What's Ahead - Appalachian Trail

imported
#1

I’m wondering what’s up ahead for my next section hike. In 2002, I started at Springer and ended at Fontana Dam. In 2003 I went from Fontana to Erwin. This year Erwin to Partnership Shelter. Each of the first three hikes I was pretty familiar with what I would see. I looked forward to Springer, Neels Gap, Standing Indian, Albert Mtn, the NOC, Fontana Dam, the Smokies, Max Patch, Hot Springs, the bald mountains this year, Laurel Falls, Grayson Highlands and the ponies. In the next 200 miles north of Partnership Shelter, I have almost no idea what to expect along the way. I plan to do the next section next April or May. What are the highlights and things that are “must see” or “must do”. I’m already daydreaming about it and need to know what the highlights will be to feed my habit.

CBiscuit

#2

Burke’s Garden,Pearisburg Hostel, fields and views just north of Pearisburg, Dragon’s Tooth, McAfee Knob, Tinker Cliffs, Homeplace Restaurant, etc., etc.

Wolf

#3

I would say-pick a spot and do a spontaneous hike. You will savor it more. Don’t research anything other than your shuttle(s). Take your databook, camera, and a notebook. Enjoy each moment. And then let us know what you do! StarLyte

Marsha

#4

McAfee knob and Tinker Cliffs are awesome!!! Dragon’s Tooth was some tough hiking but pretty too. Have fun!!!

Apple Pie

#5

Several hours before Dragon’s Tooth you’ll come across the Audie Murphy monument a little off the trail. I found it a nice place for lunch and thought about WWII and what he had been through at such a young age.

A little up the trail is a nice stream before you start the rocky ascent up the Dragon’s Tooth, which seems to take forever! Then you get the fun of going down again. You can even use the metal handles in the rocks to climb down. Great fun, especially if you are lucky and there is a thunderstorm.

Be sure to stop at the Four Pines Hostel in Catawba. And if you are there Thurs, Friday or Saturday, eat at the AYCE. Enjoy Virginia!

oldkathy

#6

McAfee’s Knob is a special place. My son and I got there on a planned 50 mile section hike 2 years ago. We were thwarted by lack of water and a forest fire that had the AT hikers re-routed. McAfee’s Knob is a place to stay and soak in the Virginny countryside…best views…high up super views…and the most photographed spot on the AT…just dangle your legs over the edge and that picture. My son and I also commented at the thru-hikers who got on the edge and took their picture and left in a matter of minutes…The Knob deserves some time.

Doc Holiday

#7

what to expect???

I think all of us have an idea…from research, talking with other hikers, reading about the trail, etc.,etc.,etc…generally, what to expect along each section of our hikes…

BUT, i love it when i am surprised when i hike around another corner & theres the unexpected shelter, or watersource, or gap, or horses along the trail, a forgotten shelter or barn, overlook, or trail…it’s part of my “adventure” each year on the trail!

happy hikin’!:smiley:

“Jaybird”