Bland, VA

[NashvilleNOBO2013]

I plan to stay at the Big Walker Motel near Bland, VA, and wondered how far it was off the trail, whether I get off at Hwy. 52 or at I-77. Anybody familiar enough with this region to help me out?

[Slo-go'en]

You could just look it up on google maps.

Unless your driving I-77 is out, unless you want to risk you life walking the highway for 3-4 miles. The only practical way to get there is RT52 to the center of Bland, then another 2.5 or 3 miles east on RT 42. It's usually pretty easy the hitch into Bland, but getting the rest of the way to the motel might be a bit more difficult. 42 is more of a highway then 52 is.

[Lone Wolf]

I plan to stay at the Big Walker Motel near Bland, VA, and wondered how far it was off the trail, whether I get off at Hwy. 52 or at I-77. Anybody familiar enough with this region to help me out?

it's 2.5 miles into bland when you cross 52 then a mile or less on 42 to the motel

[Charlie D]

When I hiked through there in 2013 there was a guy, "Bubba" who did shuttles. He left his number in a couple of shelters before the road crossing. Cost me 10 bucks from the trailhead to the motel. If you don't find his number, try the motel 276 688-3331. I think his wife works there or runs the place. Motel was clean but not 5 star.

[NashvilleNOBO2013]

I did try to use Google Maps, but either I am not tech savvy enough to find it or the AT is not shown on it. Thanks for the help here.

[NashvilleNOBO2013]

One other thing, though this is very specific: is there a camp site where Trail Boss Trail meets the AT 2 miles past Laurel Creek going into Bland?

[Slo-go'en]

One other thing, though this is very specific: is there a camp site where Trail Boss Trail meets the AT 2 miles past Laurel Creek going into Bland?

The AT Guide shows campsites at Laurel Creek. You might find someplace else to camp farther north, but Laurel Creek is the last water source until you either get to Bland or the Helveys Mill shelter. You might as wells stop at Laurel creek. Your not going to gain much by going an extra couple of miles and risk not finding a suitable site.

[Thorfinn]

I plan to stay at the Big Walker Motel near Bland, VA, and wondered how far it was off the trail, whether I get off at Hwy. 52 or at I-77. Anybody familiar enough with this region to help me out?

I highly recommend Bubba. I think his wife owns the motel. As someone said, not 5-star but suitable and located well. Bubba told a lot of great stories about the trail and some of the people he met.

[amishjoe]

Bland has the following places, Grant's grocery, Dollar General, Subway, Dairy Queen, Big Walker motel as mentioned, also the small gas station(Sunoco) has the best food. Library has wifi, internet, and sometimes coffee

[CrumbSnatcher]

i overnighted at the town park/pavilion 2 different years. is that still allowed?