Trails & Tales ~ A Women’s Hiking and Storytelling Adventure

Shenandoah National Park, VA ~ September 19-22, 2024

You’re ready for a reboot. A restart, A new act. Breakaway at our unique "Trails & Tales" hiking and storytelling retreat.

For four revitalizing days in beautiful Shenandoah National Park, you'll trade stale routines for hiking scenic mountain trails, journeying inn-to-inn surrounded by nature's rejuvenating calm. But this isn't just exercise - you'll learn the powerful art of storytelling, sharing pivotal life moments that have shaped you. As you listen, reflect, and swap tales with new friends, unexpected insights will surface about who you are and what you want next.

This is your recharge. An unparalleled long weekend to put yourself first through active hiking, personal storytelling, and forming enriching connections. Spots are limited - secure yours today for this unique experience.

Come ~ let's walk, talk, and create the story that is truly your own.

Are You Ready?

  • Embrace a sense of pride and accomplishment as you hike approximately 17 miles total, engaging your strong body and feeling the thrill of conquering a challenge

  • Unlock your creative flow - Studies prove that the act of walking increases creativity by an impressive 60% compared to sitting. As you stride through scenic trails, your body’s natural rhythms quite literally clear mental cobwebs and open minds to fresh ideas and inspiration

  • Learn something new - spend time with an experienced storytelling coach who will introduce the fundamentals of storytelling and help you define and refine your own compelling narrative

  • Find mental clarity and connection with nature in the tranquil beauty of Shenandoah National Park, allowing the serene surroundings to refresh your mind and uplift your spirit

  • Experience the iconic Appalachian Trail in a unique way, with comfortable lodging conveniently spaced along the trail, allowing you to relax, enjoy a meal, grab a hot shower and climb into a comfy bed at the end of each day’s adventure

  • Connect with others: whether it’s a past retreat participant or a close friend you’ve been wanting to spend more time with, you’ll share meaningful moments and create memories together

  • Discover the wonders of Shenandoah National Park, where majestic mountains, vibrant wildflowers, wildlife and starlit skies await

Meet Your Hosts

Hi! We are Lisa Waltuch (left) and Jennifer Sullivan (right), co-founders of Encore Retreats.

Together, we are passionate about designing transformational experiences that allow women to unleash their talents, desires, and dreams and then harness the courage and energy it takes to go after them.

Jen is the owner of a boutique travel consultancy and has a rich history in hospitality and purposeful, immersive travel. Caring for others gives Jen energy. She considers creating experiences that Encore Retreats’ guests will remember and cherish a privilege.

Lisa is an Empowerment Coach, a former creative director and a storytelling curator. She successfully brought a storytelling series (similar to The Moth, the non-profit organization dedicated to the art of storytelling), to Costa Rica, where she organized and hosted events for the community.

As a storytelling coach, Lisa helps others to craft engaging, authentic narratives that captivate, resonate and inspire.

Let’s unwrap your precious story.

Welcome

Rediscover the joy of movement and the power of storytelling amidst the rolling mountains, lush forests and breathtaking vistas of Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park, where every step brings you closer to a deeper connection with yourself and the world around you.

Let the crisp autumn air invigorate your senses as you breathe in the scent of fallen leaves and listen to the gentle rustle of the forest.

Find space to reconnect with yourself, as you craft your own story of adventure and discovery.

Embrace a sense of peace and renewal as you embark on a journey of both physical exploration and mental rejuvenation. 

“With lots of encouragement and coaching from Lisa, I found my story, crafted it, practiced it and then shared it. It felt so powerful to find my voice.”

- K.T.

“The combination of hiking and contemplative exercises was very effective. The juxtaposition of nature, movement and group sharing was collaborative in the best way.”

-G.K.

The Journey

On Thursday evening, we will gather at Lewis Mountain Cabins, in Elkton, Virginia (mile marker 57.5 on the Skyline Drive), for a healthy dinner, a fun introduction to storytelling and time to enjoy the cool mountain evening.

Here we will stay in historic two-bedroom cabins, and you can choose to have your own room or to bunk up with a friend. Each cabin has one bathroom.

