Parking near Bobblet's Gap, Virginia

[jarofkla]

I'm planning a section hike where I need to leave a car over a long weekend near (or at) Bobblet's Gap, VA. Is it generally safe to leave a car at a trail head for 3 days? Where can I get info on local car theft/damage data? Are there more public places in that area to park within a short walking distance? Any help would be much appreciated.

[Deer Hunter]

There is room for a few cars on Rt. 43 where the AT crosses: http://www.appalachiantrail.org/hiki...nteractive-map

This also: http://appalachiantrail.rohland.org/

As far as being safe to leave a vehicle there for a few days, I couldn't tell you. Someone in the Natural Bridge Appalachian Trail Club may be able to give you more info since they maintain that portion of the trail: http://www.nbatc.org/

Buchanan is a few miles down off of the parkway: https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Buch....4834688?hl=en

This shows public parking: https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?...A.kKKjBQlJHGJQ

Hope this helps.

[Skyline]

I'd probably seek parking at Peaks of Otter (campground OR lodge) and hitch south from there--or pre-arrange a shuttle. Just seems safer.

[jarofkla]

Thanks for the great options Skyline and Deer Hunter! I will pursue both those ideas. First time not getting picked up directly from the trail head. It's good to get expert opinions.

[FlyPaper]

I parked on Hwy 43 for 4 nights on two separate trips (total of 8 nights) with no problems. Never heard of any break ins there.

[Southerner]

Why not park directly at Bobblet's Gap Overlook if that's where you want to end your hike? Where the AT joins the USFS road just northbound of the shelter trail and turns left, instead turn right on the USFS road. Go perhaps 100 yards to just before the Parkway bridge, then there will be an informal path to the left that leads up to overlook. People routinely park at overlooks and forestry road crossings along the Parkway (Blackhorse Gap, for instance, almost always seems to have cars there for multiple days). If you had questions about it, you could call the NPS ranger station to be sure it is OK. If you have 4WD, you could even park directly on the USFS road, but it's a very rough road that's a little hard to find from Pico Valley (west side of the ridge) and impassable from Goose Creek Valley (east side of the ridge).

[u.w.]

I've parked there for sections both north, and south for four days north, and three days south. Never had an issue. The name of the gap where the AT crosses 43 is Bearwallow Gap (just outside of Buchanan), and that's where I parked both times - no issues. Room for four to six vehicles I think. This was last summer and fall (July and October). There's a stream very close on the south side, and no water for a ways on the north.

u.w.

[jarofkla]

Southerner, u.w. Thanks. That is reassuring. I really want to park there. I just didn't know if it was wise to. If you didn't have any trouble, then I'm fine with that.

u.w., what part of VB are you from? I'm in Hilltop.