VA (area) - Good Beginner Trail Recommendations, Please?

[xalex]

Would anyone here happen to have suggested first time backpacking trails in the VA area? I'm reasonably in shape, but not an experienced hiker.

It doesn't need to be in VA, just in the surrounding area. Maybe even a trail where we won't have to worry about bears (no SNP)?

[Teacher & Snacktime]

McAfee Knob was surprisingly easy..great day hike. Dragon's Tooth was also pretty easy, even with its occassional hand over hand climbs. If I can do it, ANYONE can. Have fun.

[Namtrag]

the AT in Grayson Highlands and Mt Rogers area is pretty easy. You are up pretty high, but nothing particularly strenuous. You can do a pretty nice little loop by going to the state park, parking in the backpacker overnight lot, and going north on the AT until you hit Pine Mt trail, then go south on the Pine Mt trail to where it intersects the AT, then go North on the AT again back to the parking lot. It's an easy 1 or 2 night trip, depending on when you arrive (morning or evening).

Here is a link to a map. Just follow the yellow loop...leave out the little lollipop stick on the southwest side.

http://files.meetup.com/1648248/photo.JPG

[Namtrag]

my apologies...the yellow loop is not the AT at the intersection at the south end of the Pine Mt trail...but you can easily see the dark green bold AT there, take that back to the parking lot.

[Pedaling Fool]

Would anyone here happen to have suggested first time backpacking trails in the VA area? I'm reasonably in shape, but not an experienced hiker.

It doesn't need to be in VA, just in the surrounding area. Maybe even a trail where we won't have to worry about bears (no SNP)?

Va area That's the largest section of the trail. Most would say SNP, but it looks like you already ruled that out (if I understand you correctly). That being the case I don't think it really matter where in Va you go, it's not like any part of Va requires technical skill, as LW says, it's just walking.

And since you're "reasonably in shape", I'd say take your pick. BTW, bears are everywhere, trying to avoid encounters is not logical.

[QHShowoman]

What part of VA are you in, Xalex?

[Namtrag]

Xalex, the Cold Mountain loop is very easy and has some beautiful views. You can even camp at a shelter about halfway through the loop. If you combine it with the Mt Pleasant loop, you get a pretty easy figure 8, and can camp next to the parking area right on the AT. Another benefit of this loop is that it is a pretty easy drive from most parts of the state.

Here is a link with the Cold Mountain hike. http://www.midatlantichikes.com/coldmt.htm

[xalex]

What part of VA are you in, Xalex?

Around VA Beach

[Namtrag]

Better yet, join our meetup group and go on some trips with us. We are based in Chesapeake.

http://www.meetup.com/OCBackpackers/

[SevenPines]

Around VA Beach

im a local...went to first colonial & VCU, live in Norfolk.

if you're looking for the quickest, straight-shot to a trail head in the mountains, drive west on I-64 (avoid traffic) past charlottesville, then south on the blue ridge parkway. the humpback rocks trail head & access to the AT is 3 hours away.

take RT460 out of town all the way to Lynchburg (which has easy access to great AT sections along BRP off Rt501) or take 460 all the way Roanoke, which is the hub for all the beautiful southwest VA has to offer.

Go to wild river outfitters on VB Blvd @ Rosemont Rd and pick up some great PATC maps and study them...pick a spot that sounds intriguing, search the spot or trail on the net, and implement the idea.

If you are looking for a hike with scenery that will change your perspective on the state, go to the Mt Rodgers/Grayson highlands area.

there is also a lot of nice stuff and trails to hike between here and the mountains.

[xalex]

Ah nice. I live in Norfolk as well, am familiar w/ WR outfitters as well.

We are leaning toward Grayson Highlands at this point like you and one other suggested. Looks like a pretty sweet park (and ponies are always cool) - we have about a week to prepare and plan and get our *** together.. Hopefully it works out. Any tips specific to camping/backpacking there would be awesome. We're total noobs, but want to get our feet wet... only done a little camping.

Thank you everyone for responses!

im a local...went to first colonial & VCU, live in Norfolk.

if you're looking for the quickest, straight-shot to a trail head in the mountains, drive west on I-64 (avoid traffic) past charlottesville, then south on the blue ridge parkway. the humpback rocks trail head & access to the AT is 3 hours away.

take RT460 out of town all the way to Lynchburg (which has easy access to great AT sections along BRP off Rt501) or take 460 all the way Roanoke, which is the hub for all the beautiful southwest VA has to offer.

Go to wild river outfitters on VB Blvd @ Rosemont Rd and pick up some great PATC maps and study them...pick a spot that sounds intriguing, search the spot or trail on the net, and implement the idea.

If you are looking for a hike with scenery that will change your perspective on the state, go to the Mt Rodgers/Grayson highlands area.

there is also a lot of nice stuff and trails to hike between here and the mountains.

[xalex]

Thank you ! We will be looking at this!!

the AT in Grayson Highlands and Mt Rogers area is pretty easy. You are up pretty high, but nothing particularly strenuous. You can do a pretty nice little loop by going to the state park, parking in the backpacker overnight lot, and going north on the AT until you hit Pine Mt trail, then go south on the Pine Mt trail to where it intersects the AT, then go North on the AT again back to the parking lot. It's an easy 1 or 2 night trip, depending on when you arrive (morning or evening).

Here is a link to a map. Just follow the yellow loop...leave out the little lollipop stick on the southwest side.

http://files.meetup.com/1648248/photo.JPG