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Epic Fall Road Trip from Matthews: Hiking Highest Peaks & Camping in Shenandoah

Viewed by 92 travelers

Day Day 1: Travel & Scenic Drive

Matthews, NC on October 1, 2025

12:00pm

Depart from Matthews, NC

Begin your road trip heading north, planning for a scenic drive through Virginia with potential quick stops for snacks or short breaks.
$0, 4h drive

4:00pm

Arrive in Harrisburg, PA

Check into a local hotel or campground for an overnight stay to rest after the day's drive.
$100, 1h check-in

6:30pm

Dinner at Central PA Steak & Seafood

Enjoy a hearty dinner featuring local seafood or steak options to refuel after your travel.
$30, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Matthews

Day Day 2: Peak Hiking & Exploration

Pennsylvania, PA on October 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Broad Street Market

Start your day with fresh coffee and hearty breakfast options at Harrisburg's historic indoor market.
$15, 1h

9:00am

Head to Mount Davis

Drive to the highest point in Pennsylvania, Mount Davis, for a scenic hike and panoramic views.
$0, 45 min drive

10:00am

Hike Mount Davis Trail

Enjoy a 2-mile round-trip hike through forested trails leading to the summit, taking in stunning vistas of PA countryside.
$0, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Dairy Queen, Bedford

Grab a quick and satisfying lunch with burgers, fries, and ice cream to recharge after the hike.
$20, 1h

2:30pm

Explore nearby State Parks or scenic drives

Take time to explore additional natural sights or scenic drives around the area.
$0, 2h

4:30pm

Check into accommodations in Harrisburg or nearby

Relax and prepare for the next day's adventures, possibly opting for local lodging or a campsite.
$100, 1h
Find Hotels in Pennsylvania

Day Day 3: Shenandoah Camping & Nature

Shenandoah Valley, VA on October 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Start the day with coffee and breakfast in Harrisburg before heading south.
$15, 45 min

8:30am

Drive to Shenandoah National Park

Enjoy a leisurely drive through Virginia's scenic countryside towards Shenandoah, approximately 3-4 hours.
$0, 4h drive

12:30pm

Lunch en route at a Rest Area or roadside café

Quick lunch stop to refuel for the afternoon hike and camping setup.
$20, 1h

2:00pm

Set up camp in Shenandoah Valley NP

Arrive at a designated campground, settle in, and get ready for hiking and exploring.
$30 for campsite fee, 1h

3:00pm

Hike to Old Rag or Stony Man Mountain

Embark on an iconic Shenandoah hike for breathtaking mountain views and forest scenery; verify trail opening times.
$0, 3-4h

7:00pm

Dinner at camp or nearby lodge

Cook your own camp dinner or dine at a park lodge if open, enjoying the crisp mountain air.
$20, 1h
Find Hotels in Shenandoah Valley

Day Day 4: Highest Point in MD & Scenic Return

Maryland, MD on October 4, 2025

6:30am

Early breakfast at campsite

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before a full day of adventure.
$15, 45 min

8:00am

Drive to Backbone Mountain

Head to Maryland's highest point for a morning hike, about 2 hours from Shenandoah.
$0, 2h drive

10:30am

Hike to the summit of Backbone Mountain

Enjoy a moderate hike to Maryland's highest elevation, with panoramic mountain views.
$0, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at a local café in Cumberland, MD

Relax with a casual lunch, perhaps at a local diner known for regional fare.
$20, 1h

2:30pm

Begin return trip south to Matthews, NC

Start heading back home at a comfortable pace, with optional scenic detours.
$0, 8h drive
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