“I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.” ― Henry David Thoreau, Walden: Or, Life in the Woods
After a busy summer dominated by work it was high time for a weekend getaway to the woods. I’ve come to love the subtle beauty and rich woodland experiences that characterize any trip to Shenandoah. We had booked a wonderful cabin – High Laurel Inn – for the weekend. Situated on the edge of the National Park (the back fence of the property is the Park boundary!), it was the perfect spot. We could hike from our doorstep.
Our home for the weekend
The front of the cabin
Day 1: 14 September 2013 / Paine Run Trail and Trayfoot Mountain Trail Loop / 10 miles
The leaves are turning; fall is on the way
On the Appalachian Trail
The halfway point of the day’s walk was also the most spectacular viewpoint, the summit of Blackrock mountain:
A contender for the best vantage point in the Shenandoah National Park perhaps?
Me and Lexi on the summit of Blackrock
Blackrock mountain summit panorama
Onwards to our next summit, Trayfoot Mountain
Snakeskin
Yogini Lexi showing good form on the shoulder of Blackrock Mountain
My own attempt
Hairy caterpillar
Beware of the Yellow Jacket Wasps on Trayfoot Mountain – I was stung 4 times after stepping on a ground nest on the trail. I can tell you they HURT!
Wooded mountains
Sunset from the balcony of the cabin
Meet the locals
Day 2: 15 September 2013 / South River Falls / 8 mile out and back
On the Appalachian trail
Spot the caterpillar
Looking down to South River Falls
Humbled by the scale of it all
South River
Trail through the woods
Lexi finds the clearing
Wild flowers
Ben Collins Outdoors 
Helen and I enjoyed having you both ay High Laurel and loved seeing your pictures !
Thanks Jim! We had a wonderful stay. Until next time!
Wow I am so so jealous…..can i go next year please for my annual trip
As always Ben clean and crisp photos and nice post.
Thanks for checking it out Martin. Wonderful weekend. Great walking and very different to the UK!