I just returned from a 2 week hike in the SNP. I was there from 25 Oct - 8 Nov 2011.
"The Mona Lisa is Fat, ugly, and has crooked teeth."
- Girl named 'Wanda' in my HS art class.
Wanda, (like some others) completely missed the point of the Mona Lisa, and so too does it seem some of the SNP detractors seem to have. If dislike for the park is some kind of 'real hiker' merit badge, I am afraid I will simply have to do without it.
The couple weeks in the park were a perfect re-introduction to hiking for me, and I feel like she has reconnected me to some part of myself that I had lost. The PATC does a nice job with the trails, I thought of just how great every time I stepped through a log that some soul had sawed after hiking up a ridge with a chain saw to save me the effort of climbing over a fallen tree. (THANKS!)
I started at RockFish Gap, and made it as far as Stony Man. I could have gone farther, but the side trails and a freak October snow slowed me down... but I have no regrets as I followed the excellent advice here to hike my own hike.
The water was abundant, the shelters were clean and the sites I choose to tent were peaceful and beautiful. I arrived just past the fall color season, and the snow clinched the deal. There were times I walked through leaves as deep as fallen snow... probably did not see so many bears for all the noise.
I was really glad I had trecking poles, as the leaves can be slippery. Thanks to all who advised me to get a set, you probably saved me injury.
The folks I met were all friendly, and helpful. I had the privilege to speak to a group of students that a ranger was leading up to Hawksbill... it was nice to talk about the experience, and to give something back.
I am sure some reading this are rolling their eyes, but I wanted to share it anyway... what a wonderful experience!