In this episode of the "Jester" Section Hiker podcast, host Julie "Jester" Gayheart shares her latest adventures, including a hike in Pennsylvania with Mary and Mike, a relaxing family visit in Ohio, and a southbound trek on the Appalachian Trail through the Shenandoah National Park. While hiking, Julie delves into the history of the park with stories from the book 'Shenandoah Secrets,' revealing fascinating tales about landmarks like Mary's Rock, Big Meadows, and Rockfish Gap. The episode concludes with Julie crossing the southern boundary of the park and reflecting on the Great American Outdoors Act. 

Resources Used In This Episode: 

Shenandoah Secrets

The Story Of The Parks Hidden Past

Written by: Carolyn and Jack Reeder

Published by: Potomac Appalachian Trail Club

PATC Website: https://www.patc.net/ 

Shenandoah NPS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shenandoahnps/ 

Far Out: https://faroutguides.com/ 

Stayed At The Following SNP Campgrounds:

https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm 

Matthews Arm - 7/26/24 - 7/28/24

Big Meadows - 7/29/24 - 7/31/24

Loft Mountain - 8/1/24 - 8/4/24

Jester's AT Southbound Itinerary Thru Shenandoah: 

7/26/24 - SNP SOBO (Far Out): 

US 522 (1225)

Compton Gap (1230.6)

5.6 Miles

7/27/24 - SNP SOBO (Far Out):

Compton Gap (1230.6)

Elkwallow Wayside (1244.1)

13.5 Miles

7/28/24 - SNP SOBO (Far Out):

Elkwallow Wayside (1244.1)

Meadow Spring Trailhead (1255.2)

11.7 Miles

7/29/24 - SNP SOBO (Far Out):

Meadow Spring Trailhead (1255.2)

Rock Spring Cabin Parking (1267.4)

12.8 Miles

7/30/24 - SNP SOBO (Far Out):

Rock Spring Cabin Parking (1267.4)

Bearfence Mountain Hut (1278.3)

11 Miles

7/31/24 - SNP SOBO (Far Out):

Bearfence Mountain Hut (1278.3)

Hightop Parking Area (1288.6)

10.3 Miles

8/1/24 - SNP SOBO (Far Out):

Hightop Parking Area (1288.6)

Ivy Creek Overlook (1300.5)

11.9 Miles

8/2/24 - SNP SOBO (Far Out):

Ivy Creek Overlook (1300.5)

Blackrock Trailhead (1311.1)

10.8 Miles

8/3/24 - SNP SOBO (Far Out):

Blackrock Trailhead (1311.1)

Sawmill Run Overlook (1322.2)

11.3

8/4/24 - SNP SOBO (Far Out):

Sawmill Run Overlook (1322.2)

Rockfish Gap (1332.9)

10.5 Miles

Connect With Jester:

Email: [email protected]

Jester's Gear: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5wx7IWX7G0 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JulieGayheart 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jestersectionhiker/

Allegheny Trail (Trailer): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpggXI74Qec 

SAFE AND FOUND: https://safe-and-found.com

Music By: Victor Lundberg "Top of The Morning"