I may have a month available beginning the latter part of April. I would need to start somewhere close to an airport and end close to an airport. I would prefer to end near Harpers Ferry. Can anyone help me with the best part of the trail to accomplish this? Also, I will not be in the best of shape after tax season. (I am planning on a 2012 thruhike but would like to experience some of the trail earlier)
ratherbehiking
Maybe from Rockfish Gap to Harpers? That’s only about 162 miles, so to add more distance you could start further south, maybe at Daleville/Troutville. I-81 roughly parallels the trail in that stretch through Virginia.
It really depends on what kind of mileage you think you’re able to do and feel like you want to do. If you plan conservatively for 10-mile days, Daleville is roughly 29 days out of Harpers at 294 miles.
Nearest decent sized airports down there are Charlottesville nearest to Rockfish Gap or Roanoke nearest to Daleville.
Hope this helps and have a great hike!:boy
Tyger
I have backpacked that section over serveral years. It is very nice in my opinion but fairly rugged as well. while it is sandwiched between lots of civilization, it feels fairly remote and has several wilderness areas. It has the highest peaks until you get into New England going north. If you are up for a bit more distance, I would start a bit farther south (about 40 miles or so.) Then you would cross over Dragon’s Tooth, MacAfees Knob and Tinker Cliffs, all spectacular views. I have hiked some of these areas several times and would go again anytime. Roanoke Airpot is a medium size and has good service. Let me know if you have any other questions.
hokiebpacker