View Full Version : James River, VA to Rockfish Gap, May '09
Rain Man
05-18-2009, 15:40
Another WBer and I plan to hike from the James River Foot Bridge (US Hwy 501) in Virginia to Rockfish Gap/Waynesboro, starting Memorial Day (next Monday evening).
I am wondering if there are any trail alerts, water or bug conditions, or other local specific information we should know about before starting our section hike? Also, any hostels to avoid, ... or any not to be missed? Same for places to eat?
Any really bad climbs, descents, or trail conditions? We plan to go slowly and do short days of 8-10 miles or so.
We have the latest ATC maps and the 2009 Appalachian Pages, but I like to ask anyway about any acute conditions. Thanks in advance for any pertinent advice!
Rain:sunMan
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The climbs are only as bad as the weight of the gear you are carrying, oh wait, you have an extra food bag to carry. Yup, your climbs are gonna suck!!
The Dutch Haus in Montebello has a good reputation, very hiker-friendly.
Personally, I'd take this section SOBO, but if you like climbs go NOBO.
Rain Man
05-18-2009, 19:55
Personally, I'd take this section SOBO, but if you like climbs go NOBO.
NOBO it is then! YAHOOO!!!! Climbs!!!
And thanks for the recommendation on the Dutch Haus!
Rain:sunMan
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Blissful
05-18-2009, 20:05
There will be lots of thrus and possibly groups (college, outdoor groups, BSA) out there. Some schools in VA are out by Memorial Day weekend. Be sure to have tenting gear with you and be flexible. It's a very busy time of year in that section.
And I would do this SOBO also. Most go NOBO too, unless you prefer to go with the masses....
We just came off a Reeds Gap (which I think is a little further S of Rockfish) to the James River Footbridge last week, went SOBO. Great time. Water was flowing abundantly. No exceptional bug issues, nothing unusual. Most of the shelter areas were fine. We generally don't come off to eat, so I can't comment there, but it was a nice hike--good trail, no major rocky areas.
Have a great time.
toothpick
05-18-2009, 23:45
When you get to Rockfish and you need lodging give the Tree Streets Inn a shot. We called ahead and they picked us up at the trail and what a great Inn. Hospitality was unmatched and are very hiker friendly.
Slo-go'en
05-19-2009, 00:20
Just got home, with that streach as my last bit.
Water - no problem, its every where. "Seasonal" springs are gushers right now. I would not want to do it SOBO, some VERY long up hills if you go SOBO. Ticks are out in force in that area, check yourself and use repelent! Lots of wild flowers blooming.
The Dutch Haus is a must stay, or at least drop down for the free lunch (11 am to 1 pm).
There were only a few thru-hikers in the area last week, but that could change. My last night on the trail was at the Paul Wolfe shelter Saturday and there was a large group of scouts in the shelter. I set up my tent and of course, shortly after dark a T-Storm rolled in. A fitting end to a wet month of hiking!
NOBO it is then! YAHOOO!!!! Climbs!!!
And thanks for the recommendation on the Dutch Haus!
Rain:sunMan
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If you like climbs, you can't go wrong NOBO.
You get climbs either way, but I think the only MAJOR climb going SOBO would be from the Tye River up to the Priest—and IMHO only the last mile of that is tough. The rest of the climbs between Rockfish Gap and James River going SOBO are just bumps by comparison.
Going NOBO, you have the long climb out of the James River, the climb from just north of Brown Mt. Shelter all the way past US60 and up to Cold Mt., and the climb from the Tye River up to Three Ridges. None of these are mere bumps.
Rain Man
05-19-2009, 11:17
When you get to Rockfish and you need lodging give the Tree Streets Inn a shot. We called ahead and they picked us up at the trail and what a great Inn. Hospitality was unmatched and are very hiker friendly.
Thanks toothpick. And thanks to all with the updates and suggestions!
I'll be hiking this section with Lilred and we're starting at James River because that's where she left off. I'm stopping at Rockfish Gap, because I've already done the Shenandoah National Park, but Lilred is going on. My wife will be picking me up in Waynesboro, and she and I are heading back down Damascus way to hike a couple of days out of Elk Garden (through Grayson Highlands), where I last left off. All clear as mud? LOL
Anyway, right now I'm thinking wife and I will not stay the night in Waynesboro, but will hit I-81 for Damascus. But if we do stay in Waynesboro, I'll give Tree Streets Inn a shout. Thanks for the suggestion.
