My "Five Miles a Day" approach to the AT is now heading into PA. So far in the south I've completed from the MD line to Pine Grove Rd, and in the north from Fox Gap to DWG. My next hike is planned for Wind Gap to Fox Gap (8 miles, I know, but I've feeling adventurous), and subsequent hikes will be incrementally southward.

When/where can I expect to encounter the infamous, ankle-breaking, boot-killing, what-am-I-doing-out-here rocks?

And will I still be able to wear my trailrunners, or are a harder-soled boot/shoe a must?