Day One Hike

Miles: 8.6 Elevation Gain: 1,479 ft

Rating: Moderate Estimated Time: 5 hours

Friday will start with some gentle stretches before a hearty hiker’s breakfast. Then we will enjoy cooler fall temperatures as we hike 8.6 miles from Lewis Mountain Cabins to Big Meadows Lodge. This trail is rated moderate, has a 1,479 ft elevation gain and takes an average of five hours to complete. We will carry bagged lunches, to enjoy at one of the many scenic overlooks along the way.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Big Meadows Lodge offers a charming blend of rustic appeal and national park comfort and is known for the Spottswood Dining Room, which serves great, home-style meals. Encore Retreats’ guests will enjoy Preferred Rooms, with private baths, air conditioning, Keurig coffee makers and other basic amenities.

Guests will have free time before gathering to tell some stories yourselves—think of a great dinner party you attended where the conversation flowed—that is what we are going for. We’ll have dinner in combination with Big Meadow’s popular Night Skies program, where an amateur astronomer will point out the constellations and heavenly stars, which sparkle with more intensity in the clear, Blue Ridge Mountain air.

On Saturday, we will do our stretches, enjoy breakfast in the dining room and then head out for Skyland Resort. Saturday’s hike is 8.1 miles, rated easy-moderate, with a 650 ft elevation gain, and takes about four and a half hours to complete. In the fall, this section of the trail is known for its colored-leaf vistas.

Skyland Resort sits at the highest elevation along Skyline Drive, offering breathtaking views of the Shanandoah Valley. Encore Retreats’ guests will enjoy recently renovated, Premium Rooms, with private baths, patios or balconies, air conditioning, coffee makers and more.

Guests will have time to themselves before meeting for storytelling, dinner in Pollack Dining Room, which serves regional specialties with farm to fork flavors, and then optional live entertainment in Skyland’s Mountain Taproom.

Day Two Hike

Miles: 8.1 Elevation Gain: 650 ft.

Rating: Easy-Moderate Estimated Time: 4.5 hours

 

Sunday morning, we will slow roll into the day. We’ll stretch, have another delicious breakfast, and then take time to share insights and experiences from the past few days. Then we will take a private shuttle back to our cars at Lewis Mountain Cabins. Everyone will be on the road between 12pm - 1pm so you can enjoy family time Sunday afternoon and evening.

We chose to hike in this direction, from Lewis Mountain Cabins to Skyland Resort, because ascending is easier on the legs and knees than descending. Plus, each night the lodging and dining gets better and better!

“At first, I was hesitant to tell a story in front of other people, but when I watched and listened to others tell theirs, I wanted to join that process of sharing and self-discovery.

Lisa´s coaching was gentle and precise. It helped me to bridge the gap between what I wanted to say and what others would hear.

Telling a story shed light on my life experience. It also led to a few funny conversations with others. Storytelling is an art that should not be forgotten.”

— A.J.

On this retreat, you’ll enjoy:

Collaboration

  • Four incredible days together with other inspiring women who are also committed to strengthening their minds, bodies and souls

  • Workshops and casual one-on-one activities done while hiking to practice your new-found storytelling skills

  • An environment of trust and support for those who wish to share their stories

Small Group Setting

  • This retreat is limited in size in order to foster trust, connections and meaningful conversations

  • Post-trip community support through a private Facebook group

All Logistics Have Been Taken Care Of

  • Park entrance fees are included and a pass will be sent to you prior to departure

  • One-night reservations have been secured at Lewis Mountain Cabins, Big Meadows Lodge and Skyland Resort at a discounted rate

  • All meals from Thursday dinner through Sunday breakfast, and trail snacks, are included

  • Your spot has been confirmed at the very popular Night Skies activity, Saturday evening at Big Meadows

  • Your luggage will be moved from inn to inn each day, so all you need to hike with is a day pack

  • Private shuttle service has been arranged on Sunday from Skyland Resort, back to your car at Lewis Mountain Cabins

  • Gratuities to all restaurant servers and shuttle drivers are included

  • We will host at least one pre-trip planning call to introduce everyone, discuss packing and preparation tips and to answer any questions

The retreat does not include:

  • Transportation to and from Lewis Mountain Cabins

  • Alcohol

  • Additional food

  • Personal, medical or trip cancellation insurance

    What you will take home:

  • A sense of pride and accomplishment

  • A stronger body and a mental reset

  • New knowledge and practiced storytelling skills

  • A reprieve from technology and the busy-ness of daily life

  • A unique experience within the history-filled, rolling mountains of the Appalachian Trail and Shenandoah National Park

  • A group of girlfriends, connections and collaborators who will stay connected through our private Facebook group

Your Investment

Early Bird Special through May 28 - take $200 off the prices below!

