Section Hike, Appalachian Trail - Shenandoah to Harper's Ferry

View from Mary's Rock, Shenandoah National Park, VA

This section began where I left off back in February's hike after a foot injury necessitated an early departure. I decided this time not only to finish Shenandoah NP (for my third complete AT hike of the park) but also to carry on over the "rollercoaster" section on to Harper's Ferry and ending at the home office for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.

April 11, 2012
Starting: Meadow Spring Parking Lot
End: Gravel Spring Hut
18 miles

This is the spot where I ended my Feb. hike just shy of Mary's Rock along the Appalachian Trail.

Another view from Mary's Rock

 
I had a short climb to a splendid view of the valley and the northern section of Shenandoah. But the clouds did roll in and I found myself being pelted by sleet on my hike into the northern section of the park. My intent was to stay at Hogback Mtn, but with the cold wind and rain, plus few desirable campsites once I crossed the Skyline Drive near the Hogback overlook, I ended up with a long day and hike in to Gravel Springs Hut. Camped out and talked for a bit to Ranger Don who came by.    



April 12
Start: Gravel Springs Hut
End: Mosby Tentsite
16.7 miles

I had not planned to hike so far two days in a row, but after yesterday's impromptu stop, I had no choice but to press on to this campsite (which I had never been to, actually).

Clear but cooler day. Passed through the burn areas in Jenkins Gap with the mountain laurel showing signs of life. Not far from this location I heard some noise in the woods and saw a young black bear foraging. Next time I need to just stop and get a picture instead of scaring him off! 

Climbed Compton Peak for a view of the Dickey Ridge section of the park and then headed out of the park toward Chester Gap. Did have some fatigue and pain those last few miles - I can tell I'm not in great shape, which I why I'm out here, I suppose.

Mosby tentsite

Arrived at the Mosby tentsite to find a sweet place complete with benches and a little spring, perfect just for me! Glad I have a short day tomorrow as I am quite achy after two long days.

April 13

Start: Mosby Tentsite

End: Spring / campsite one mile north of Dick's Dome shetler

12.7 miles

Decided on a shorter day as feet and calves are hurting from 2 high mile days - and two more bigger days to follow. Leisurely pace. Did spot a coyote down the trail from me. Stopped at each of the shelters to sign the register at Denton and Manassas Gap. Touched base with my hubby while enjoying a respite on a bench under a blooming old apple tree. There is nothing like life on the Appalachian Trail!         

I managed to find a lone campsite just north of the spring near Dick's Dome with trees in bloom above my tent. Here early to rest up my legs, and glad I did as I felt much better the next day. Plan to see my hubby tomorrow near Bear's Den.

April 14
Start: Campsite north of Dick's Dome
End:  Bear's Den Hostel area
17.2 miles

Up early for another big day of which I plan to hike half the notorious "rollercoaster" part of the trail. Enjoyed blooming trillium and peace through the meadows of Sky Meadows State Park.

Blooming trillium flanks the trail

The rollercoaster is a series of ascents and descents with minimal views from rocky outcroppings. Some of these "hills" are worse than others for their steepness. Several have nice streams running through the middle of them. Still I was pretty tired by the time I got to Bear's Den where I was met by my hubby. We went to Horseshoe Curve restaurant for dinner, then back down the AT to find a campsite just below the hill for Bear's Den. Tomorrow I plan to "slack" the remainder of my trip into Harper's Ferry (that is carry, a daypack rather than all my backpacking gear).




April 15
Start: Bear's Den campsite
End: Harper's Ferry, WV and the ATC center
19.5 miles

The trail goes through Civil War fortifications

Early start where Steve (Papa Bliss) met me on the road and had breakfast waiting for me. Stripped down my pack and carried only what I needed to finish the rest of my hike in this section. Completed the remainder of the rollercoaster section and onward into West Virginia. Loudon Heights has fine examples of Civil War fortifications still preserved from that era long ago. I also saw some old trees I believed did "witness" the action that happened here. While on my hike, I sent my hubby to meet my co-ridge runner for Maryland and he volunteered at the ATC center there for the afternoon. Thus when I arrived, he took my picture, and we celebrated with a great Chinese buffet in Charles Town. Good time in God's creation. 

I arrive at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Headquarters