I am a Leftcoaster (Native Los Angeleno) and have zero experience with actually hiking the AT. (I have read several wonderful AT journals/accounts/books and read here for years). I have a friend who would like to hike on the AT when she visits a son in Lynchburg. She knows zero about the AT in that area.
I have checked maps (I know where Lynchburg lies in relation to the AT) but only vaguely in a road atlas-kinda-way.
My Question:
What is the closest point of access on the AT to Lynchburg?
Are there multiple hiking options? Any outdoor retailers in Lynchburg or clubs/hiking groups she can contact? (I realize people on WhiteBlaze who actually live in Lynchburg will probably know best).
ANY info you can supply would be greatly appreciated.
(access points, mileage and direction from Lynchburg, etc)
Thanks very much!