Big Run Loop — Overnight Intro to Backpacking

OVERVIEW

Looking for a moderately-challenging, intro backpacking adventure? You’ve found it!

Big Run Loop is a circuit trail in Shenandoah National Park (~MP 81 on Skyline Drive) that offers a great opportunity for a 2-day, 1-night backpacking trip to familiarize with the fundamentals of backcountry hiking, navigation, and camping.

We will be meeting at the Chemistry Building at UVa to organize at 9:30 on Saturday March 21. Departure is at 10:00. The first leg of the hike will be 2 to 3 miles, which we will complete in the afternoon before setting up camp at an appropriate site. The following morning we will continue an additional 3 to 4 miles, completing the loop.

Temperature is expected to vary from 65+F to just above freezing, so pack clothing accordingly. Also, it is worth noting that this particular itinerary involves multiple stream crossings that are known to reach up to waist-height in Spring conditions.

Be sure to bring along some sturdy hiking boots (these will get wet), layers to accommodate for the wide range of temperatures, and basic toiletries necessary for an overnight trip. If you have a hiking pack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, personal tent, and other backpacking gear, you are welcome to bring it. If you do not have essential gear for an overnight trip, please indicate it along with the other questions on the questionnaire; we will try to provide gear as necessary.

The official SNP itinerary for this hike is available here:
http://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/upload/SHEN_BCTrip-Big_Run_Loop_and_AT_Circuit_B097.pdf

A topological map of the circuit hike is available at:
http://mrhyker.tripod.com/maps/snp-bigrunloop.jpg

General information about the trail loop itself is located at:
http://midatlantichikes.com/bigrunloop.htm