View Full Version : PA/MD/NOVA Hike Recommendations
Skinny Rooster
06-09-2010, 12:05
My brother (from the Philadelphia area) and I would like to do a 3 day/2 night hike that minimizes the driving each would have to do to get to the trailhead (I live in Northern Virginia) Any suggestions?
Click on ATC's Hike the Trail (http://www.appalachiantrail.org/site/c.mqLTIYOwGlF/b.4805465/k.9760/Hike_the_Trail.htm) and Plan a Hike (http://www.appalachiantrail.org/site/c.mqLTIYOwGlF/b.4914767/k.8C6B/Plan_a_Hike.htm) and read both.
Refer to NPS's A.T. strip map (http://www.nps.gov/PWR/customcf/apps/maps/showmap.cfm?alphacode=appa&parkname=Appalachian%20National%20Scenic%20Trail) to view the A.T.'s location with respect to major transportation routes.
Download the Companion (http://www.aldha.org/comp_pdf.htm) file for WV-MD-PA-NJ-NY and study pertinent information before your hike.
Buy a copy of Guide to the Appalachian Trail for the section you choose to hike or at least the applicable maps and a Companion to carry with you when you hike from The Ultimate Trail Store (http://www.atctrailstore.org/).
Refer to 2010 Water sources in PA (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showpost.php?p=1018724&postcount=54) if you intend to hike the A.T. in The Keystone State.
My list should get you off to a good start with your planning. I'll recommend a specific section for you and your brother after giving your request some more thought. If anyone has any good ideas, don't wait for me to post.
If you are not limiting your inquiry to the A.T. you might be interested in http://www.midatlantichikes.com/
Cookerhiker
06-09-2010, 15:35
Sticking to the AT, a good span which roughly equalizes the driving and is the right length for 2-3 days: between Caledonia SP/US Rt. 30 and Boiling Springs. Distance: 39 miles. Fairly easy hiking. If you hike it northbound, you have an initial ascent to the ridgeline but then miles of easy virtually level walking and you're not in the notorious PA rocks which come later.
Meet your brother at Boiling Springs, leave his car there, drive yours down to Caledonia and start hiking.
After about 16 miles from Caledonia, you'll come to Pine Grove Furnace SP, home of the half-gallon challenge. Indulge as you choose!:)
Wise Old Owl
06-09-2010, 18:34
Cant top Emeralds post... Dead on.
I like Bill's recommendation. Anything farther north would probably involve more travel for both participants.
If the timing's right, they can visit Appalachian Trail Museum (http://www.atmuseum.org/intro.htm).
During the summer, the Museum is open from noon to 4 pm daily, Spring and Fall hours are weekends only noon to 4 pm.
A.T. Museum's hours might work with their final day better than than their 1st, unless the 1st is a shorter day. Any ideas on how to fit a museum visit into their hike? It would be a shame to miss out if they're at Pine Grove SP, but the timing's wrong.
Cookerhiker
06-09-2010, 19:38
Good point - how could I forget about the AT Museum? Go there before you eat your ice cream!
It might work with an early start. If it doesn't work out the 1st day, they'd get another crack at it on the last day.
Any idea how long should be allowed to fully appreciate it? Someone suggested elsewhere an hour is enough time.
Jack Tarlin
06-10-2010, 07:24
The opening exhibits are very well done, but there aren't that many of them.
An hour is more than sufficient to enjoy the new Museum, at least for now.
The opening exhibits are very well done, but there aren't that many of them.
An hour is more than sufficient to enjoy the new Museum, at least for now.
Jack is right, you can see and read everything in 15 min.
I get caught up in the slideshows on the computer and visiting w/ folks and an hour goes by.
Thank you, we now appear to have identified the range of time it can sustain visitors' interest.:)