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View Full Version : Hot Springs to Charlottesville Virginia



Toolumpy
03-05-2010, 11:07
Looking to park near AT trail and hitchhike ( or shuttle) to Charlottesville, take Greyhound to Johnson City Tn, hitchhike (or shuttle) to Hot Springs then head north to my car. Any recomendations on shuttles or places to safely park at both locations.

Darwin again
03-06-2010, 08:21
When are you looking to travel?

Toolumpy
03-06-2010, 10:22
I think I will drive from Michigan around April 30th. Planning on hiking the whole month of May as of right now.

Cookerhiker
03-06-2010, 12:10
I wonder if you could leave your car at the Humpback Rocks Visitors Center (http://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/upload/HUMPBACKRCKSNEW.pdf)? It's only 5 miles from where your hike will end at Rockfish Gap. You could also check with the hostel in Waynesboro for ideas; I've never been there but it's supposed to be very hiker-friendly.

There are lots of brand-name motels in Charlottesville where you could possbile leave your car but it may cost $$$

That's a wonderful time of year for your hike. Enjoy all the wildflowers in the Southern Appalachians. I certainly did on my '05 hike (http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=96217).

fehchet
03-06-2010, 13:27
Have a fun time.

Red Hat
03-06-2010, 16:32
I left my car at Rockfish Gap visitors' center last year for more than a month and it was fine. You have to fill out a form and turn it in to the center, and they make no guarantees, but I think it is very safe there.

Cookerhiker
03-06-2010, 17:21
I left my car at Rockfish Gap visitors' center last year for more than a month and it was fine. You have to fill out a form and turn it in to the center, and they make no guarantees, but I think it is very safe there.

I didn't know there was a VC at Rockfish Gap. No reference to it on the Park website (http://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/visitorcenters.htm). Is it near the entrance station?

Red Hat
03-06-2010, 17:50
The Visitor Center is to the left when you come off the Blue Ridge Parkway, near the old motel, before you cross the bridge heading north into Shenandoah National Park. It is a good bit before the entrance station (which you don't see if you are hiking). My guess is that it's not on the Park Website, because it's not in the park. The Church Hostel in Waynesboro is great but doesn't open till June, I think. The YMCA is very helpful though.

carobe
03-06-2010, 18:00
The Center's within a stone's throw of the AT/Parkway. It has a large unimproved parking area, so finding a spot shouldn't be an issue. (540) 943-5187

http://www.virginia.org/site/description.asp?AttrID=17466

Hokie
03-06-2010, 21:04
The hotel on the hill above the VC will let you park in their lot. Can't remember the name of the hotel (maybe Afton Mtn motel but not sure) It would likely be more secure at night then the VC down by the main road (rt 250). Naturally, an overnite at the hotel might be in order but I do not think they require this.

Toolumpy
03-07-2010, 22:43
Thanx for all you help!