Need Help! Live near DC, Want a +/-100mi. 7 day hike in June or July!

[Slayer]

Hi all! I am looking for suggestions and advice here. Although I prefer to hike in Spring and Fall, I have way too many obligations this Spring to get out of the house (GF is finishing her Masters and I have a lot of work to do on the house before the party.) So I figure the best I can do is get out mid to late June, maybe early July. Sounds like a hot living hell, but I've done it before. That being said, I generally only get out for 3-4 days and 50 or so miles at a time. So... I'll just make a running list of what I am thinking and then look for and then see what ya'll have to say:

-I will be by myself more than likely, although my buddy MAY drop in for a few nights if convenient.

-I live near DC, but am willing to drive 6-8 hrs as needed.

-Looking to do 7ish nights and 80-100 miles. I consider hiking all day to be the norm, and have hiked at night as needed before.

-The cooler the weather the better, so north of VA is likely better than south, unless there is really something I should see.

-I may or may not take a stove, I prefer a decent supply of water. I do not plan on having resupply points.

- I am not looking to double back unless absolutely necessary. I would prefer a circuit, or, an area where I can get a shuttle, bus, or hitch.

-Need a safe parking area

-I have hiked all over the central section of SNP, and a bit in the North and South. Although an e2e of SNP is an option, I am looking for something more exciting.

-I don't use shelters, unless absolutely necessary.

-I have hiked a lot around Spruce Knob in Monongahela, and love the area, so I would consider heading back out that direction.

-What about 80-100 miles of the Long Trail?

-What about 80-100 miles of the Tuscarawa Trail?

-I am a poor non-profit gardener living in an extremely expensive area. I will also likely be going out for a second week sometime with my brother this fall, so, I cannot afford to fly anywhere.

OK folks, what do you all think? Where would you go? what do you think? Looking for any advice and constructive criticism? Thanks so much.

-dan-

[ratfaceraines]

you can take the megabus from d.c. to christiansburg, va.(rates start at $1)...i offer shuttle service(can pick you up at bus stop)...from the bus stop to the A.T. is 30-35 miles(to pearisburg)...from there i can suggest hikes, based upon your time restraints feel free to call me at 540-921-7433(RIDE) don

[BigHodag]

If someone can drop you off, start at Caledonia SP, PA or Pine Grove Furnace SP, PA and hike south to Harpers Ferry. Take the train back to DC. I'd do the shorter Caledonia and take my time and enjoy the trip versus cranking out miles. Later, someone can drop you off at the starting park and you can hike north to Harrisburg and take either Amtrak or Greyhound back to DC.

Also, New York City is a great section hub. Casino bus to Delaware Water Gap and then North to either a bus route or just north of Bear Mountain NY. I'm doing DWG to Greymoor this May. Taking the train from Garrison back to NYC for $15.

Also, you can go to NYC and then switch to a regional bus north to CT and hike south to the NYC train at Pawling or Garrison / Peakskill. This is my 2013 section hike.

[ekeverette]

rockfish to front royal. doing it sept/11,100 mile

[Papa D]

You can take Amtrak from Washington to Harpers Ferry - it's an hour ride to ATC HQ - go south - roller-coaster, SNP - pretty and smooth hiking - see how far you get

[Camping Dave]

Anywhere on the Tuscarora or PA Mid State Trail (really good trail).

[Slayer]

great suggestions guys... keep em coming. Having only done small bits of the AT here and there, how busy will it be in June/July around this region?

Like I said, this advice is great, thanks!

-dan-

[Rocket Jones]

Susquehannock Trail in northern Pennsy, about an 80 mile loop. Thread here.

[Spirit Walker]

Quehanna Trail or Donut Hole Trail in north-central PA. One is a loop, the other a linear trail that is pretty easy to hitch from end to end. They are both more interesting than the Susquehannock. The ST is easier though.

You could also create loops in SNP very easily.

July is likely to be hot. Mountain Laurel will be in bloom in June, blueberries will be ripe in July.

[Blissful]

We like going to the Dollly Sods in West VA that time of year. Blueberries galore.

[johnnyjohnson2043]

You could walk the C&O Towpath. Altogether its 185 miles long and starts in DC. Not a very difficult hike but lots of history to see along the way. Oh and you can stop in at the Old Angler's Inn for some beer and a hamburger.

[AeroGuyDC]

Pen-Mar to Front Royal

[Spirit Walker]

The C&O in June - July is very hot and crowded with boaters and bikes. The farther north you go, the cooler it will be.

[CowHead]

front royal to pen mar md 70 miles

[harryfred]

Over 100 miles take train to Harper's Ferry (there are a couple of places to spend the night). Hike north to Duncannon PA (apx. 125 miles). Stay at the Doyle. Get a ride to Harrisburg, If TAMary can't help she or Vicky & Pat can get you a ride, PM me some times I can help. Take train back to D.C.

[harryfred]

Pen-Mar to Front Royal

Nice Hike.

[johnnybgood]

Starting at Rockfish Gap going south through the Blue Ridge Parkway to the James River footbridge isn't too shabby either.

This section is underrated in my opinion mainly because it lay between two very popular hiking destinations of SNP and the Grayson Highlands.

Lots of elevation change and gorgeous scenery on this 78 mile section hike.

[Chubbs4U]

http://www.kta-hike.org/index.php?op...d=92&Itemid=65

a bunch of loops and some other good hikes. Not too far either

[Rocket Jones]

http://www.kta-hike.org/index.php?op...d=92&Itemid=65

a bunch of loops and some other good hikes. Not too far either

Thanks for that link. If Uncle Sam decides I need a vacation then I'm going to have some unexpected free time for a hike.