Swiss Roll
04-12-2011, 19:39
Couple buddies and I are going to fly into Mtn Empire Airport and hike from the runway southbound. I need some advice on our itenerary as none of our party has done this section. First, the three of us are only middling hikers, but I was thinking we could do between 7-10 miles/day. Is this too conservative given the terrain?
Day one we will be arriving at Mtn Empire mid afternoon. I plan to hike from there the 5.5-6 miles to Chatfield Shelter. Are there any tent options at Chatfield or nearby?
Day two I thought we would do the 7-ish miles to Partnership. I am a little concerned though about the party atmosphere at Partnership, but on the Data book, I don't see any camp/water options until Trimpi, some 10 miles further.
Day three, the data book lists Racoon Branch Campground 13 miles from Parntership, but it looks like it is way off trail.
Day four we have to shuttle back to Mtn Empire and then fly home, so I was wanting to do a shorter day. Unfortunately, the nearest road crossing looks to be Va 603, some 10 miles from Racoon Branch.
Any help in tweaking this plan would be appreciated. Also, I'm going to need a shuttle from Va 603 back to Mtn Empire. Any suggestions?
Day one we will be arriving at Mtn Empire mid afternoon. I plan to hike from there the 5.5-6 miles to Chatfield Shelter. Are there any tent options at Chatfield or nearby?
Day two I thought we would do the 7-ish miles to Partnership. I am a little concerned though about the party atmosphere at Partnership, but on the Data book, I don't see any camp/water options until Trimpi, some 10 miles further.
Day three, the data book lists Racoon Branch Campground 13 miles from Parntership, but it looks like it is way off trail.
Day four we have to shuttle back to Mtn Empire and then fly home, so I was wanting to do a shorter day. Unfortunately, the nearest road crossing looks to be Va 603, some 10 miles from Racoon Branch.
Any help in tweaking this plan would be appreciated. Also, I'm going to need a shuttle from Va 603 back to Mtn Empire. Any suggestions?