May 7, 2025 – First day of a 6 day / 45 mile section hike on the Appalachian Trail in the Shenandoah National Park SOBO from Swift Run to Rockfish Gap.
Left my car near the Rockfish Gap entrance to SNP. My shuttle driver Mary drove me the 1.5 hours to the Swift Run Gap, We traded lots of hiking stories as she has completed most of the trail as a section hiker.
Had some breakfast at the side of the road on the rock fence and stated out of the the trail. The plan for the day was short on miles but with a significant climb (significant for me) up Hightop Mountain. Spent a good amount of time at the overlook before heading into the Hightop Hut (Shelter).
The weather was sunny and warm…. too warm for a nap in the tent… smiles. Had the whole shelter area to myself no other hikers stayed the night but did see a number stop for a water fill up.
Stats for the day: 3.66 miles, 1298 ft elevation, 3 hours 30 Min, ave speed 1.0 mph,
Adventures of an AT Section hiker "Mapless" 
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