Appalachian Trail

[laughing beetle]

I have a question for the forum. I am planning a hike along one of the shorter sections of the Appalachian Trail in early November. My buddy and I are planning on driving to Virginia, and hiking one of the sections that can be covered in 3 days. Has anyone had experience in that area of the Trail?

[Gray Wolf]

I have a question for the forum. I am planning a hike along one of the shorter sections of the Appalachian Trail in early November. My buddy and I are planning on driving to Virginia, and hiking one of the sections that can be covered in 3 days. Has anyone had experience in that area of the Trail?

Yes there are, and I'm sure when they see your post they'll respond. Have fun, be prepared and be safe. Also pictures of the trip please. :)


FYI, If I remember correctly, FVR lives at he foothills of the App. mountains. Why don't you PM him, I'm sure he can help you.

[Rick]

I haven't, LB but my son has. What info are you looking for and I'll ask him.

[mattco]

I've hiked some of it, driven up and down all of Shenandoah and Blue Ridge, and my GF has hiked all of it.

It's likely to be a bit cold in Nov, good chance of below freezing at night, but you can easily string a 3-day hike together. You might want to consider being somewhere within hiking or hitching distance of one of the main tourist spots in Shenandoah National Park, like Skyland or Big Meadows - if the weather really craps out on you, you can make it to some civilization for a ride out or a place to stay along the trail. You can find more info on things like any fees, regulations, and seasons at http://www.nps.gov/shen.

If you're coming from NY, I'd recommend somewhere in the section between Thornton Gap/Rte 211 and Swift Run Gap/Rte 33 of Shenandoah. The area north of Thornton Gap and south of Front Royal is a little rougher and sparse as I recall (but check with some other sources), and south of Swift Run Gap is just that much further for you to drive. The area I'm speaking of has plenty of access/trailheads, good shelters, some decent views, and reasonable trail conditions.

Good luck and let me know if you need anything else.

[Rick]

Welcome Mattco. How about hiking over to the Introduction section and tell us something about yourself?

[laughing beetle]

Mattco, thank you very much. This is a great start for me:) GW, I will certainly post pictures for the forum.:) I just have to make sure I dont show up in any of them, might break the camera! ;) I will take your suggestion and contact FVR, once I get what I want to ask him figured out... don't want to end up looking like a numpty 'cause I didn't articulate well. :D Rick, thanks, and like I said once I figure out my needs I will ask away. :):)

[DEET]

The best section to spend a few days on is the maryland run. You only nee a few supplies since they have ready made shelters and there is a huge amount of things to see in a very short distance. enjoy

[chiye tanka]

Wish I could help. I've hiked parts in GA and NH.

[mattco]

Regarding Deet's recommendation on MD...

All parts of the trail have something going for them. MD has some very pretty farm country and rolling hills, some good eating, and points of historical interest, especially if you're into the Civil War. It also has some long boring stretches and one part I remember with particular loathing that was nothing but exposed ridgeline, carefully stepping from one rolling rock to another, with the sun beating down while those little black midges flew in and out of my eyes. :-) Sorry, maybe personal experience has biased my opinion a bit.

My personal pref is SNP - it seems to me to have a slightly more remote feeling to it.

However, IF you do make it through MD down near Harpers Ferry and want some great MD fried chicken, go to Cindy Dee's in Knoxville, MD, right off Rte 340. I make special trips there for it and no one I've brought along has been disappointed. It's also a good stop for hikers not staying in Harpers Ferry - it's right off the AT, and has a motel, convenience store, and liquor store immediately adjacent. Whoo-hoo!

Cindy-Dee Restaurant
19112 Keep Tryst Rd
Knoxville, MD 21758
301-695-8181

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=103905628434579661025.000001135a6e4a84342ab&ll=39.325799,-77.697372&spn=0.059622,0.154495&z=13

[tacmedic]

You might try http://www.trails.comthey have a lot of hiking trails listed all over the country. You have to buy a subscription, but they do have a 14 day free trial just be sure to cancel before the end of the 14 days.