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chall
08-25-2014, 13:37
Hey All,

Looking to do a 30ish mile loop, preferably not too crowded, over the weekend of Nov. 7-9th. Does anyone have some good routes? I'm looking for awesome scenery that I wouldn't see in PA. Doesn't have to be part of the AT. I know that I'll need a backcountry permit, and I imagine it gets pretty chilly at that time of year. Anything else I should know? Thanks!

johnnybgood
08-25-2014, 20:27
Look at WhiteOak Canyon/Old Rag area in SNP using the Old Rag Fire Road to connect the two. These offer difficult climbs , cascading waterfalls and a panoramic summit.

Purchase a Central District map on the PATC website, www.patc.net (http://www.patc.net) . A detailed map will show the other trails needed to complete this multi-day circuit.

chall
08-26-2014, 08:26
Look at WhiteOak Canyon/Old Rag area in SNP using the Old Rag Fire Road to connect the two. These offer difficult climbs , cascading waterfalls and a panoramic summit.

Purchase a Central District map on the PATC website, www.patc.net (http://www.patc.net) . A detailed map will show the other trails needed to complete this multi-day circuit.

Awesome, thanks for the info. What would you say your favorite district of the park? I found a pre-planned loop trail on the NPS's website with "spectacular mountains, three waterfalls, wilderness valley, and geology" in the South District that sounds really good. Here's a link (http://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/upload/SHEN_BCTrip-Furnace_Paine_Jones_and_Big_Run_from_the_boundary_ E059.pdf). Are you familiar with this area?

Ktaadn
08-26-2014, 09:55
I would second the Old Rag area suggestion. There are servicable maps on the SNP website.

http://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/upload/old_rag_combined_2013.pdf

I would also try to get over to Hawksbill Mountain via the Cedar Run Trail. You get a pretty nice view of the area from there and a great view of Old Rag.

http://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/upload/hawksbill_mtn_area_2013.pdf

I haven't spent any time in the Southern District. I'm partial to the taller mountains in the Central District.

chall
08-26-2014, 14:28
So is the Central District the favorite among most SNP hikers?