Exploring the Shenandoah National Park

Mia Thomas, Eastern Kentucky University

Mia Thomas, Eastern Kentucky University, at Shenandoah National Park

As I came to the 2025 Partners in the Parks (PITP) Program at Shenandoah National Park and on the Appalachian Trail as a rather inexperienced hiker, I was very unaware of what the term “rock scramble” entailed. When our group entered the Bearfence Trail one evening in the middle of the Program, it had begun like a usual hike. However, as we progressed up more elevation, we began to see more impressive rock figures around us, easily taller than our height and our eye-lines. Eventually, we followed the trail  blazes onto the rocks themselves and began to climb. This was unexpected and thrilling, because it involved a level of being equally careful and creative about how we continued. We had reached the peak of the trail at sunset, and could see blue rolling hills upon one another with a fading sun into the far ridge-line. We saw blazing colors of orange and pink in the sky. I can confidently attest that the view of the mountains and the Shenandoah National Park over the Bearfence trail at sunset solidified my passion and interest in learning more about the environment around me, and gave me an unmatched sense of personal accomplishment that could only have been facilitated through my PITP participation.

Upon extensive reflection of the 2025 Partners in the Parks Program to the Shenandoah National Park and on the Appalachian Trail, I can confidently express my utmost appreciation for  the program. I firmly believe that it is not only effective in its goals of educating, increasing  stewardship, and providing opportunities for recreation about, for, and within the natural environment, but the Program also excels in acting as a transformative catalyst for those that participate in it. To properly expand upon these sentiments, it is crucial to provide adequate context to our time within the 2025 PITP 

Program. 

During the eight-day long program, our group of nine other national Honors students and two Honors professionals that acted as our stellar leadership had the opportunity to hike and explore miles of land surrounding and within the Shenandoah National Park. Additionally, we camped overnight at three amazing locations and had many opportunities to educate ourselves while simultaneously gaining an immense appreciation for the natural world that we so often take for granted. 

Particularly note-worthy was our three-night stay at the Lewis Mountain Campground, which holds a distinct cultural significance at the Shenandoah National Park and the greater community. Not only were we welcomed into this beautiful space, but we spoke with a Park Ranger who attested to the history of the campground as it was the only area in which Black visitors were welcome to recreate within the National Park during the Jim Crow era. Through this awareness, we gained an understanding of how we could help ensure our natural environments preserve their inclusiveness and how we could make ourselves more welcoming  and share our spaces with all of those who wish to be a part of it.

One of the other important components of this PITP Program that I wanted to reflect on were the two “trail work days” that we completed throughout the duration of the Program. The first day was led by two wonderful members of the Natural Bridge Appalachian Trail Club (NBATC) and as a part of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) that we came to know as John and Trudy Phillips. Mr. John was one of the most impressive hikers that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting, and took every opportunity to educate us about the water bars on the trail that divert pooling water and decrease the likelihood of extensive erosion along the trail. Ms. Trudy was undoubtedly also one of the most knowledgeable individuals that I have worked with, and taught me how to properly utilize trail tools to complete the work. She instructed me on how to use a Pulaski!

Our day involved reshaping the trail to be safer and more  suitable for thru-hikers. Our second work day took place within  Shenandoah National Park, in which we collaborated with a National Park Conservation Legacy Volunteer Ambassador,  Sheridan Todd, and a National Park Service Volunteer  Coordinator, Macie. Utilizing a well-developed strategy and 

relying on our teamwork, we carried 28 wooden logs up a trail  through the Dark Hollow Falls trail that would later be used to  construct steps for the preservation of the trail and the safety of other hikers.

Moreover, I would like to also detail my personal  transformation as a result of this Program. Before the PITP  Program, I had extremely limited knowledge of hiking, camping,  and experiences within the National Park system. My past experiences with the environment had been volunteering as a teenager with the Cincinnati Zoo, which focused on public 

education and preservation. While these values were highly present in this Program, I was introduced to an entirely new world of new ecosystems, new experiences, and a new sense of community, especially among thru-hikers and communities along the Appalachian Trail. I have become a better person because of Partners in the Parks, and I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to explore more of the Park System and environment around the country in the future. One of my personal goals when returning to campus will be to speak with other Honors students at Eastern Kentucky University about the importance of the Program.  I aim to express how their future participation will help them to develop a love for and appreciation of the national community of individuals that are proud to preserve their communities, cultures, and environments. I am beyond thankful to have had the opportunity to climb a rock-scramble up the Bearfence trail at dusk, travel through Big Meadows9, experience countless scenic views of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, work with incredible individuals, form new friendships and relationships with other individuals 

within the Honors community, and grow as a person with a newfound passion for the environment that I am so fortunate  to live within. 

I would like to thank the National Collegiate Honors  Council for providing the wonderful opportunity for so many  Honors students and professionals from around the country to 

participate in this experience. Additionally, I have immense  gratitude to Christina McIntyre, Sara Hodges, and all of the other students who participated in the 2025 PITP Program to the Shenandoah National Park and the Appalachian Trail, because their adaptability, creation of community, and leadership are a critical part of what has made this experience so transformative. Finally, I would like to formally thank the Southern Regional Honors Council for their gracious and generous scholarship that financed my ability to attend this PITP Program to Shenandoah and the Appalachian Trail. I am wholly confident that the next student that is so fortunate to be supported by the Southern Regional Honors Council for their Partners in the Parks Program participation will have their own transformative experience!