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Thinking about a 5-7 day trip. What do people think about Harpers Ferry south?
Cookerhiker
04-13-2013, 19:14
It's 75 miles from Harpers Ferry south to Thornton Gap where Rt. 211 intersects the AT at which point you're 1/3 of the way through Shenandoah NP. You could hike this in 7 days for sure, perhaps 6 days. It's a nice hike, especially in the next month or 6 weeks when the wildflowers are out. The uphill challenges include the initial ascent out of Harpers Ferry, the Virginia Roller Coaster between Rts. 7 and 50 (a lot of up & down but not 1,000' ascents), and the initial ascent to the Blue Ridge after crossing Rt. 522.
You might want to consider hiking this NOBO because Harpers Ferry is a nice place to end a hike and store your car if you're driving. If you're flying from Texas, it's easy to take the train to DC for access to the airport of your choice.
johnnybgood
04-13-2013, 19:33
Leave your car at the Park Service lot in Harper's Ferry , get shuttled to SNP and begin your hike north.
I believe the fee is $10 daily, may be cheaper by the week.
Call either the Teahorse Hostel or Town's Inn --both provide shuttles to SNP.
Lone Wolf
04-13-2013, 19:46
Thinking about a 5-7 day trip. What do people think about Harpers Ferry south?
for me the 50 miles or so south kinda suck. i would never walk that section again
Thanks for the info. LW I'm curious why you think it's the worse stretch of trail. Could you elaborate please.
Sorry I should have said suck not worst.
Serial 07
04-14-2013, 12:17
the roller coaster is in that section if i'm not mistaken...tons of rocks...their are better options in southern VA/TN area...
Serial 07
04-14-2013, 12:18
*there - stupid grammar...
Cookerhiker
04-14-2013, 12:33
the roller coaster is in that section if i'm not mistaken...tons of rocks...their are better options in southern VA/TN area...
If you're talking "tons of rocks" in Virginia, than the roller coaster pales in comparison to the few miles from Bailey Gap north to Wind Rock in the stretch north of Pearisburg.
Lone Wolf
04-14-2013, 12:38
Thanks for the info. LW I'm curious why you think it's the worse stretch of trail. Could you elaborate please.
kinda bland, not very scenic. my opinion.
Lone Wolf
04-14-2013, 12:39
Thinking about a 5-7 day trip. What do people think about Harpers Ferry south?
Mt. Rogers HQ to Damascus would be much better
johnnybgood
04-14-2013, 12:39
If I were coming to Virginia to hike for a week the 54 mile section south of Harpers Ferry wouldn't rank high on my list.
Lots of hikers complain about the PITA rollercoaster section south of Snickers Gap where the hiking is pretty boring .
Hiking the northern and central sections of Shenandoah National Park , 65 miles,
would be my choice if N.VA. is your destination.
The months of April and May are good times mainly because the spring flowers are blooming and the weather hasn't gotten too hot yet .