mountainman
07-20-2010, 19:47
I'm going to hike from Thornton Gap to just north of Rockfish Gap the last weekend of July. How is the water there?
johnnybgood
07-20-2010, 21:03
Well , it'll be very dry in the southernmost section starting with Blackrock Hut (MP 86) , so with this weekends weather being very hot again I wouldn't risk it.
The Springs south of there are better but with the rainfall being as scarce as it has been you may need to rely on other sources for water.
With that being said , the good news is there will be spigot water at the Pinnacles Picnic Area ,(MP36) , a short 5 miles from Thornton Gap.
The Big Meadows Campground/Lodge will also have spigot water in case Rock Spring Hut is dry.
Lewis Mountain Campground , a mere 8 miles from Big Meadows will have water . Hightop(MP67) has been reliable in my experence.
Same for Pinefield , another 8 miles farther south. If not, don't worry , Loft Mountain Campground (MP79),will have spigot water, and the AT runs right along the perimeter of the campground.
Anything farther south than that is a crap shoot.
Enjoy your hike !
Last week, the stretch NOBO between Daleville and Blackhorse Gap was pretty dry, except for Curry Creek and Wilson Creek, which were in great shape.
(Sorry, I know this isn't a huge amount of info, but it might help when stitched together with other reports)
ATsawyer
07-21-2010, 18:00
Rock Spring was flowing decently last Friday. We've had some decent but localized rainfall in Virginia the last week or so.