View Full Version : Which 150 miles for a section hike?
Rightfoot
12-14-2013, 11:02
I am planning a section hike this spring starting mid April. I am planning approximately 150 miles and have two different ideas. #1 would be a NOBO starting 150 miles south of Sams Gap ending there. #2 would be Damascus heading NOBO for approximately the same distance. Which trip would you take? Why? I know I will be potentially in a thru bubble but that is fine. Obviously starting and ending points would have to be tailored to trailhead access.
Thanks for your input.
Damascus. Grayson Highlands. Just a beautiful stretch of trail.25228
max patch
12-14-2013, 12:04
Of the 2 hikes I'd go with Damascus NOBO. Everybody should hike thru the Highlands.
But if I could tweak your other option a bit...rather than start at Hogpen Gap and hike to Sams Gap, I'd start at Amicalola Falls State Park and hike to the NOC. Great trailhead access at each end and you get to avoid the nasty GSMNP. Thats the hike I'd do.
johnnybgood
12-14-2013, 22:13
Indian Grave Gap,TN 395 nobo to Fox Creek,VA 603 would be a great 150 mile section.
Lots of top shelf scenery in this 157 mile section .
Cookerhiker
12-16-2013, 22:26
Starting at Damascus, you can hike 163 miles north to Pearisburg, a good place to end a long hike.
Calculator
12-18-2013, 00:22
Of the two I'd probably go with Fontana to Sam's Gap. The Smokies, Max Patch, Firescald ridge, Hot Springs, and the opportunity to head into Asheville for delicious beers/food after? All pretty prime if you ask me. Damascus north is also good, but the main highlight would be the Grayson Highlands, which while spectacular only lasts for so many miles. Fontana north would be more bang for your mileage. Another to consider would be Pearisburg to Glasgow. You get a lot of varied terrain through that stretch, as well as several unique features (McAfee Knob, Tinker Cliffs, Dragon's tooth, etc.), along with relatively easy hiking and resupply.
Damascus. The Grayson Highlands are awesome.
Damascus North for a 150 miles is a great hike.
fredmugs
12-24-2013, 09:54
Starting at Damascus, you can hike 163 miles north to Pearisburg, a good place to end a long hike.
Concur. Plus mid April you will be ahead of the bubble.
Mount Rogers area definitely...
I've only day hiked to the summit... but it is amazing, beautiful county.
Damascus to Pearisburg. Worth the additional 13 miles.
Plan on a sunset/sunrise from Wilburn Ridge, simply beautiful
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