Santa Fe, New Mexico, United States
Close to town. Every hiker had at least one dog -- poop everywhere! If you are a dog lover, great; not so great if you are looking to enjoy the outdoors and don't like strange dogs running up to you to sniff. One dog even got stuck under my snowshoe. One part is easy, but one half is definitely not.
Damascus, Virginia, United States
I recently did this section of the AT as a one-day hike, in the direction opposite of what is described here. I started at Massie Gap and continued through Elk Garden to USFS 89 (aka the access road to Whitetop Mountain). Two herds of wild ponies live in this area. To keep the ponies from leaving their grazing areas, please be sure to close the gates after going through. From Massie Gap, three are three options to connect onto the AT. The Rhodondendron Trail (RT) and the Virginia Highlands Connector Trail (VHCT) are very close to each other and accessible from the same parking area. The Appalachian Trail Spur (ATS) is actually at a different parking lot. I am nearly certain we accessed the AT from either the RT or VHCT, but I'm not certain which we were on. Anyway, everything is well marked at this point, so it's not an issue. All access trails are about .5 miles. You will pass through a blueberry thickets (still ripe and on the bush in early October), fir stands (smelled like Christmas), and a narrow "tunnel" of rocks known as Fatman Squeeze. After about 3.5 miles on the AT and about .5 miles south of Thomas Knob Shelter, is the spur to Mt. Rogers (5,729'), the highest point in Virginia. Mt. Rogers is a wooded summit, and there are no views. There are geodetic survey markers in two different rocks at the summit. The summit was identifiable only because it was encircled by some felled trees/logs. The access trail was very muddy due to recent (and current) rain. After another mile, you will see a gate directly in front. This is not the AT. The AT takes a sharp right turn here, into woods. In less than a mile, you will a trail crossroads, Deep Gap. From here, the trail will open up again to an open field, and you will find blazes on posts and rocks, etc. This can be tricky, actually, if the weather is misty or foggy. You will then descend to the gate across the road from the Elk Garden parking lot. To continue the hike to FS 89, find the trailhead in the parking lot and ascend. This 2.5 mile section is wooded until the last 1/4 mile, and primarily an ascent. It does not lead to the summit of Whitetop Mountain but rather skirts around it. This section ends at the parking lot on FS 89. Total hike distance, from Elk Garden to FS89, including access spur and Mt. Rogers spur, is approximately 11 miles.
Waynesboro, Virginia, United States
You ain't kidding this is strenuous. Short though it is, it's a rocky uphill climb all the way. The views were nice, worth the trip. Also, as the leaves were changing at this time, there were plenty of people. Almost crowded. I went through and picked up the AT at the rocks and hiked to the Humpback Rocks picnic area. BEWARE: I parked at the Humpback Rocks Visitor Center. Once you get to the picnic area, it's about a 3 mile trip back to the visitor center unless you do this as a shuttle.
Lexington, Virginia, United States
There was a road on that ridge??? Why didn't we just drive up there??? :) Brutal hike but well worth it with three gorgeous views. Difficult to follow but this GPS track will eliminate that problem.
Lake Placid, New York, United States
We hiked from Heart Lake to the peak of Algonquin on 8/21/09... what a beautiful hike. I underestimate how rugged the terrain would be, but was fully prepared for it regardless. Suprised to see about 80% of the hikers completely prepared for the hike they undertook. Was 80 degrees and humid at the bottom... probably about 55 and verrry windy up top --- cloud covered and soaking wet from the water vapor in the clouds. Be sure to pack warmer clothing and avoid cotton - much better off with a wicking shirt and hiking boots at a bare minimum. Have fun!!!
Gorham, New Hampshire, United States
climbed glen boulder trail on 8/23. Found it to be very hard and steep climb over slick rocks. Trail appeared to be natural rock fall sheltered by trees--seemed to be relatively new (and rarely used) with no description whatsoever in my brand new amc hiking guide! views were good once out of tree line--never made it to the boulder though...
Roanoke, Virginia, United States
Tinker Cliffs was a great hike last Saturday. Beautiful views, great weather, a cooling breeze at the top and not much haze for the middle of the Summer!
