appalachian trail

We drove along the skyline drive and the Appalachian trail follows along much of it. After seeing a bear from the road we decided that we wanted to explore that part of the forest a little more, and the beautifully maintained trail made the perfect way to do so. We just spent half an hour or so walking it as it was the end of the day, but I can see how it would be a very rewarding and enjoyable hike.

The Appalachian Trail winds in and out along Skyline Drive and you can hop on and off here and feel like a "real" hiker. Fantastic views, even for inexperienced hikers or people who don't have much time. The trails are very well maintained.

Diversity on much of the trail. We hiked many trails in the park and many criss-crossed with the AT. It gave us a preview of what the long distance hikers must experience.

Be sure to seek out in advance some of the PATC suggestions for "Easy Hikes" or "Short Hikes". You don't have to be a through-hiker to enjoy the many different faces of the Blue Ridge, from open meadow trails to "tunnels" of mountain laurel, waterfalls, etc. Nature at its best.

I hiked the trail which was a challenge in itself as I am disabled. And had a close encounter with a bear! (still have the scars to prove it !)Overall would encourage everyone to take time out and spend some time in the countryside away from the pace of modern life.

Spent a few miles on the AT - something I've always wanted to do. Our section was well maintained and plenty challenging

I did a Thru in 2012 and I visit the Trail often, for a day hike or a weekend or a week if I can swing it.

This was certainly the most arduous and complex long-distance hike we ever committed to. Most friends thought us as having a screw- loose and did not encourage this "at our Age. Little did they know how much planning went into our 'once-in-a-lifetime wish. It is undoubtedly a L O N G-Distance hiking tour, following a path through the ridge of the Appalachian Mountains. Remarkably, although it stretches all the way from Georgia to Maine, the trail keeps largely to unspoilt wilderness. Our global ethos is simple: one out of three holidays is devoted to wilderness, mountain or desert. We joined the four million-odd pilgrims who 'do' the trail annually in small sections or the Herculean 'thru-hikers'. Its no mean feat,as the elevation gain and loss, over the entire trail, is said to equal ascending & descending Mount Everest, 16 times. We picked up our guide at the trailhead at Springer Mountain, where the bluish haze is mesmerising, even though the Southern Appalachian is often quite demanding as we wound our way through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, in Tennessee. About a quarter of the trail is in lovely Virginia, offering unsurpassed,and unforgettable vistas of forested mountain peaks and crags, like McAffee's Knob,where rhododendrons and azaleas blazed their own trail of shimmering colour and splendour. This is high country where cameras cannot capture what your senses can, and do . Our trail crossed the Potomac River into West Virginia and onto Maryland. In Pennsylvania we reached our half-way mark in the Pine Grove Furnace State Park. When we got to the route that traversed the states of NY and New Jersey, the wooded valleys of Massachusetts were overlooked majestically by the two dramatic peaks on the trail, Mt Greylock and Mt Everett. Who could not be enchanted by Vermont's Green mountains with their tangled woods and verdant pastures? But it was the Appalachians's '100-mile-wilderness' that totally wore us ragged in its isolation and beauty. Our brilliant guides took us up Mt katahdin for the most stunning culmination to our trailing adventure.

As a through hiker, I really looked forward to the 100+ mile jaunt through the "Shennys". The trail was well groomed, the walking was easy, and the wildlife (bears) were abundant. Not to mention the frequent Waysides and Lodges where the hungry hiker can feast. This is civilized hiking at it's finest. I highly recommend the A.T. in the Shenandoah National Park.

Dog loved the constant movement and attention from fellow hikers, eventhough she stayed on a 6 ft leash.

Nice hike, following the stream/river and including some pretty falls. Some elevation gains/drops but generally good footing.

Historic trail through the eastern seaboard. always a good day on the trail hiking in nature. friendly folk on the trail headed to the finish. plenty of good spots for a quick out-and-back hike with friends or loved ones, even solo.

We parked in the northern section of Shenandoah National Park at milepost 15.7 to hike a section of the AT. From the parking area we headed north on the AT and within a mile, came upon a beautiful rock outcropping and impressive views. It was early for a break but we couldn't resist playing on the rocks for quite a while. This is an easy spot to reach and fun to explore.

Head north from Skyland parking lot, which is where we stay. You can walk as far as you want, but make sure to veer off to see the views from Stoney Man summit and Little Stoney Man Summit.

What a wonderful week, this is a must for anyone who wants to be outdoors. You can go crazy and walk for hundreds of miles, or just stay at one of the National Parks and hike for the day like we did.We saw Black Bears, Deer and wonderful views of the valley.Needs to be on everyone's bucket list.