Hi-

I am wondering if I could get some advice about distances and terrain in Virginia, and also about ways to get to and from the trail in that region.

The only important thing is that I need to be at the intersection of the AT and route 77, near the Kentucky/Virginia border, on July 30th. I wanted to hike for nine days prior to that, so I'm having a hard time deciding where to start from. I am coming from Ohio, so I was planning on taking a train or bus to a location a bit south of Harper's Ferry. I just dont know where that would be!

Does 15-18 miles a day sound reasonable for a fit 21 year old female in this region? I hiked a section in New York last summer and did about 12-15 miles a day, but I was with my 55 year old father so I think I could push myself farther than that.

So, I need a starting point about 130-140 miles north or south of the Roanoke area. Any suggestions? Comments?