Suggestions on a good section

imported
#1

Hey everyone, hope you all had a good summer and hiking season. can’t wait for fall hiking here in vermont.
Anyway, i will be doing a section of the AT

A-Train

#2

I sent that msg way before I was done. Anyway, will be out for about 10-14 days with my girlfriend in mid to late May. Thinking about somewhere in Virginia probably. Would like to be around a good number of hikers and do a section that is not too hard. We’re in pretty good shape, but definately wanna stop smell the roses, and see some good sunsets too. A pretty section would be a plus too. Planning on about 10-12 mile days. Damascus to pearisburg? Pearisburg to Daleville? Daleville to Waynsboro? Shenendoahs? What did you guys like? Thanks a lot A-Train

a-Train

#3

Ok, I don’t know why I’ve screwed this up for the second time, not like i’ve never posted here…long day i guess.
Will be doing 10-14 day hike, probably about 10 to 12 miles a day, with a few low/zero days. Gonna be with my girlfriend, want to smell the roses, see some good sunsets, nice trail and views.
What would you recommend…pearisburg to Daleville? Daleville to Waynsboro? Shenendoah? Damascus to Pearisburg? what did you guys like the most? Oh yeah, wanna be around a lot of hikers. Thanks so much, A-Train

A-train

#4

I live in Damascus so I’m partial to this area but from here to Pearisburg is a very nice hike. The Virgina Highlands/Grayson Highlands area can’t be beat for views. There will be lots of folks in this section in May. Mostly northbound thru-hikers.

Lone Wolf

#5

Anywhere on the trail is wonderful. I can only think of a few places that are the pits. In Virginia, consider:

Mt. Rodgers/Grayson Highlands is usually special for everyone. So, I’d definately put that section on my list.

I enjoyed the Dragons Tooth-McAfee Knob-Tinker’s Cliff area. I might consider using the old AT to make a loop in this area.

If you want an easier section, then Shenandoah Park. However, remember that the best parts of this area are off the AT, so do loop hikes, with the return being along the AT on the ridge.

Peaks

#6

Just some thoughts off the top of my head:

Depending on the exact timing of your hike, you may want to try a Pearisburg to Damascus hike (or vice versa) that will either start or end in Damascus at Trail Days. I don’t know exactly what date trail days is next year, but it is generally in mid-May and should be readily available at the trail days website.

How will you be traveling to Virginia from your home? If you are driving your own car, then, you can take your pick of almost any section as the trail in VA as it generally parallels I-81 (or, if you like the “scenic route”, the Blue Ridge Parkway) and is readily accessible from a number of locations. On the other hand if you are flying, then, a hike that starts or ends in Roanoke (i.e. Daleville) might make sense since Roanoke has a fairly large airport and is very close to the trail. If you want to go by train, Northern VA and/or the Shenadoahs might make sense since you can take a train to DC and, then, public transportation to Harpers Ferry or, I think, Front Royal.

I have only seen parts of the trail in Virginia (around Roanoke and in the Shenandoahs), but, from what I’ve heard and from what I’ve experienced, it sounds like it’s all good. I must say that I’ve heard more people gush about Graysons Highlands (immediately north of Damascus) than just about any other section of the entire trail. I’ve also heard a few people grumble about North VA (between SNP and Harpers) because is a bit less scenic than the Shenandoahs. Even so, speaking as a fellow section hiker, I highly doubt that any section would disappoint you.

Ken G

#7

Hey A-train. Glad to see you’re back in Vermont. Hope you had a good summer. Wow… the choices. So many good ones in VA. Lots of people didn’t like VA… had the VA Blues, etc. I loved all of it. I think any of the suggestions would give you a good trip. I would vote for the Damascus to Pearsiburgh. Grayson Highlands, Mt Rogers, and Burke’s Garden are all great. Timing should work out for you also. I left Damascus on May 5 and arrived in Pearisburg on May 16. We were averaging about 12 miles a day. Will be lots of AT hikers on the trail during anytime in May so that shouldn’t be much of a worry. Hey… I might even run into you. I’m planning on leaving Springer around April 1.

Moose