Virginia Unleashed: Solo Hiking, Happy Dogs, and Cabin Retreat

For a while now, a little voice inside me has been whispering about taking a solo trip. The idea of hitting the open road, crossing some things off my bucket list, and challenging myself to something brand new sounded really exciting! Well, I finally listened to that voice, and let me tell you, it was an experience I am extremely glad I had – especially because I had my two trusty sidekicks, Freddie and Bruce, by my side. (Spoiler alert: My two 6lb Chihuahuas were absolute rockstars on their first big hike!).

The boys & I at the top of Shenandoah National Park!

Our destination? The breathtaking landscapes of Virginia, specifically Shenandoah National Park. I packed the car, leashed up the pups, and set off on an adventure that was all ours. As a first-time solo traveler (and a first-time solo traveler with two dogs!), I had a mix of excitement and nerves. How would I feel out in the seclusion of the mountains? Would the hikes be manageable with the dogs? Would where we were staying feel cozy to us?

That last question was answered nicely when we finally reached "The Little Lodge", tucked away within the trees. The winding mountain road (that you definitely need four-wheel-drive to navigate!) finally led us to our home base: a charming cabin that felt both secluded and inviting.

"The Little Lodge"

As a dog mom, I truly appreciated the thoughtful touches, like the provided dog bowls, poop bags, and easy access to a fenced in yard area for the pups. After a day of hiking and discovering Virginia's natural beauty, it was a nice spot to cuddle up on the couch and watch a movie.

As it got dark outside the first night and the evening was upon us, a profound stillness settled in. That first night was interesting for me, as this suburban girl quickly realized just how dark it is up in the mountains when you're trying to take your dogs outside to pee at 10PM. The only sounds were the gentle rustling of leaves and my slightly panicked breathing as I swayed my flashlight back and forth to make sure I wasn't going to get eaten by a bear (LOL, but seriously...) Your girl wanted solitude, and it delivered. After the first night, I got more accustomed to the quiet and the peacefulness outside.

Hawksbill Summit

Virginia certainly lived up to its reputation for stunning landscapes! One of my goals for this trip was to drive some of the famous Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park, as well as completing a moderately-challenging, dog-friendly hike that would give us a good view. My explorations landed us inside the park early in the day and I got to drive a good portion of the Skyline Drive, windows-down, music on, and enjoying the sights and smells of nature with my two amazing dogs with me. There were so many scenic overlooks to pull over into and we stopped at several along the way to really take in the views! After the drive, we headed to a dog-friendly trail in the park called Hawksbill. This was a remarkable trail that definitely provided a satisfying challenge and paid off with the best view ever. I later found out that at 4,050 feet this is the highest peak in Shenandoah National Park!

Honestly, without knowing much about the area, I was glad I booked with the property manager, Erin. She was very responsive to all of my questions and was very accommodating. The cabin was well-equipped with essentials such as towels, cookware, and basic toiletries like shampoo, lotion, and soap. Just a heads-up though, that drive up to the lodge is no joke – you'll definitely want a four-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicle, especially if you're arriving after dark. It gets pretty secluded up there!

(To get more information on the lodge & to book it, click HERE.)

If you've ever thought about a solo trip (with or without furry buddies!), Virginia is amazing. And if you're looking for a place to stay, the cabin run by Erin is a great place to consider. She was so great, and the property is certainly a peaceful escape if you're looking for a quiet stay in the mountains.

This first solo trip was a game-changer for me, especially with the pups by my side. In all honesty, it truly brought us closer together, made me fall even deeper in love with my dogs, and Freddie and Bruce grew closer as dog brothers. All in all, it was an impactful trip that will forever mean so much to me.

Consider me officially hooked on traveling with the pups! The world feels so much bigger and brighter with them by my side. So, the big question is: where should our next adventure be? Any suggestions are welcome!

Thanks for reading! Take care and talk soon.

-E