I've been making a point to explore trails other than the AT in Shenandoah National Park. Over the weekend, I hiked what could be an alternate to the AT from Gravel Springs Hut to Jenkins Gap. You can take the AT between these points or you can take the Bluff Trail to the Mt. Marshall Trail instead. As it happens, I did a loop hike with the first half on the AT and the second on the side trails. While the AT had some views from the Marshalls (south and north), the views would be less good in thru hiker season due to leaves. The Bluff and Mt. Marshall trails were terrific - well maintained, very attractive, and *empty* - hardly any hikers! Lots of water sources (unlike the AT through this section), and many great looking campsites!
It is possible to divert from the AT in a number of places if doing a linear hike through the park, or to create loop hikes for people like me who live in the area. Other possibilities in the Central District could be the Rose River area, Whiteoak Canyon/Cedar Run, and in the South District Jones Run and Doyle River and Moormans River (which I haven't hiked yet). Point being, when people say that the AT is a green tunnel (in thru hiker season) or that there isn't good water or camping along the ridgelines, it is always possible to do the side trails and I think they are actually better in many ways than the AT.
First pic is from North Marshall along the AT. Second pic is the Bluff Trail shortly after Gravel Springs Hut. Third picture is a tributary of the Jordan River while on the Mt. Marshall Trail. Fourth pic is the Mt. Marshall Trail ascending back toward the AT/Skyline Drive.
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