View Full Version : VA for non experienced hikers
strollingalong
06-14-2011, 16:22
How would the first say 100 miles of Virginia be for someone with no hiking experience?
Lone Wolf
06-14-2011, 16:25
not bad at all. it's just walking. a little hot right now. just keep your pack weight down
SawnieRobertson
06-14-2011, 16:29
And assure your water supply.--Kinnickinic
no experience? might be better to go for the Shenandoah 101
Lone Wolf
06-14-2011, 16:41
no experience? might be better to go for the Shenandoah 101
why? this part of virginia ain't tough. don't need much experience just to walk
bigcranky
06-14-2011, 16:41
You're talking about that May hike next year, right? Starting in Damascus? It's a beautiful section of trail, with open balds and wild ponies in the middle. Definitely worth taking a romantic companion. It's not "easy" but take it easy and it's not that difficult.
80 trail miles gets you to I-81 in Southwest VA, at the Atkins/Groseclose exit. Not much there, but you could arrange a shuttle to a bus station.
As long as there aren't any winter conditions pretty much any section of the AT is good for novice hikers.
Blissful
06-14-2011, 18:48
Grayson Highlands is lovely. Nice section.
topshelf
06-14-2011, 19:58
how non experienced are you?
If you are completely inexperienced this is a great section to cut your teeth on. There are usually a higher number of people hiking in the first part of this section. The second part closer to Atkins will have a fewer numbers of hikers.
Be ready for the wear and tear on your feet, your feet will need an adjustment period to toughen up. Take your time and don't feel pressured to put in high mileage. Take breaks.
The section itself is a moderate section with some good climbs and different terrain types from walking on packed dirt to walking on rocks to a little boulder hopping. No real worry of bears, but bear bag once you get out of grayson highlands to be safe.
I lived in this area as a kid and learned to hike in this section, especially the area around TRIMPI. It's a great section for novice hikers as others have stated.
strollingalong
06-14-2011, 20:10
perfect :)
In my experience, people with no experience at all should start with hikes around their neighborhood.
strollingalong
06-16-2011, 22:54
and the unnecessary and obvious post of the year award goes to....
Walking is easy, yep. It's all the other stuff that makes paranoia set in.
In that part of VA if you really wanted to you could hike the creeper trail and take an easy day into Damascus...though this section isn't tough.
rambunny
06-17-2011, 10:54
My 1st section hike in 96 was the 1st 100 miles of Virginia. Highly reccomend it. My next in 97 was from the White's to East Andover-Quite differant!!!!Happy Trails.
pilgrim1
06-18-2011, 09:53
start at rockfish and just go.u can hike the skyline dr. if u get tired u can easily have someone pick you up.the a.t. crosses skyline numerous times for 90 something miles
johnnybgood
06-18-2011, 11:51
How would the first say 100 miles of Virginia be for someone with no hiking experience?
Assuming your talking about hiking NoBo , the hike out of Damascus isn't hard but there is a steady climb for the first 25 miles or so.
Just take it slow and hike your own hike !