Shenandoah Valley's Premier Hiking Company

To make sure you’re prepared for the trail, we’ve broken down the essentials into what you must have and what we suggest you bring:

The Essentials (Required)

• Footwear: Comfortable, closed-toe shoes (sneakers or running shoes are perfect).

• Hydration: At least 1 liter of water per person.

• Health: Any personal medications, such as inhalers or EpiPens.

• Weather Protection: A rain jacket, poncho, or umbrella (we hike rain or shine!).

The Comfort Kit (Recommended)

• Layers: A fleece or sweatshirt for when the temperature dips.

• Sun Shield: A hat and sunglasses.

• Gear: A small day-pack to carry your items hands-free.

• The Vibe: Your smile and a zest for adventure!

Our adventures take place in the stunning Shenandoah National Park and the Elizabeth Furnace Area of the  George Washington & Jefferson National Forest.

Upon confirmation, we’ll send you the exact GPS coordinates for your trailhead. When you arrive, look for our Next Bend logo and your guide’s smiling face!

Worried about finding the trailhead? We’ve got you covered. We can arrange to meet you in the Town of Front Royal and have you follow us out to the starting point. We want your day to be stress-free from start to finish!

Don't panic, but do communicate! If you realize you’re going to be late, please text or call us as soon as possible. Save your guide's number in your cellphone before you leave town. Cell service can be spotty near the trailheads, so the sooner you let us know, the better.

​We generally have a 15-minute window to wait for late arrivals before we must start the hike. Please keep in mind that on weekends, especially on a beautiful Saturday or during the month of October, lines at the Shenandoah National Park entrance stations can be long—we recommend adding an extra 20 minutes to your travel time just in case!

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The "Town Meet-up" safety net: If you chose the "meet in town" option we discussed earlier, it’s much easier to manage lateness than if you are lost on a forest road!

Weather & Safety Policy: Next Bend Adventures hikes rain or shine! Some of our favorite views happen right after a storm. However, we do not take risks with guest safety.

We constantly monitor conditions in Shenandoah National Park and the National Forest. If we deem conditions unsafe for hiking or driving—specifically in cases of high winds, lightning, or heavy ice—we will notify you as soon as possible. If we cancel the trip, you are entitled to a 100% refund or a seamless reschedule to a new date.

“Note: Mountain weather can be different than the forecast in town. We check official NPS and Forest Service alerts right up until the start of your hike.”

Facilities are limited, so it’s best to use restrooms before we meet. Some trailheads located near major parking areas or entrances to Shenandoah National Park may have bathrooms, but it’s not guaranteed. Female participants should bring their preferred hygiene items. On the trail, we follow Leave No Trace principles, and your guide will provide tips and supplies to handle things safely and respectfully.

 Yes! We are deeply committed to providing outdoor access to everyone, regardless of ability. During our Scouting careers, we’ve been honored to lead hikers with a wide range of physical and intellectual needs.

For the best experience, we recommend booking a Private Hike. This allows us to:

1. Customize the Challenge: We can pick a trail that matches your fitness level, from flat walks to rugged climbs.

2. Ensure Accessibility: We can select routes that accommodate specific physical limitations.

3. Move at Your Pace: There’s no pressure to keep up with a group; the day is entirely yours.

"If you have a specific concern or use an adaptive device, please reach out! We love getting creative to get people on the trail."

Yes! We love hitting the trails with our four-legged friends. To ensure everyone has a great experience, we offer dog-friendly outings exclusively as Private Guided Hikes. * Trail Selection: Please note that certain trails in Shenandoah National Park do not allow pets. We will help you select a fantastic, dog-friendly route for your adventure.

• Trail Manners: In accordance with Leave No Trace principles, dogs must remain leashed at all times, and owners are responsible for carrying out all pet waste.

• Pet Prep: Don't forget to pack extra water and snacks for your pup in your day-pack!"

• Does your dog have a favorite distance? Let us know when booking your private hike and we'll pick the perfect 'Next Bend' for them!"

Yes! We offer a one-time free rescheduling if your plans shift. If you need to cancel entirely, please let us know as soon as possible. Subsequent reschedules will incur a $10 fee. 

Because we hold your date and turn away other hikers to keep our groups small, all cancellations include a 15% fee to cover permits and scheduling. We offer a 50% refund for cancellations made within a week of the trip. Please note that within 48 hours of your hike, we cannot offer a refund unless Next Bend cancels the trip for safety/weather reasons.

Emergency Preparedness & Safety With a background rooted in years of Scouting leadership, we take emergency preparedness seriously.

1. The Plan: We follow a rigorous Risk Management Plan for every route we guide.

2. Decisive Action: Our guides are trained to act as "incident commanders" during an emergency—assessing risks and making fast, clear decisions to protect the group.

3. Safety Gear: We always carry satellite communication device (for areas without cell service) and a comprehensive first-aid kit.

4. Each guide is certified in Wilderness First Aid, First Aid and CPR.

Our goal is for you to relax and enjoy the scenery, knowing we have accounted for every "what if."