Grrr... just lost the last thread, so I'll summarize.

Last July, my roommate and I took a week off of work and spent five days hiking the AT and backcountry camping around Luray, Virginia. This year, we're doing the same thing, but trying to plan a two-car hike with a definite start and end point, but enough time to stop as we please and check out side-trails. We're taking a work week off, giving us nine days off or seven/eight to hike.

My challenge for you: Suggest some good five/six day hikes along the AT within four hours drive from Fairfax, Virginia. I'd like lots of good vistas and hopefully near some good water crossings. Shelters aren't a must (we plan on tent/tarp camping for most of it), but wouldn't be against a cool campfire spot or two.

I'll post once we've decided on a plan.