Good morning from Mathews Arm Campground! I've just checked out from the campground office and I'm all set to hit the trail. Staying overnight at a national park or state park campground offers many advantages. This one had all the facilities: running water and flush toilets, so I didn't have to dig a cathole or use a privy this morning.

The hike from Mathews Arm Campground back to Skyline Drive proved to be a challenging walk this morning. I had to navigate a steep uphill climb before finally reaching Rattlesnake Point Overlook. Taking a moment to catch my breath and recover from the climb, I marveled at the breathtaking scenery spread out before me. With a total of 69 scenic overlooks along Skyline Drive, each offering mesmerizing vistas and unforgettable views, this one was particularly stunning. Despite having driven on this road numerous times before, this marked my first time walking to the overlooks, adding a new dimension to the experience.

After incorporating some road walking from the campground and adding extra miles to savor the views at Rattlesnake Point Overlook on Skyline Drive, I have finally returned to the trail.

Throughout Shenandoah National Park's Skyline Drive, you'll encounter numerous Wayside stores, miniature shops offering a delightful assortment of goods ranging from snacks and refreshments to souvenirs and hiking essentials.

The trail leads past Elkwallow Wayside, and although it was too early to stop for lunch when I reached it, I had a brilliant idea: why not pack a sandwich for later? Thus, I grabbed a sandwich to enjoy on the trail.

A side trail from the Appalachian Trail led me to the rocky ledges of Mary's Rock. The cliffs were imposing and somewhat vertigo-inducing, yet they offered breathtaking views down into Luray and across several mountains below.

Pausing to admire a rocky outcrop beside the trail, I enjoyed fine views to the west.

After what felt like an incredibly long day, I finally reached the shelter. It features a single sleeping platform with space for 7-8 hikers, a nearby moldering privy, and two bear poles. Water is accessible via a quarter-mile side trail.

Later in the evening, I was joined by a flip-flop hiker. He began his journey in Harpers Ferry, with plans to hike southbound for the remainder of the year, aiming to reach the southern end of the trail at Springer Mountain, Georgia. The following year, he intends to resume his hike from Harpers Ferry, heading northbound to complete his journey at Mount Katahdin, Maine.