Best 100 Miles between VA and MA

[FauxRealz]

I'm planning to do a week to a week and half somewhere on the AT this summer with a friend of mine who is new to backpacking. We have plans to go to another friend's place in NJ after our trip so we would prefer to not have to drive 10 hours to get there (ME is most likely out of the picture).

I did the ME section last summer and loved it. Any other parts that are particularly breathtaking?

[Pony]

Are you including Va. and Ma.?

[Driver8]

CT border to Mass Pike would be close to 100 and pretty good. I've decided I'd like to do a Bear Mtn (NY) to Bear Mtn (CT) hike. That'd be a bit over 100, but might be a fun one, too.

A Taconics special could be nice - Salisbury at Rt 41 through to North Adams, covering all the Taconics that the AT traverses, with the Berkshires in between. Bear Mtn's 360 views, Sages Ravine's beautiful confines, Race Mtn's spectacular summit views, the tough climb up Everett with fine views of Greylock from the north side, more nice views at Jug End, Upper Goose Pond and the Cabin, Cheshire Cobbles, and the hulking Greylock Massif, across Saddleball's primeval boreal forest, great views from the monument - including distant Adirondacks and Mt. Washington on especially clear days - white milky schist along Fitch, Hopper views. That'd be a nice stretch, I'd say.

[Driver8]

CT/NY Border, I meant to say, with first suggested stretch. ...

[FauxRealz]

I am including VA and MA.

[Driver8]

In that case, Damascus to the Roanoke area would be awfully tempting, and a lot closer to you, Faux. ...

[Kerosene]

I'll point you to the Damascus to Bland section, which takes you through stunning Grayson Highlands. Alternatively, Craig Creek Valley (just south of Roanoke) to Buena Vista has a surprising amount of scenery, including Audie Murphy Memorial, Dragon's Tooth, McAfee Knob, Tinker Cliffs, James River Gorge, Punchbowl Shelter (of National Geographic fame), Lynchburg Reservoir, and a nice easy stroll along Brown Mountain Creek. Third would probably be Shenendoah National Park. Virginia has a lot to offer!

[Cookerhiker]

In summer, you want to be at as high an elevation as possible because of the heat. My choice would be the first one mentioned by Kerosene - Damascus through Mt. Rogers & Grayson Highlands to Bland (US Rt. 52). It's about 120 miles but portions of it are relatively easy.

[CrumbSnatcher]

anything south of front royal

[Newb]

all in a row, or 100 individual miles

[d.o.c]

i always enjoy the pearisburg to troutville hike.. its beautiful and jst over a 100 miles

[d.o.c]

its actualy just under 100 miles to troutville from pearisburg. it is just over 100 when u hike to salt pond road which is where i always finish to get to my house.

[fredmugs]

anything south of front royal

I agree with that completely with one exception. If you are planning to eventually section hike the entire trail I would seriously consider hiking VA south of the James River during fall color season. The trip I did from the James to Pearisburg (170 or so miles) in Oct 2008 is my favorite hike by a long shot. Tinker Cliffs and McAfee Knob at peak colors is something to behold.

[Sly]

The best, would be southwestern VA but all of it's nice. You could hike Bear Mountain to Delaware Water Gap, about 110 miles. For me, New Jersey was one of the biggest surprise of the entire trail.

[tiptoe]

I was about to suggest NJ, too. It was a huge surprise: rolling hills, lots of views, farmland, bears...

[fredmugs]

I was about to suggest NJ, too. It was a huge surprise: rolling hills, lots of views, farmland, bears...

Rocks, more rocks, rocks that stick straight up, rocks that make you think you're still in PA only worse.

[d.o.c]

new jersey is deff the unsung gem of the trail..