Big Meadows Shenandoah National parks worth bringing bikes?

[Ohiomike]

Originally Posted by twogypsies

When measuring your height remember to include the AC & anything else that sticks up over the roof.

Definitely going to conquer a fear of heights in next few days getting on roof for ac measurements. Lol might call a neighbor to do it haha.

[QuickT]

We camp at Big Meadows quite often. Bikes are definitely a plus around the campground for the kids to ride. Also there is a pavement Hiking/Bike path from the campground up to the store/nature historical visitors center there at Big Meadows. We ride our bikes to the store often with the kids to get the homemade blackberry ice cream and cobbler. Gotta stop in and get some every time we go. You'll love your stay. Gorgeous views, and a lot of trails if you guys like hiking. Have fun.

[Hokie-Dave]

I agree with some others that suggested renting a car once you are in the area. There are some hikes right off of Big Meadows, but there are other great hikes within a short drive from campground. We were just there 2 weekends ago and hiked BearFence Rock Scramble and had a blast, which was a 5 mile drive from the campground.

dave

[Ohiomike]

Originally Posted by Hokie-Dave

I agree with some others that suggested renting a car once you are in the area. There are some hikes right off of Big Meadows, but there are other great hikes within a short drive from campground. We were just there 2 weekends ago and hiked BearFence Rock Scramble and had a blast, which was a 5 mile drive from the campground.

dave

Thanks for the suggestion on the hike. We decided to drive separately so we will have a car. We are also staying 3 nights at Canaan valley West Virginia so driving separate makes sense vs renting.

Is the Bear fence hike something that I could take twin 3 year olds on?

[Hokie-Dave]

Originally Posted by Ohiomike

Thanks for the suggestion on the hike. We decided to drive separately so we will have a car. We are also staying 3 nights at Canaan valley West Virginia so driving separate makes sense vs renting.

Is the Bear fence hike something that I could take twin 3 year olds on?

YW. I probably wouldn't take the 3 year olds on that one but I did see quite a few small kids on the hike. But there is another trail that parallels it that is the alternate way if you don't want to do the rock scramble.

Dark Hollow Falls is a nice hike also. Here is a page with the different hikes and the mile markers where the trailheads start. It shows the difficulty and length.

https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvis...ortunities.htm

dave

[Cooperhawk]

Haven't been to Big Meadow for quite a few years now since we moved away, but used to go several times a Summer. Loved that place.


I once let our family of four with one four year old trek down a trail to a water fall. My four year old son ran out of steam on the way up and I ended up carrying him up the mountain. Won't do that one again.


Also we were once out in the meadow picking wild strawberries when we noticed another family joining us. They were BEARS! The berries were good, but not that good.


BTW, the Appalachian Trail runs through there. Plenty of hiking for all.

[MtnGuy]

Originally Posted by Ohiomike

Is the Bear fence hike something that I could take twin 3 year olds on?

Originally Posted by Hokie-Dave

YW. I probably wouldn't take the 3 year olds on that one but I did see quite a few small kids on the hike.

I agree with Hokie-Dave on that. Although the view is fantastic at top, there are just too many places that a 3 year old could fall at the rock scramble.

[Ohiomike]

Sounds food I’ll skip the rocky scramble with the boys. I’ll probably start with the easier stuff and work our way up. I’m sure even the easier hikes are really nice views and a lot of fun.

Thanks for all the suggestions we are looking forward to this trip.

[Superslif]

Originally Posted by Ohiomike

I am heading to stay at big meadows next month. Are there any bike paths at the park or near campground or should I just leave bikes and plan to hike?

I’m also planning on not bringing another vehicle. It appears my Ace should be able to go through the entire Skyline Drive route. We don’t have a dolly or car suitable to flat tow and won’t have one in time. Has anyone driven the drive with a motorhome and if so any issues?

The campground is on a slight hill. Bike-able, but a little harder for kids.
The main road into the campground (3/4 of a mile) is somewhat flat and has a bike path. So you can bike up to the visitor center and store. I would not bike on Skyline Drive unless you are a regular commuter bikes as the road offer very little shoulder.



We also stayed at Loft Mtn Campground 30 minutes south on the Skyline drive. That one the campground is a little more level. But only the campground. The access road is downhill.

[Ohiomike]

Originally Posted by Superslif

The campground is on a slight hill. Bike-able, but a little harder for kids.
The main road into the campground (3/4 of a mile) is somewhat flat and has a bike path. So you can bike up to the visitor center and store. I would not bike on Skyline Drive unless you are a regular commuter bikes as the road offer very little shoulder.



We also stayed at Loft Mtn Campground 30 minutes south on the Skyline drive. That one the campground is a little more level. But only the campground. The access road is downhill.

Thanks sounds like within campground and the access road there should be plenty for the kids. We plan to hike mornings and relax in afternoons.

Would we be able to drive the skyline drive in a minivan in one day?

[Hokie-Dave]

Originally Posted by Ohiomike

Thanks sounds like within campground and the access road there should be plenty for the kids. We plan to hike mornings and relax in afternoons.

Would we be able to drive the skyline drive in a minivan in one day?

Sure you can drive it in one day. Just give yourself time because you are going to want to pull off on all the overlooks to take in the sights and take pictures. It will take a while if you are planning on driving the whole thing as Skyline Drive is a 35MPH road. I would definitely take things for the boys to keep them occupied in the car, they WILL get bored!

dave

[Ohiomike]

Originally Posted by Hokie-Dave

Sure you can drive it in one day. Just give yourself time because you are going to want to pull off on all the overlooks to take in the sights and take pictures. It will take a while if you are planning on driving the whole thing as Skyline Drive is a 35MPH road. I would definitely take things for the boys to keep them occupied in the car, they WILL get bored!

dave

Awesome. I’ll probably just split it into two days. Make life easier and then we can pick a hike in northern and southern areas of park.