Shenandoah National Park

Overview

Escape the noise and nourish your mind, body, and spirit on this 5-day retreat nestled in the heart of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. Surrounded by mountains, meadows, and the serene rhythms of nature, our retreat combines daily yoga, guided hikes, wholesome meals, and community connection at the charming Graves Mountain Farm & Lodges. Situated adjacent to Shenandoah National Park, this beautiful setting will nourish the soul as autumn gives way to winter.

Key Highlights

Immersive Nature Adventures

Old Rag Mountain Hike: One of Virginia’s most iconic mountains, with panoramic summit views and optional rock scrambles. We’ll approach the peak from the Berry Hollow trailhead to make this summit accessible to a broad audience.
Waterfall Trails: Breathtaking hikes to Rose River Falls, Lower Dark Hollow Falls, and White Oak Falls.
Summits of Skyline Drive: Scenic trails with panoramic views like Bearfence Loop, Hawksbill, and Stony Man are all options on our itinerary.

Mindful Movement & Meditation

Daily Yoga Practice: Gentle, breath-connected movement to begin each day in presence and connection.
Guided Meditations: Evening meditations under the stars and post-hike relaxation sessions to help integrate body, mind, and spirit, and guide our awareness inward.

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Community & Connection

Bonfires & Reflections: Enjoy stories and laughter around the fire while fostering authentic connection through shared reflections.
Small Group Setting: A warm, intimate atmosphere that supports meaningful interactions and personal growth.

Farm to Table Nourishment

Locally Sourced Meals: Seasonally fresh vegetarian meals served at Graves Mountain Lodge, thoughtfully prepared to nourish your body and support your journey.

Rustic & Cozy Accommodations

Stay at Graves Mountain Farm & Lodges: A charming, historic retreat space surrounded by mountains, forests, and farmland—perfect for unplugging and recharging.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive & Unwind

Arrive by 2:30 p.m. and settle into the peaceful rhythm of Graves Mountain Farm & Lodges. After check-in, we’ll gather for a warm welcome and program orientation, followed by our first guided practice to help you release the bustle of everyday life and settle into the support of your new environment. A farm-fresh dinner awaits at the lodge, and our evening closes with a star-lit bonfire and guided meditation.

Day 2 – Mountain Peaks & Inner Calm

Begin your day with fresh coffee, tea, and a sunrise yoga session to awaken body and mind. After breakfast, we’ll journey to the Berry Hollow trailhead of Old Rag Mountain—a scenic 6-mile hike that rewards our effort with sweeping summit views and optional boulder scrambles. After returning to Graves mid-afternoon, you’ll have time to rest before a guided relaxation session designed to integrate the energetic experiences of the day. Enjoy another nourishing farm-to-table dinner, followed by a communal bonfire, reflections, and an evening meditation to anchor inward.

Day 3 – Waterfalls, Rock Scrambles & Forest Trails

Wake with the mountains once more for coffee, tea, and yoga, then fuel up with a breakfast that’s truly worth writing home about. Today we caravan to the South entrance of Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline Drive for a series of invigorating hikes:

Bearfence Loop Trail (1 mile): A short, rewarding hike that includes rock scrambles, 360° views, and a jaunt on the Appalachian Trail.
Rose River Loop Trail (4 miles): This waterfall-rich hike alongside cascading rivers provides the perfect opportunity to turn inward while enjoying nature’s beauty.
Optional bonus hikes to Hawksbill or Stony Man may be added if time and interests align.

After returning to the lodge, enjoy your final evening dinner followed by one last bonfire and guided meditation beneath the Blue Ridge Mountain Stars.

Day 4 – Flowing waters & Stillness

After our morning caffeine, yoga warm-ups, and breakfast, we’ll make the short drive back to the Berry Hollow parking lot for the White Oak Canyon trailhead. This approximate 4.0 mile out-and-back trail goes along the White Oak River to Lower White Oak Falls, perhaps the most beautiful waterfall in Shenandoah National Park. Hiking along the river and resting at the foot of the falls is the perfect way to bask in nature and be present with yourself and the Park. Return to the Lodge for a leisurely afternoon, followed by guided practice, dinner, and a special bonfire treat!

Day 5 – Final Farewell from Graves Mountain

Greet your final morning at Graves Mountain with the quiet beauty of the Shenandoah air, along with coffee, tea, and one last grounding yoga practice to gently awaken the body. After a nourishing breakfast, we’ll return to the lodge for packing and a closing group session designed to help you integrate the experiences of the week and carry their lessons forward. We’ll conclude our time together with a silent, contemplative walk around the Graves Mountain property—an opportunity to honor the journey we’ve shared before exchanging final farewells.

*Schedule subject to change
**Additional yoga and meditation will be included during our hikes as time and space permit.

What to Expect

Crisp mountain air, golden leaves, and peaceful trails—early November in Shenandoah is an ideal time to reflect, reset, and retreat. Expect a fun-loving atmosphere and curated experience designed to deepen your connection to nature, self, and community. Our hikes lead us to awe-inspiring locations around Shenandoah National Park that will captivate your presence, while systematic practices of yoga, relaxation, and meditation are designed to increase comfort, stability and an inward focus through breath connected awareness. Each of these activities will be supported by a conscious community of like-minded individuals creating a supportive environment for meaningful connection and vibrant nourishment.

