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, but the experience differed based on the terrain. On Day 1, the trail was mostly downhill, which made the 5.5-mile descent easier, but the stream crossings presented their own challenges. The constant wet feet and careful balance on the rocks made it a more technical hike than I had anticipated. By the time I reached camp, I was tired but satisfied. The views of the waterfalls and the sound of the streams made the effort worthwhile, but my boots were soaked, and the temperature was dropping fast.
Making Camp: A Wet, Cold Night
Arriving at camp felt like an accomplishment, but the real challenge was just beginning. My boots were completely soaked, and the cold, damp night air made me realize how quickly conditions could turn in the backcountry. I set up my Zen Bivy sleep system—a quilt and sheet combination that promised warmth—and crawled into my shelter. Despite the chill, I felt safe and comfortable inside my bivy. The sound of the nearby stream helped me drift to sleep, but I couldn’t shake the thought of the uphill return the next day, with more stream crossings ahead.
A Morning Solution: Booties from Contractor Bag
The next morning, I was met with the cold reality of wet boots and cold feet. To stay warm and dry while packing up camp, I used my contractor bag (Lining to keep things dry in backpack) and made some makeshift booties. While they weren’t a perfect solution, they kept my feet warmer and dryer as I packed up and prepared for the return hike.
The Hike Back: Uphill, Rain, and the Same 13 Stream Crossings
The 5.5-mile return trip started with a gradual uphill climb, and I quickly realized just how much harder the return leg would be. After a long day of descending on Day 1, the constant uphill on Day 2 felt brutal. But the real kicker? I had to cross the same 13 streams I’d navigated the day before. Some streams had swollen with rain overnight, so what was already challenging became even trickier. Each crossing required concentration, as the water was deeper and faster than it had been the day before. The rocks were slippery, and the mud had turned the trail into a sticky mess. Every crossing felt like an obstacle, adding to the challenge of the uphill climb.
And to top it off, the rain started pouring down during the last 2 miles, turning the trail into a muddy, slippery mess. The already-difficult ascent became even more challenging, and I had to carefully navigate both the steep incline and the wet, slick rocks. By the time I reached the trailhead, I was soaked, covered in mud, and utterly exhausted. But there was also a sense of satisfaction in knowing I had conquered it all—13 stream crossings, a challenging uphill climb, and the relentless rain.
Reflections on 2024: A Year of Growth and Adventure
As I reflect on this final trip of 2024, I realize it wasn’t just the miles or the stream crossings that made it special—it was the journey itself. The 13 stream crossings on both days tested my focus and patience. The uphill climb on Day 2 forced me to dig deeper and find new reserves of energy. The rain, the mud, the wet boots—everything contributed to a truly memorable adventure.
This trip reinforced the importance of improvisation, perseverance, and accepting the challenges that come with every adventure. Whether it was fashioning booties from contractor bag liner or navigating the same stream crossings twice, I was reminded that the toughest hikes are often the most rewarding.
Looking Ahead: More Trails in 2025
With the last backpacking trip of 2024 now behind me, I’m already looking ahead to the adventures that 2025 holds. Shenandoah will always be a special place, but there are so many more trails, landscapes, and challenges to discover. This year was full of surprises and growth, and I can’t wait to see what the next one brings.
If you’re reading this and thinking about your own adventure in the new year, take it as a sign: embrace the challenge, expect the unexpected, and enjoy every moment of the journey. Here’s to more wild places, more stream crossings, and more unforgettable memories in 2025!
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