RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia National Guard Association is hosting its first ever fall hike and camporee October 22, 2022, at the Loft Mountain Campground in Crozet, Virginia— the largest campground within Shenandoah National Park!

Virginia National Guard Officers, Warrant Officers and their Families are invited to participate and can register here. The National Park Service’s “America the Beautiful – Military Pass” is available for current U.S. military members and their dependents. This pass covers over 2,000 federal recreation sites. The pass must be obtained in person at one of the NPS entrance stations by showing a valid Common Access Card (CAC) or other Military ID (Form 1173). Learn more about the Military Pass.

The organizers have identified four hikes that can be completed during the hike. For an easy hike, the Frazier Discovery Trail is roughly two miles in length and takes approximately 60 minutes to complete. This trail provides scenic views, as well as exposure to Virginia’s wildlife. This trail is “Kid Friendly,” but not pet friendly.

Another easy hike is the Doyles River Trail, which is roughly three and a half miles and is estimated to take two-and-a-half hours to complete but includes views of waterfalls. This trail is pet and kid friendly.

For moderately skilled hikers, the Jones Run Trail is four-and-a-half miles long and takes about two-and-a-half hours to complete. The pet and kid friendly trail includes views of the river and several waterfalls.

If you’re a moderate-to-advanced hiker, the Loft Mountain Campground Path combined with the Jones Run Trail is 10.9 miles long and should take six hours to complete. This lengthy hike is known for its scenic lookout points over the Shenandoah Valley.

The association is ready for a fun and family-friendly evening, complete with campfires, games and refreshments, located at the Loft Mountain Campground beginning at 7:30 p.m. Download a map of the park here.

Limited camping spots (tent only) are available.

Loft Mountain is located between the Rockfish Gap entrance station (Waynesboro, I-64) at the southern end of the park, and the Swift Run Gap entrance station (Elkton, US 33). From Richmond, Virginia (via Rockfish Gap): travel west on Interstate 64 for approximately 87 miles, then take exit 99 and follow signs to Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive. Once on the Skyline Drive, head north approximately 25 miles to mile 79.5, where you will arrive at Loft Mountain Campground.

About VNGA: Established in 1960, the Virginia National Guard Association (“VNGA”) is a IRS-recognized 501(c)(19) non-profit veterans’ service association representing over 10,000 Soldiers, Airmen and retirees of all ranks and status; enlisted, warrant and officer; traditional, active duty and retired. The VNGA is not endorsed by or legally affiliated with the Virginia National Guard, the National Guard, the Department of Defense, or the Commonwealth of Virginia.