I’m familiar with Pacific Northwest & Sierra hiking but am thinking about an AT attempt, perhaps in '08, and would like to “test drive” some 100 or so miles to get a feel for AT-life. Suggestions, please?
Trail Bum
Where to 'test drive' the AT?
system
#2
19E near Elk Park, NC to VA 603 near Troutdale, VA. Waterfalls, ridgewalking, vistas, wildlife, friendly trail towns. This section has it all. I belive the distance is about 115 miles.
Trekking Trav
system
#3
trekking trav has suggested a GREAT section (though i’d definitely try to start, say, at spivey gap, US 19W, headed toward erwin… a stay with miss janet is not to missed!)…this way you won’t miss unaka and roan mtns.(which we loved)…it’s SOOOOOOOOO difficult to choose a favorite section, but NE tennessee does have a bit of everything…and mt. rogers in VA has often been compared to what you see in maine…however, the trail down south is very different than the AT up north…i think the whites would be our pick up there…but for a “general” taste of life on the AT i think you can’t beat NE tennesee and SW virginia…you’ll have a blast!..your eyes will be popped out all the time!..(oh yeah…don’t miss stayin’ at kincora!)
maw-ee