I am in a dilemma. My fall break is the weekend of the Gathering. Should I take a 4 or 5 day trip or go to the Gathering in Hanover? It has been a rough comedown after finishing my hike on Katahdin four weeks ago. Any recommendations on what would be the best decision?
Namaste
Bankrobber
I have been doing trailangel work for 3 seasons. I have never been to the Gathering or Traildays so I am opting to take a mini-vacation to the Gathering. I am looking forward to it because it will be a chance to see some people I have met and meet new family members of the trail!
I would think that a hiker who hikes a lot might opt for the Gathering if they’ve never experienced that.
Mary Parry
When the Gathering is in the South, I try to go for all or part of the weekend. But I also try to include an equal amount of time for hiking in the area–in the case of Concord College in WV that puts me on the A.T. in the Bland/Pearisburg region or the Allegheny Trail. Next time I plan to check out the Greenbrier rail-trail.
You could certainly do the same in New Hampshire even more easily as the A.T. runs right through town and there are fantastic hiking opportunities within 50 miles in any direction. I’d check out the schedule whenever ALDHA posts it and choose those events at the Gathering you really want to participate in, go to Hanover for those, then spend the rest of your time hiking if you wish.
In addition to all the seminars, videos, social events, etc. The Gathering is a kind of reunion and you’ll likely see folks there you met on the Trail.
“Skyline”
Skyline, another trail you might consider is the Allegheny Trail.
Hammock Hanger and I did this before last years Gathering.
We parked our car at the Holy Family Hostel in Pearisburg and had Bill the cartaker drive us to the trailhead at Laural Branch and hiked south back to our car. 21 miles on the Allegheny and about 20 on the AT. 95% ridgewalk on Peters Mtn.
Let me know if you need anymore info
Buster
You’ll be surprised at the number of '03ers and other folks you’ve met that’ll probably be there. You’ll also see the mountains in thier fall colors, and there’s plenty of hiking around. Some folks come to Gathering and spend the days meeting folks and hiking, the evenings at the Storrs Pond campfire, and seldom go to any ‘indoors’ stuff. If you can make it to friday night you can stand up to cheers, applause, and hoots, with other members of your ‘class’ as the years are called out. I’m positive the Gathering will help with your re-entry, and will help you re-connect with your trail friends. C’mon up!
TJ aka Teej
Your decision depends on your interests. Do you want to mingle with many others who have thru-hiked, including several people who you hiked with this year? Is the drive from Virginia worth it to you? If so, then go to the Gathering. If you don’t want to do all that driving, then wait a year and catch it next year closer to where you are.
If you just want to hike on your own, then do a multi day section anywhere you want. Myself, I’ll go to the Gathering when it is in NH, but it’s not worth it for me to drive all the way down south.
Peaks