Question for all you hikers of the AT. What would be your favorite 15-20 mile section between Springer and Mt. Rogers? I live in the region but only get to do day trips because of work, etc. My day trips usually are in that range of miles.
HANDS
20 MILES - Appalachian Trail
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#3
I’ve said here before I think the best FIFTY miles on the whole A.T. is between Dickey Gap and Damascus. Every kind of backcountry environment the A.T. has to offer, High Country and lower elevations.
But the best of THAT best, IMO, would have to be the section between Fox Creek (VA603) and the Buzzard Rock area on Whitetop Mt. You can park up there and at Fox Creek, so a two-vehicle dayhike would be possible. Or, there are several shuttle options in the area. It’s actually 20.1 mi. according to the Data Book.
Skyline
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#5
Carvers Gap to 19E. It’s only about 14 miles, but you could stay at the Overmountain Shelter (one of the best on the trail) about 5 miles in and hike out the next day.
Sly
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#8
Either Carvers Gap to 19E or that section in the smokies… wow! I was hiking there two weeks ago. Leave you car at Curtis’s place and hitch or get shuttled into park and walk back…
ASWAH
aswah
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#11
My wife and I have only hiked from Springer to Clingmans Dome. Thus far our favorite two areas of about 20 miles are: from Deep Gap USFS 71 to Rock Gap Standing Indian Campground (just a little over 20 miles and you have several nice views, a rock climb up (S to N) Albert Mountain, and numerous places to camp); from Wayah Bald to Wesser (NOC US 19) (nice view from Wayah tower and a terrific view from Wesser Bald Tower, plus a number of areas to camp, distance is a little over 21 miles). Both areas are amiable to day hikes with several road crossings each. Hope you enjoy your hikes, we sure did.
Sincerely, PaPa Larry
PaPa Larry