Starting off easy We flew into Denver (duh!) and drove toward the mountains. We passed through Boulder to stop at REI to pick up a few things (almost forgot stove fuel). Driving along US 36, we turned at route 7 for a more scenic route. Also, along route 7 we had to stop by Lily …
Hiking – AT SOBO – Trumbo Hollow (Interstate 66) to Compton Gap (Skyline Drive)
Distance: 13 miles Hike Time: ~7.5 hours Elevation Gain: 4,400 feet (Net gain of 1,640 feet) Route Summary This section is moderately challenging for the simple reason that there is a steep incline after crossing I-66 and US-522 with lots of switchbacks. The trail is fairly flat otherwise, with some gradual, hardly noticeable grades. The …
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Hiking – AT NOBO – Washington Monument to Ensign Cowall Shelter (Wolfsville Road)
Distance: 12 miles Hike Time: 5.75 hours Elevation Gain: 1,500 feet Summary This may be the most challenging section in Maryland. That's not saying much since Maryland is fairly flat. There are a few moderate climbs in this section, but the real challenge is the rocky terrain. The trail runs primarily along the West side …
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Hiking – AT NOBO – Crampton Gap to Washington Monument
Distance: 9.2 Miles Hike Time: 4 hours Elevation Gain: 1,500 feet Starting off where we left off on our last Northbound hike of the AT, we continued toward the Washington Monument (not the one in Washington DC). The "original" Washington Monument was first built in 1827 and is located near Boonesboro, Maryland within Washington Monument …
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Hiking – AT SOBO – Ashby Gap to Trumbo Hollow (Interstate 66)
11 Mile Section hike from Ashby Gap (US Route 50) to Trumbo Hollow (Interstate 66). It is not a very strenuous hike. There are two big climbs but otherwise the terrain is relatively flat. You will pass by two trail shelters and a few viewpoints located slightly off the trail.
Hiking – AT NOBO – Harpers Ferry to Crampton Gap
Starting the Maryland section of the Appalachian Trail (NOBO)...well sort of. We skipped the first few miles along the C&O Canal and started at Weverton Cliffs along the ridge of South Mountain to Crampton Gap. 6.3 miles one-way.
Another weekend backpacking in Dolly Sods – Blackbird Knob and Red Creek Gorge
Total Distance: 9 miles (plus wandering) Dolly Sods Trail Map Route Map Elevation Gain: ~1,500 feet It was time for a long overdue hike into the woods. 2020 has been a strange year to say the least. It seemed like something came up every time I tried to make plans for a long-term trip. And …
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Hiking – AT SOBO – Snickers Gap to Ashby Gap (The Roller Coaster)
The Roller Coaster is one of the most challenging sections of the AT. The terrain is as follows: climb, descend, repeat. You gain nearly a mile in elevation over the course of 12 miles on the roller coaster and finishing the section is a fulfilling accomplishment.
Hiking – AT SOBO – Old Forge, PA to Pen Mar (featuring trail magic)
Day hike of the Southernmost section of PA on the AT. 7.6 miles from Old Forge to Pen Mar Park. Elevation gain of 1,900 feet.
Hiking – AT SOBO – Keys Gap to Snickers Gap
Section hike from Keys Gap at the VA/WV border to Snickers Gap, VA. One AT shelter, three overlooks, and 13 miles of what you would expect on the AT.
Hiking – AT SOBO – Harpers Ferry to Keys Gap
Day hike from Harpers Ferry, WV to Keys Gap along the Appalachian Trail. 12 miles round-trip including Civil War remnants, a conversation with a thru-hiker, and some cool wildlife and plant specimens.
Exploring – a stroll through Manassas National Battlefield Park
Suggested hiking route through a Civil War battlefield PLUS a possibly historically inaccurate history lesson
