Wednesday-Friday
Hiking, sightseeing, swimming, stargazing in Shenandoah National Park
Campground Address: 304 Big Meadows Access Road, Robertson, VA, 22851
Wednesday August 7th
Campers will arrive at camp at 9:00 am and then we will load the camping gear into the van. Once fully loaded, we will get on the road and head to Shenandoah National park.. The kids will eat lunch at a rest stop on the way. Upon arrival at Shenandoah National Park (Big Meadows campground), we will set up tents. Once we are setup, we will walk to the Lewis falls trailhead, about .3 of a mile away. We will then hike to the 81 foot tall waterfall, the 4th tallest in all of Shenandoah. It is a 3 mile loop hike that will take about 2 hours. After we get back, Paul will make a fire and dinner and kids will sit around the campfire and eat. After we eat, we will go stargazing in the campground. One of the best stargazing spots in Shenandoah National Park is conveniently located in our campground (if anyone has a telescope, you should send it with your kid on this trip – there’s fantastic views of stars and constellations in this park).
Thursday August 8th
When the kids wake up, Paul will make a fire and cook breakfast. The first activity of the day will be hiking the Hawksbill Loop Trail. It is a 2.7 mile long loop trail. The viewing platform in the middle of the hike is the highest point of elevation in all of Shenandoah National Park (4049 feet). We will have a picnic lunch at the top. This trail will take about 2 and a half to 3 hours, as we are having lunch on the trail. Please make sure your kid has a small backpack they can hold food and water in. After the hike, we will drive on Skyline Drive and go sightseeing at the overlooks (Buck Hallow overlook, The Point Overlook). At the overlooks, we will use binoculars to look for birds. After we go sightseeing, we will head back to the campground and get ready for dinner. We will make a fire and start cooking. We will finish the day by stargazing in the campground and kids will go off to bed at 9:00 pm.
Friday August 9th
Kids will wake up and Paul will cook breakfast. Following breakfast, we will pack up all of our tents and gear. Campers will be back at Valley Mill in time to catch their bus home. We will stop at a restaurant on the way back for lunch.
What to Bring on the camping trip
SUNBLOCK
3 Lunches ( will not be refrigerated )
Or $$ for Lunch on drive home Friday
Sleeping bag
Sleeping pad
Pillow
Tent – please discuss if your camper will be sharing with another camper – contact Paul with questions.
Personal Hygiene Items
Towel
Bathing suit
Sandals
Hiking Shoes
Hat
chair
Refillable water bottle
Headlamp
Warm clothes !!! Hoodie/pants
Telescope (Please let Paul know if you are willing to send it on the trip.)
Binoculars (optional)