shenandoah National Park! Designed for intermediate hikers, this trip takes you deep into the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, where we’ll summit three iconic Shenandoah peaks, traverse scenic ridgelines, and camp beneath a canopy of stars. With perfect spring weather fueling our adventure, expect crisp mornings, mild afternoons, and trails lined with vibrant wildflowers.

✅ Summit Rocky Top, Brown Mountain, and Rocky Mountain – Enjoy sweeping, panoramic views of Shenandoah’s rolling peaks.
✅ Springtime Scenery – Wildflowers in full bloom, lush green valleys, and rushing mountain streams.
✅ Well-Planned Itinerary – A balanced mix of rewarding climbs, ridge walking, and relaxing campsites.
✅ Wildlife & Solitude – Keep an eye out for white-tailed deer, black bears (from a safe distance!), and soaring raptors.
✅ Professional Guidance – Learn backcountry skills, navigation tips, and the best local trail knowledge.

Join us and learn why the best way to see the world is on foot.

What You'll Love

🌿 The Beauty of Spring in Shenandoah – The forest bursts to life with vibrant greens, blooming mountain laurel, and crisp, fresh air.
🔥 Evenings at Camp – Unwind after a rewarding day of hiking with good company, delicious camp meals, and a sky full of stars. Let the nearby stream lull you to sleep.
🥾 The Thrill of the Summits – The rewarding feeling of standing atop Rocky Top, Brown Mountain, and Rocky Mountain, soaking in breathtaking 360-degree views.
🌄 Mornings in the Wilderness – Wake up to birdsong, mist rolling through the valleys, and the peaceful quiet of nature before the day begins.
🗺️ The Journey, Not Just the Destination – This isn’t just a hike—it’s an adventure filled with camaraderie, exploration, and unforgettable moments in the backcountry.

The Trip

Day 1 - 5 miles: Meet us at the trailhead on the iconic Skyline Drive! Be sure to follow the speed limit and keep an eye out for wildlife. Skyline Drive is littered with stunning overlooks, so we recommend allowing ample time for pit stops on your way in! We'll distribute gear and help you pack up before we hit the trail. Day 1 will be mostly downhill before we reach the wilderness valley of Big Run. Expect to get your feet wet on a few stream crossings! After about 5 miles of hiking, we'll set up our creek-side base camp for the weekend. There will be plenty of time to learn backcountry skills such as how to hang a bear bag, water filtration, and leave no trace!

Day 2 - 11 miles: Rise and shine to the smell of fresh coffee brewed by your guides! Be sure to eat a hearty breakfast because day 2 includes 11 miles of hiking up to the summit of Rockytop. The southern district of Shenandoah is known for its rugged, rocky outcroppings. This geology allows for beautiful alpine zone hiking - a rarity in the Blue Ridge Mountains!

Day 3 - 8 miles: The final day will take us 8 miles up to the summits of Brown Mountain and Rocky Mountain. Although the mileage is less than day 2, there is no shortage of elevation gain for this last section of hiking. There's no doubt you'll feel a sense of accomplishment when we make it back to Skyline Drive! Cap off an epic weekend in the mountains with some food and refreshments at the Loft Mountain Wayside, or pick up a souvenir and support our national parks!