What we’re about
FOLLOW OUR INSTAGRAM - P.S. Hikers
If you'd like to be apart of our DISCORD channel please text MERB at 704-224-8559
We are a community of experienced hikers who enjoy exploring trails that range from moderate to challenging levels. While we welcome hikers of all backgrounds, our group typically gravitates toward more advanced adventures that require a solid foundation of hiking experience, endurance, and preparedness.
To support a wide range of skill levels, our hikes and trips are clearly categorized as Beginner/Easy, Moderate, Hard, or Expert. We offer plenty of variety in our schedule, so even if a moderate or hard trip doesn’t align with your comfort level, there are still opportunities to join us on easier adventures and grow at your own pace. We believe it’s essential for every hiker to take personal responsibility for knowing their own abilities and limitations—and to choose trips accordingly. Safety, preparation, and respect for the trail and fellow hikers are our top priorities.
Please note: For Expert-level hikes or multi-day backpacking trips, our leadership team may reach out directly if we feel the level of difficulty may not be a safe or appropriate fit for someone signed up. These conversations come from a place of care and commitment to ensuring a positive and safe experience for all.
We love nature deeply and believe everyone should have the chance to experience the joy, healing, and adventure it offers. Through our hikes, we’re not just exploring trails—we’re building a strong, inclusive outdoor community where all people are welcomed, supported, and encouraged to connect with the natural world.
** Special Notice: This group is NOT run by certified or professional mountain guides. The group leaders, Merb and Food Lion, do have a combined experience of over 20 years in the woods and on trails but are not held liable for any incidents, accidents or issues while on trail. PLEASE make sure you are able to handle the walk and read the disclaimer on every post **
Upcoming events
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Shenandoah Winter Weekend -
Location not specified yet** Follow us on instagram and tiktok at P.S. Hikers. If you'd like to be added to our community discord please message MERB at 704-224-8559**
Get ready for a heart-pounding, frost-kissed adventure that will leave your spirit blazing! Winter hiking and camping isn’t just about braving the cold — it’s about feeling alive in the raw, untamed beauty of the season. Picture snow-dusted trails glistening beneath your boots, waterfalls frozen mid-cascade like nature’s own crystal art, and summit views so crisp and endless they steal your breath and silence your mind.
We’ll chase roaring waterfalls through icy canyons, camp beneath galaxies of diamond-bright stars, and wake to sunrise painting the peaks in gold and fire. Every step is a rush — the crunch of snow, the mist of your breath, the thrill of conquering the cold and finding warmth in the wild.
We will have a backup plan in case any of the areas of the Skyline Drive that we are visiting are closed; there will be areas that we might have to walk too - it's all apart of the winter process.
Cost for Camping: $12 per night. You can pay the day you get there!
Campground: Graves Mountain Farm and Lodges - we are staying at the campground
Shenandoah Parking Cost: Buy your pass here! Annuals are only $55!
Arrival: 9am @ the campground for setup
Saturday, January 17th Hike: AT Route to Stony Man and beyond - Stony Man is an awesome hike off of Skyline drive. We will start at the Jewell Hollow Overlook. We will take you a total of 8-10 miles this day.
Sunday, January 18th Hike: Cedar Run Trail
8-9 miles, very strenuous with several creek crossings. Start at 9am we can carpool to this trail head.
Dinner that night can be a communal dinner; we can either cook together or they have a Market-Deli restaurant within walking distance of the campground if we all want to be lazy.
Monday, January 18th: We will be doing a custom Merb route from trails that are actually located at the campsite. This route will be extreme in some spots. Recommended for strong/intermediate hikers.
MUST KNOWS FOR THIS TRIP:
- Be sure your gas tank is full before hitting our campground. Fuel is available through self-pay at Big Meadows in the Shenandoah National Park, but gas pumps can be unreliable.
- Have warm clothing and/or blankets in case your vehicle becomes disabled. You may have to wait for assistance.
- Winter weather in Shenandoah is unpredictable. Temperatures are usually 10oF to 20oF cooler than in the lowlands and weather conditions can change quickly. What comes down as rain in the valley below can be ice and snow on the mountain.
- Wear extra clothing layers, and bring extra water, food, flashlights, and a map in case you get caught in a winter storm.
- Be sure to carry microspikes or traction coil devices for your boots with you. Even when it's perfectly clear in lower elevations, trails can be be icy and snow-covered and these devices can protect you from a nasty fall!
- There is NO reception in the Shenny's. You can get reception at the campground through their WiFi but otherwise be prepared for no connect with your outside friends & family.
“By RSVP’ing to this event, you are agreeing to the following:
TRIP PARTICIPANT WAIVER OF LIABILITY I fully realize that this activity involves a risk of personal injury, property damage, or loss of my person or property. I hereby for myself, my heirs, executors and administrators, and same for persons with whom are in my party, waive and release any claims or rights against P.S. Hikers, all of its owners and coordinators for any and all injury, damages or loss to my person or property incurred during this activity. I also understand that organizers are not required, nor should it be assumed that they are CPR/First Aid/Wilderness Survival Certified and I am responsible for my own personal safety. Your RSVP indicates release of liability as indicated in the TRIP PARTICIPANT WAIVER OF LIABILITY above.”12 attendees
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