We are supposed to be taking a 99 mile jaunt in early April, beginning near route 30 to the Pinefield Hut, and ending near Rt. 60, coming out from the Cow Camp Gap Shelter. Has anyone been in any part of this vicinity recently? We are curious regarding blowdowns, etc, and the clearness of the trail. I know a goodly amount of time was spent clearly after Elizabeth last year, but wasn't sure if they were able to clear the whole area.
Any info–greatly appreciated!
_gumball_ I am sure the trail will be in good shape. Might be some scattered blowdowns, but that must be expected. I haven't been on that section (which is close to me) in a few weeks, but I can't imagine it being terrible. Enjoy your trip.
_Bankrobber_ I doesn't quite compute how you get only 99 miles beginning near Route 30 (that's Caledonia State Park in PA, right?) and ending near US 60 south of Cow Camp Gap in Central VA. Unless it's a typo and you meant Rt. 33, which is where Swift Run Gap is. Yeah, I bet that's it.
But it seems you’ll be hiking through Shenandoah National Park–and that’s good news. The A.T., and many but not all side trails, are in reasonably good shape. The storm damage from Isabelle (not Elizabeth) was mostly cleared long ago. What’s out there is no worse than what you’d find after any normal winter.
_"Skyline"_ Gumball got a few roads wrong. Though I don't have a data book in front of me, here is what I think he or she means: hike from the road that leads into Buena Vista to Swift Run Gap. I don't have a Data Book in front of me.
_Bankrobber_ Yes, sorry--it is route 33, not 30--we did a section last year that started from rt. 30. My bad--thanks for the input tho.
_gumball_