View Full Version : Need help planning a thru hike in VA
Need all the help I can get. Want to do a thru hike in VA in Sept. It will be for 3-4 days around 35 to 40 miles. I'm thinking Roanoke, the James River, Blue Ridge Pkwy and Apple Orchard sound good but am having trouble. Please help!!!
Cookerhiker
08-24-2008, 18:35
For that part of Virginia, you may want to consider hiking from Black Horse Gap,the southernmost AT crossing of the Blue Ridge Parkway, to the James River. This distance of 42 miles is close to your target. By starting at Black Horse, you avoid the initial ascent to the ridgeline. You'll pass over Apple Orchard Mountain on your second or third day. Finishing at the James River is a treat as you'll catch river views on your descent and end by crossing the Foot bridge.
Should be a good hike. Some info. is available in the Companion (http://www.aldha.org/companyn/va07.pdf). You can advertise for a shuttle here on WB. I'm sure someone will respond.
EarlyBird2007
08-24-2008, 19:20
Depends a lot on what you want. VA has just about everything. If you want spectacular scenery and rugged terrain, I'd choose Mt. Rogers a/k/a Grayson Highlands area. If you want relatively easy terrain, easy access and good views, I'd try Shenendoah National Park, maybe starting north from Rockfish Gap (around Waynesboro).