Annual Trip to Big Meadows in Shenandoah National Park to
View the Deer Fawns and Enjoy a Beautiful Vista or a Waterfall!

This is a Very Easy/Newbie Friendly Hike in SNP!

Who doesn't like fawns? Cute and playful they amuse us with their antics, wobbly legs, and innocent demeanors. There are few symbols of parental devotion more endearing than a mother doe standing watch over her young fawn. If only there was a place where you could go to witness this magnificence of nature and be confident you will indeed get to see it!

Lucky for us, there is! Every June, in SNP Big Meadow's are becomes a nursery for dozens of newborn fawns. Not only will you see more deer than you can shake a stick at. It gets' even better, the deer are very habituated to people, allowing you a chance to watch fawns up close and personal. PLEASE do not get too close and invade the fawns comfort zone; staying at least thirty feet away. But don't be surprised it a fawn and his mother who become comfortable enough with your presence, walk  right past you-a thrilling and beautiful gift of trust.

After we have had our fill of the fawns, figuratively, not literally, we will enjoy more of this fabulous national park with your choice of either a short jaunt to either Dark Hollow Falls or the magnificent vista offered by Hawksbill Overlook. Both hikes are easy and newbie friendly and it boils down to if you prefer a waterfall or vista hike today as they are both spectacular. This makes more of a day out of the trip as I do not want any of us to drive all the way out there and then just hike one or 2 miles and turn around and drive right back home, so we will have several options to make a day of it, yay!

Pace Options

We break down into groups no larger than 15 hikers per leader/sweep team for a more enjoyable experience for all of us and is better for the environment. Large groups really take away from the hiking experience for everyone on the trail and not just our group. For this particular hike you have 2 to choose from so you can hike with others of a similar pace. Paces should be based on your preference but also please know your limitations.

Pace Option 1: A walk-in-the-woods or nature enjoyment pace. Call it a stroll if you prefer but I call it the speed necessary to take the huge amounts of wildlife that should be present this day.  Plus if you go too fast you can trip over a deer fawn and that would not be good times. This is also the pace for those of you wanting to take a lot of pics.

Pace Option 2: A moderate pace of about 2.5mph and the average hiking pace used as a baseline in most hiking books. This is the pace for you if you are looking to get a workout out of this hike.

Deer Fawn Hike Information

Activity Type: Hiking
Nearby City: Big Meadows
Length: 2-6 Mile Loop Depending On How Long You Wish To Stay and Enjoy the Fawns.
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Trail Type: Dirt trails created by the deer throughout the meadows which are very easy to follow around to see the fawns.
Difficulty: Very Easy and Newbie Friendly

Park Fee
Many of our members have passes so please coordinate amongst yourselves to help cut expenses! The entry fee for Skyline Drive for all vehicles is $15 for a single car. Passes, which are valid for unlimited entries within a seven-day period, are issued. Payment may be made with cash, credit, or debit cards. If you plan visiting more than once it is well worth it to purchase a pass!

Post Fawn Hiking Options

Hike Option 1: Dark Hollow Falls

A short out-and-back hike to one of the park's most popular and easily accessible falls is one choice for you after you have had your fill of the adorable fawns. For this next short and easy trek, we simply walk a short ways from where we are already parked for the Fawn adventure to begin this one... The hike is .7 miles out for a round trip of 1.4 miles. The waters of Dark Hollow Falls cascade down some 70 feet over four major sets of cascades. 

Activity Type: Hiking
Nearby City: Big Meadows
Length: 1.4 Easy Loop
Elevation Gain: 440 Feet
Trail Type: Out and Back
Difficulty: Easy

Season: Spring through fall, but glorious at anytime!

Hike Option 2: Hawksbill Summit: The Highest Peak In The Park, Yet It Is An Easy Hike!

This is an easy, favorite hike that starts at a high elevation and gets to the top of things in Shenandoah. Along the way you'll enter a sky island of Canadian-type forest. Outcrops below the summit are just warm-ups for the nearly 360-degree view from the summit of Hawksbill.

Activity Type: Hiking
Nearby City: Big Meadows
Length: 2.2 Easy Loop
Elevation Gain: 500
Trail Type: Out and Back
Difficulty: Very Easy and Newbie Friendly

Season: Spring through fall, but glorious at anytime!

Trail Notes for Leaders

Weather Information
We hike rain or shine. Click here to see an up to the minute forecast for where we will be hiking.

Carpool Information

There are 2 carpools for this hike!
Baltimore Area Carpool
To carpool or caravan from the Baltimore metro area, meet at Savage Station. Click here for directions to Savage Station.  Use the comment section to discuss carpooling with other members.

DC Area Carpool
To carpool or caravan from the metro DC area, meetup at the Centerville Park and Ride. Click here for informationand directions to the Centerville location.  Use the comment section to discuss carpooling with other members.

If you can drive or want to carpool from additional locations such as the DC area, please post your location in the comment section below. For those who need a ride, reach out to the drivers. Make friends, and support the environment - by just offering a ride!

Directions to Where We Meet for This Hike

Click here for directions to where we meet for this hike.

Hike is at 7:00 a.m. (Has to be early in order to see the fawns or they will move into the woods to cooler areas, so get your rear in gear and out here-grin)

Carpool meetup time from Savage Station is 4:30 a.m.

Carpool meetup time at Centerville Park and Ride is 5:00 a.m.

Gear Suggestions and Information

Click here for suggestions for what to wear and what not to wear for our hikes.

Fido is Not Welcome on This Hike as Dogs are Perceived as Threats by the Fawns!

This once a year special event is non-refundable, no substitutions, and non-transferable to another person or future event. Please keep this in mind before you RSVP.

Please remember we are a social hiking group that values fellowship and camaraderie and practice good hike etiquette . We take breaks as necessary and have at least one guide in the front in addition to a "sweeper" in the back which means that no hiker is left behind. If you get upset because someone has to rest at the top of a hill etc. then find another group! We are very supportive, encouraging, and focus on safety while getting or staying fit on the trail and practicing Leave No Trace outdoor ethics

Be sure to take the hike leaders numbers with you just in case

Mike Harris: [masked]

Kellie Carlisle: [masked]

Justin Carlisle: [masked]

Additional Members of the MAHG Leadership Team