Double occupancy - $1,879 per person (one double bed & one cot + bath shared with up to three people, including your roommate, for one night at Lewis Mountain Cabins || two queen beds + private bath for two nights at Big Meadows Lodge and Skyland Resort)

Single occupancy - $2,239 (private room & bath shared with one or two other people for one night at Lewis Mountain Cabins || private room and bath for two nights at Big Meadows Lodge and Skyland Resort)

Are You Ready to Take the Next Step? Let’s Chat

  1. To ensure that this retreat is a good fit for you, all potential attendees are asked to schedule a 15-minute chat with Lisa and Jen. During this call, we’ll get to know each other a bit and you’ll have the chance to ask any questions not covered on this page.

  2. If you, Jen and Lisa decide to proceed, you will choose your room type and pay the initial, non-refundable $700 deposit. Only when this deposit has been received is your spot confirmed.

  3. 50% of the remaining balance is due by June 1, 2024

  4. The remaining balance is due by August 1, 2024

  5. Prior to departure, we will host at least one planning call to introduce everyone, offer packing and preparation tips and to answer any questions.

If you prefer a custom payment plan, we can certainly work with you.  Balances must be paid in full before departure.   

 

Occupancy and Cancellation Policies:  

If you request a double occupancy room and sign up without a roommate, we will use our best efforts to match you with a roommate. If this is not possible, we will switch you to a single occupancy room, which you will be required to pay for.

Any cancellation will result in a total loss of the $700 deposit.  Cancellations made between June 1, 2024 and August 1, 2024 will result in a loss of 50% of the trip price. Cancellations made between August 2, 2024 and the trip departure will result in a total loss of funds.  

Encore Retreats reserves the right to cancel the trip if it is not meeting the trip minimum. If we do so, your deposit is refunded in full.  This decision will be made by August 15, 2024.

Trip cancellation insurance is always recommended; we suggest Travel Guard Insurance, which has several policy options.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Guests need to be stable, sure-footed and confident hikers. Although there is some elevation gain and loss, the footpath we’ll be traveling is well-graded. Climbs and descents are seldom steep, making it accessible for hikers of varying abilities.

  • We will not be hiking with a guide but we will be hiking popular parts of the Appalachian trail, which is well marked. Jen and Lisa will both have apps with downloaded trail maps and GPS on their phones.

  • We will be hiking a very popular portion of the trail with regularly updated information, so each morning, Lisa and Jen will consult with park rangers about trail alerts and conditions and we will each carry a first aid kit. The trails we’re hiking also run fairly close to Skyline Drive, which is regularly patrolled by rangers, if additional help is needed.

  • If anyone elects not to hike for a day, they can be transferred to the next inn with the group’s luggage.

  • The average person drinks one quart of water per hour while hiking on a hot day so be prepared to carry a large bottle or wear a camelbak. There will be a few opportunities to refill along the trail.

  • Cell coverage is not reliable throughout most areas of Shenandoah National Park, however, it is available at some west-facing overlooks. Free, public WiFi is available at Big Meadows Lodge and Skyland Resort.

  • Weather in mid-September is typically beautiful, with daytime highs in the mid-70s and overnight lows in the low-50s. The mountain is usually 10°F cooler than the valley, so plan to dress in layers. Lisa and Jen will send out the actual forecast a week prior to departure and will check weather conditions with the rangers before departing each morning. For the most accurate weather for the Skyline Drive and areas in Shenandoah National Park above 2,000 feet, you can also check here.

 

“I think and feel most clearly with my blood pumping, and without the intellectual load of socializing.

Sharing at moments along the hike was a wonderful way to get the best of a bonding experience and the clarity that comes from silence.”

— E.B.