The Big Meadows Hike, Lunch, and Winery Visit is the Pre-Trip for the Lewis and Clark Trail Alliance Annual Meeting 2024, taking place in Charlottesville. Tickets to this tour are open to the general public and registration to the Annual Meeting is not required. The theme of this year’s Annual Meeting is “East to West: Connections,” and highlights connections between Virginia and the Lewis and Clark national trail. The Big Meadows Hike fits this theme and will compare the plant life in Big Meadows to plants along the Lolo Trail in Idaho.

Big Meadows offers beautiful views, a variety of plants, and a rich history. The walking is on mostly even ground, and we will be walking at a leisurely pace. Wear comfortable hiking shoes. The tour guides will be focusing on both the history and the natural history of the area. Tour leader Alexandria Searls, who teaches photography and film, will be available to give photography tips, so plan on bringing your camera.

Participants must be eighteen or over. This tour is open to the general public 18 and over. Keep in mind that in Virginia the drinking age is twenty-one, and if a participant is under twenty-one they will not be served alcoholic beverages.

10:00 AM Board Buses at the Marriott Courtyard in Charlottesville for Big Meadows in Shenandoah National Park