Rain:sunMan
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No one mentioned the Excellent Chinese Buffet in Waynesboro, or Weasies diner, both have great food. Hostels include the Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Waynesboro (very nice people - just wished they opened earlier...) and Rusty's after the Maupin Field Shelter. The trail angel system in Waynesboro is probably the best organized of anywhere, since there is a list of folks who will drive you. Have a great hike (wish I were back out)
Rain Man
05-19-2009, 14:40
When you get to Rockfish and you need lodging give the Tree Streets Inn a shot. We called ahead and they picked us up at the trail and what a great Inn. Hospitality was unmatched and are very hiker friendly.
You know, I just did want you suggested (after Googling their web site for a bit) and made reservations. They even gave me a hiker rate on a room.
THANKS for the suggestion. My wife thanks you, too!
Rain:sunMan
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Rain Man
05-19-2009, 14:45
No one mentioned ... Rusty's after the Maupin Field Shelter....
Red Hat, thanks for bringing up "Rusty's" name. I've heard and read so many mixed messages about Rusty's, that I'm not sure what to think. Frankly, I tend to stop at "fixtures" along the trail, and to spend some time seeing this or that "don't miss" sites. I know Rusty's is a LONG way off the AT. Do you recommend a stop there? It would be a once-in-a-lifetime stop, as I won't be hiking that way again. It's now or never. My inclination is to make it part of my section hike experience. What sayest thou?
Rain Man
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Cookerhiker
05-19-2009, 17:58
I haven't hiked that section in over 20 years but one recollection is how nice Crabtree Falls are. I would think the Falls would be reasonably flush in May. You come to the side trail before reaching the summit of The Priest and per the Companion, it's half a mile to a campsite and 2 miles to the Falls. If you have time, you may want to consider it. Happy Trails!
Thanks Cookerhiker. I always like to find side trails to falls. I may have to check this one out.
Blissful
05-20-2009, 14:34
The Falls are nice and should be excellent with the copious rain we've had. :)
bullseye
05-20-2009, 17:27
I did this section memorial day weekend two years ago. I'm pretty sure you'll get to enjoy the social aspect of the trail:p. As I recall Punchbowl shelter had about 20+ tents and no takers for the shelter ('sept the skeeters:D).
Rainman,
Did a SOBO on this very section some years ago. Very rewarding, but be wary of parking at the 501 trailhead at James River. It had a rep for vandalism.
Rain Man
05-23-2009, 21:48
Thanks to all who have posted with hints and advice! This one thing that makes WB great. LilRed and I are pretty much set to go. We hope to hike some on Monday late afternoon/early evening and just play it by ear to Rockfish Gap, where I bail out on her.
If anyone is in the area, feel free to give a shout. We leave Nashville around 6:00 Memorial Day morning.
Rain:sunMan
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Rain Man
06-07-2009, 09:50
Well, LilRed and I completed this section hike successfully! I am certain all who say Virginia is flat are liars and doomed to burn in hell eternally! LOL Well, maybe one long hot summer anyway.
:D
We had a leisurely pace for the most part and got to meet many thru-hikers. Had some rain, some sunshine, lots of water (where it was supposed to be, that is).
My wife, Stitch, picked me up in Waynesboro. We stayed a night at the Tree Streets Inn B&B and recommend it. Then we drove down the Blue Ridge Parkway to Damascus, stayed at The Hikers Inn, and hiked the Grayson Highlands together.
I'll post some photos this week.
Rain:sunMan
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:-? We are planning on doing the section from Bland to Rockfish gap at the end of June.
On your trip where did you re supply? Is there a store at where the trail crosses US60?
:-? We are planning on doing the section from Bland to Rockfish gap at the end of June.
On your trip where did you re supply? Is there a store at where the trail crosses US60?
No, that store (which was a mile west of the AT crossing) closed several years ago. Closest resupply would be in Buena Vista, VA, 9 or 10 miles west of the AT. Not the easiest hitch, but not impossible.
If you need a ride into Buena Vista there's a guy named William that'll come and get you. His phone number is 540 570 8843. He's been giving rides for a few years - he shuttled me into and out of Buena Vista a few months ago. Give him a call a few hours before you get to US 60 and he'll be there right when he says he will (least that was my experience)
Real nice guy - in his mid-late 60's. Likes to talk to hikers and knows all about the area. Highly recommend him.
If you like climbs, you can't go wrong NOBO.
You get climbs either way, but I think the only MAJOR climb going SOBO would be from the Tye River up to the Priest—and IMHO only the last mile of that is tough. The rest of the climbs between Rockfish Gap and James River going SOBO are just bumps by comparison.
I was thinking the same thing.. I hiked this section SOBO and with the exception of The Priest, for once felt like I was hiking in the 'easiest' direction. I typically hike SOBO if I can and it always seems to be the hardest way to go.
The SOBO run between Buena Vista and the James River footbridge is probably the longest, easiest section of hiking I've encountered so far. I flew through there.