Adventures of an AT Section hiker "Mapless"

Tag: Shenandoah National Park

  • Shenandoah Section Hike Day 6/6

    Monday 5/12/2025 – Last day on the trail for my Shenandoah section hike. I was hoping for an easy day of 9 miles to Rockfish Gap. But nothing is ever easy on the AT in Virginia.

    I statard the day with the climb to Calf Mountain. I was glad that I stopped short of this yesterday and saved for today. I was a tough uphill. Other climbs during the day were also a struggle, probably from the fatigue of 6 days on the trail. When I finally hit the downhill expected to finish the hike there were rocks to deal with in the path …. never easy.

    Finished the last 2 miles in the rain and drizzle. Prefect timing to finish the hike since heavy rain was expected the next few days. A little irony at the end, the gentleman who took my victory photo was a member of the Potomac hiking club and he maintains the part of the trail where I had camped the night before… small world.

    Made it to my van and headed in the Waynesboro motel for a hot shower and real food.

    Stats for the last day: 9.00 miles, 1855ft total ascent, 6hr 13 min, ave speed 1.4 mph

    Total for this section 6 days, 45.5 miles

    Have now complete the entire AT in the Shenandoah National Park – SOBO Compton Gap to Rockfish Gap – 102.2 miles

  • Shenandoah Section Hike Day 5/6

    Sunday 5/11/2025 – Day 5 of my Shenandoah section hike. I was so anxious and worried about this day. The schedule called for a 13 mile day ! Most of my hikes are in the 8 to 9 mil range max so this was going to be a test not only for distance but also total ascent. I was able to modify the plan to 12 miles and avoid a big climb at the end the day. I had my son create a pace chart so I could be sure I would stay in track and finish before 6 pm. The worst part was going to be water. There were no water sources over the 12/13 miles

    The day started out well, making good time with each mile. The sun was out and after noon it bergan to get warm. I was consuming lots of water and I was worried I would run out. I asked a few folks along the way for some extra water. A passing car on the skyline stopped and gave me a Gatorade. I was felling so thirsty like I could drinks everything I had.

    I reported each mile to family and friends via text to give myself some confidence on what I was doing. The last few miles were teeming with Mountain Laurel in bloom. I made to the spring and camp site in the late afternoon feeling very spent but recovered well with lots of water, electrolytes and dinner.

    Stats for day: 12.12 miles, total ascent 2350, 7 hours 55 minutes , average speed 1.5mph

  • Shenandoah Section Hike Day 4/6

    Saturday 5/10/25 Day 4 of my Shenandoah section hike. Plan for day was 7.3 miles to Blackrock Mountain Hut including a 600 ft climb to Blackrock Mountain.

    It got cold and windy overnight. I did not get a good rest because I was worried about hiking in the cold and wind the next day. I was not really prepared for cold weather. When I left Loft campground at 7 am the winds had died. I forgot to set my watch at the start of my hike, so my stats do not include the whole hike.

    The trail seemed easier today. Not sure I it was the terrain or I was getting some “hiking legs”. I was surprised on how fast the miles went today. Even the climb up Blackrock was not that bad…. day would have been perfect if I did not take the wrong trail off the top of the mountain and had to climb back up to get back on the AT.

    Blackrock is a popular day hike and it was Saturday so there were many people on the trail. The rocks that make up the mountain were crazy… I would be interested in knowing how these were formed.

    Got into the Shelter / Hut fairly early and was lucking to have only one other hiker staying overnight. I was able to snag the one prime spot for the tent behind the shelter. You can see in the photo I do carry a 18 ounce chair. This may be a luxury item but I find it much better than sitting on log.

    Recorded stats for day: 6.96 miles, 1042 total ascent, 4hr 03 min, 1.7mph

  • Shenandoah Section Hike Day 2/6

    May 8, 2025 Day 2 of the Shenandoah Section Hike. Plan for day was 8.1 miles to Pinefield Hut with couple of big climbs.

    The day was highlighted by wildflowers and mountain laurels in bloom, a view and a stop at a empty ranger station for break and water.

    Got into Pinefield Hut and did not like the designated options for the tent so I found a spot near a stream so I could hear the water all night. Shared the shelter area with a thru hiker couple Bird watcher and Grouse thru hikers form Michigan and a section hiker.

    Rain was expected so dinner was done early and in the tent at 7 pm with rain. My hiker day are usually done at 7pm and on the trail by 7 am

    Stats for the day: 9.17 miles, 1653 total ascent, 6hr 03 min, ave speed 1.5 mph

  • Shenandoah National Park

    May 4 – May 5 I left Woods Hole and headed to Shenandoah National Park and Waynesburg VA for the start of the next adventure.

    Drove 25 miles into the SNP to Loft Mountain campground and got some nice overlook photos. Spent 2 days at the campground. I was fairly empty as it was during the week and they had just opened May 1 for the season. Hung out and enjoyed the solitude and got pack organized for my next hike. Great coffee at the camp store !

    On May 6 I spent the day in Waynesboro VA which is trail town to the Appalachian trail … found a few coffee shops to update this blog and gluten free pizza for dinner

    Found a parking / camping spot near the Rockfish Gap entrance to the park. The is abandoned motel and Howard Johnsons and the parking lot is used by hikers. It was a bit noisy with I64 highway entrance and over pass near by but not too bad. I will park the van here during my hike starting tomorrow.