Tag Page Shenandoah

BubblyBat

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shenandoah trip plans hit a snag—need hike ideas

We landed in DC with our hiking boots laced up and high hopes for a week of adventure. There are four of us, all in our 50s and 60s, and we’ve been planning this trip for months—Shenandoah, New River Gorge, and then Smoky Mountain National Park. The main thing we were looking forward to was the Old Rag hike. We even practiced some scrambling at home just to be ready. But now, we just found out the Old Rag hike is cancelled. I have to admit, we’re pretty disappointed. It’s like finally getting to the front of the line at your favorite bakery, only to find out they’re out of your favorite pastry! We’re not ready to give up on Shenandoah, though. The weather’s not great, and some trails are closed, but we still want something challenging—ideally a hike with some scrambling, not just a flat walk in the woods. We don’t mind a bit of mud or a few obstacles; that’s half the fun at our age! Has anyone found a good alternative hike nearby that still gives you that sense of adventure? I’d love to hear about any hidden gems or backup plans that worked for you when things didn’t go as planned. It feels like every time we try to get out and do something exciting, Mother Nature throws us a curveball! #Shenandoah #Hiking #TravelPlans #Travel

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EnigmaEagle

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shenandoah vs cuyahoga: which park for a 3-day getaway?

So, here’s the deal: My partner and I are itching to get out of the house for a 3-day weekend in May, and we’ve narrowed it down to Shenandoah or Cuyahoga National Park. Both are about the same drive from us, so distance isn’t really a factor. We love hiking (though my knees sometimes complain on the way down), and we’re hoping to catch some beautiful waterfalls—something to make us forget the endless yard work waiting at home! Here’s where I’m stuck: Shenandoah looks stunning in photos, with those rolling mountains and all, but I’ve heard it can get pretty crowded, especially on weekends. Cuyahoga, on the other hand, seems a bit more low-key, but I’m worried it might not have the same ‘wow’ factor. Plus, I don’t want to spend half the trip waiting in line for a parking spot or dodging crowds on the trails. Has anyone done both parks around this time of year? Did you find one was better for peaceful hikes and actually spotting waterfalls (not just a trickle)? And, honestly, which park has the better food options nearby? Last time we tried a new spot, we ended up driving 20 minutes for a breakfast sandwich that was just…meh. Would love to hear your real experiences—especially if you’ve got tips for avoiding the crowds or hidden gems for lunch! #nationalparks #shenandoah #cuyahoga #hiking #waterfalls #Travel

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