Last Backpacking Adventure of 2024: SNP Jeremy’s Run
December 28th and 29th 2024 As 2024 drew to a close, I knew I had to squeeze in one final adventure before the year ended. Originally, I had planned a simple 3-mile out-and-back to Little Crease in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest. But with a late start and a longer-than-expected drive (it was already past noon), I made the decision to head to Shenandoah National Park—a place I know well and love. I opted for the Jeremy’s Run Trail starting at the Elkwallow Wayside Trailhead. What was supposed to be a straightforward hike turned into one of the most memorable trips of the year. An Unexpected Adventure: What began as a short, easy hike quickly became a challenging 11-mile journey. The Jeremy’s Run Trail took me through dense woods, past waterfalls, and across 13 stream crossings. Each stream crossing was different: some required navigating slippery rocks, others had me wading through the cool, fast-moving waters. Both days of hiking were 5.5 miles each,...