Finding Trail Heads

imported
#1

I was headed to WV last weekend & decided to wreak a little trail magic along the way. I planned my route through the Grayson Highlands, eager to show my daughter some of the ponies we have read about, then travel up to Pearsburg. This route, according to my map, should have crossed the AT at least 4 times; yet, no matter how closely I looked, nor how many cows (or motorists) I annoyed… I never found nary a footpath or stile.

What is the best way to find where the AT crosses roadways in VA (at least until the flashing neon signs are installed)?

Wild Hare

#2

Buy a Gazateer for the State of Virginia. That should provide you with the detail you need.

Little bear

#3

what is a Gazetter and where would I buy it? (I’m full of dumb questions today)

Thanks for the prompt reply :slight_smile:

Wild Hare

#4

The Gazetteers are a great series of topo/road maps put out by the DeLorme folks

For info on the Virginia book, which costs $19.95. see www.delorme.com/atlasgaz/

This comprehensive altas will show you every road crossing in Virginia; similar DeLorme atlases will provide information on other states.

Jack Tarlin

#5

Hare,
Here are a few places around SW VA that you can easily intersect the AT and encounter hikers, etc. (a) the trail runs down the main street in Damascus and includes “message bricks” in the sidewalk. It is 100 feet from the Sidetrack. (b) the trail passes by Dot’s Bar as you turn left to leave Damascus - a good place for a burger and beer, ©the trail crosses VA Hwy 16 at the Mt Rogers info center - very well marked, and(d) it intersects with US Hwy 11 in Groseclose about 150 yards south of the DQ and the REd Barn - again well marked. I found that the hikers were always keen on Krispy Kreme donuts no matter what the season or time of day.
See you at the Sidetrack.
Bum

damascus bum

#6

I have the same question Wild Hare asked except I need to know about the north GA area…can I drive directly to Walasi-Yi and leave the car there and head out for a day on the AT? Is there a better place you experienced hikers would recommend? I’m looking at Hwy 60, Hwy 19-129, Hwy 348 and Hwy 17-75 for a place that’s safe to leave the car and go out for just one day. Sorry – one day is all I get on way to business meeting and I’m TAKING that day to share with my 13 year old daughter! She’s never even seen the AT or hiked anything before. Any advice is appreciated!

Allyson

#7

You have numerous possibilities for day hikes in GA. If you want to start at Walasi Yi, you can leave you car at a park just north of the store (they do not want you parking all day at their store, but they are great people with tons of good advice). Then you can hike south to the top of Blood Mountain and back, or north to Wolf Laurel Top and back. If you have a vehicle that doesn’t mind a dirt/rock road, a trip up to Springer Mountain via Rt 42 is worth the trip. We left our vehicle at the park just north of Walasi Yi center all day with no problems. The hike up to Blood Mountain is pretty strenous, but worth it if it is a clear day. The hike the other direction is a little less strenous, but not as pretty. Hope this helps. Have a great time with your daughter.
PaPa Larry
PS I am assuming you have only one vehicle, with two there are more options.

PaPa Larry

#8

Here’s a second for Blood Mountain on a clear day. Even on a cloudy day it can be pretty spectacular. Wolf Laurel is also great.

bitpusher

#9

Thanks y’all! That is exactly the info I needed to know. And yes, we will have only one car. So here’s hoping it’s a beautiful day and we can do Blood Mountain. Hope the humidity, heat and skeeters aren’t too bad. It’s going to be late in July. Is the park you’re referring to that’s north of Walasi-Yi called the Reese State Memorial Park?

Allyson

#10

Allyson, the AT/road intersections you mentioned all have parking areas that are plenty safe to leave a car at for a day hike. I’d suggest giving Blood Mt a try, it’s about 5 mile round trip from either Neel Gap or the Byron Reece parking area (the one mentioned that’s .4 miles north of Neel Gap on 129.) If the weather’s halfway decent, you’ll get some nice views from the summit, if it’s not you’ll at least have a fun, challenging hike. Stop by the shop before assuming you have to park at Byron Reece, especially if it’s a weekday or wet weather. Have fun!

Skittles

#11

If you’re traveling down RT 16 from Mt Rogers you HAVE to stop at the ranger station and go check out Partnership shelter about 100 yards behind it. Yes the trail crosses here also.

Hikerhead

#12

y’all are the best:cheers

Wild Hare