What’s Included:

12 seasonally fresh vegetarian meals
Professionally guided hikes
Daily guided yoga, meditation, and relaxation
National Park entrance fees
Pre-departure group Zoom meeting
Excursion care package
Himalayan Institute trip leader & faculty member
Evening bonfires
Private settings for community connection

Accommodations

Your Home away From Home: Graves Mountain Farm

Located just minutes from the national park entrance, Graves Mountain Farm & Lodges offers the perfect base for nature immersion. Family-run for generations, the farm is surrounded by 1,100 acres of trails, streams, gardens, and peace.

“The perfect blend of nature and nurture—Graves Mountain feels like coming home.”

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Excursion Team

Aaron Luburich

Ransom Hare

Dates & Prices

26

Date	Regular Registration	Late Registration
November 4—8, 2026 Register Online	from $1,799 Closes August 30, 2026	from $1,899 Closes September 30, 2026

Date

Regular Registration

Late Registration

November 4—8, 2026

Register Online

from $1,799

Closes August 30, 2026

from $1,899

Closes September 30, 2026

Accommodation Type	Regular Registration	Late Registration
Shared	$1,799	$1,899
Single	$2,199	$2,299

Further Details

A $700 deposit is required at the time of registration to secure your spot.
Registration after August 30, 2026 will require payment in full.
Registration fully closes October 1, 2026.

Call 1-800-822-4547 x5 or email [email protected] for more information.

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Packing List

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Frequently Asked Questions

General

When should we arrive and depart? What are the beginning and end points of the excursion?

Check-in for the excursion is 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 4th, at Graves Mountain Farm and Lodges. The trip will officially end at the Graves Mountain Farm and Lodges by 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 8th.

How do I reach Graves Mountain Farm and Lodges?

Location: Graves Mountain Farm & Lodges
Address: 205 Graves Mountain Ln, Syria, VA 22743

Approx. 2 hours from Washington, D.C. or Richmond, VA

Who is this retreat ideally suited for?

People who enjoy hiking, are seeking a deeper connection to nature, interested in guided yoga and meditation practices, and value a like-minded community.

How difficult are the hikes?

The hikes range from easy to moderately difficult. While most hikes are between 2-4 miles with gradual elevation change, our hike up Old Rag will include 1,800 feet of elevation gain and descent across 5.5-6 miles, and require the most effort.

How many days are we hiking?

We are hiking 3 out of 5 days, with the first day focused on letting go of day-to-day life and surrendering into the Blue Ridge Mountains and our temporary home at Graves Mountain Farm and Lodges.

What are the hiking trails like?

The hiking trails are a mixture of packed dirt, roots, and rock.

What fitness level is required for this excursion?

Participants should be able to steadily walk/hike up to 8 miles per day with a light backpack over varying terrain and undulations.

What type of footwear is recommended?

Preferred hiking shoes can be quite subjective. Ultimately, the best hiking shoe is one that fits well and offers the proper support, which can vary person to person. If you’re unsure which shoes might work best for you, we recommend visiting your local REI or outdoor retailer, trying on different options, and seeking their professional advice. Additionally, it’s highly discouraged to begin a hiking trip in a new pair of shoes. Make sure you have hiked at least 10-20 miles in the pair of shoes you bring to ensure they’re comfortable.

What weather conditions should we expect?

Early November in the Shenandoah Valley is a beautiful time of year, as Fall is transitioning towards winter. Considering this shoulder season, the weather forecast is highly unpredictable. The highs could range from 40’s-80’s, and the lows from 20’s to 50’s. Also consider that elevation change on our hikes, and that temperatures drop 3-5 degrees for every 1,000ft gained in elevation. With these considerations, plan to pack a variety of layers to ensure adaptability to different weather conditions.

What’s the highest elevation we’ll reach on this trip?

We will likely exceed 4,000 feet in elevation along the way.

How can I prepare for this hiking excursion?

While various methods of physical preparation may be beneficial, the most helpful preparation involves regular walking and hiking while carrying the backpack you plan to travel with. While training, it’s ideal to keep anywhere between 10-20 lbs in your backpack and hike trails with undulating terrain.

How can I best prepare myself for the yoga and meditations that we’ll be practicing together?

Himalayan Institute’s online platform, HI Online, is the perfect place to familiarize yourself with our organization’s approach to yoga and wellness. For meditation specifically, we’ll practice the system of Vishoka Meditation. To develop a relationship with this practice before our retreat consider ordering the Vishoka Meditation book.

Will there be cellular data or Wi-Fi connectivity?

Cellular data will be inconsistent throughout the trip considering most of our time will be spent in fairly remote areas. Wi-Fi will be available at Graves Mountain Farm and Lodges.

Registration

How do I register for this trip?

Register online or call 1-800-822-4547 x5.

What if I need to cancel?

Requests for cancellation must be made in writing to the Tour Organizer. See the Tour Participant Agreement for complete terms and conditions and applicable cancellation charges. As a non-profit we are unable to offer exceptions to our cancellation policy – we therefore require participants to purchase trip cancellation insurance in the event you need to cancel your reservation due to any reason.

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