Suggestions: 25 mile Mid-Atlantic trip?

[Katherine .]

I’m planning a trip East (I’m in Oregon) with my son sometime in the spring. Two questions: where & when?

Where:

*My son likes a “deep forest” experience. I told him hikers often refer to the AT as a “green tunnel” and he said that’s what he wants!

*We’d need something with not too much EG, around 20-25 miles.

*Accesible to DC — I’m planning this trip combined w/a family visit. Ideally I’d have my dad drive us to the trailhead, then take public transit back (yes, I’ve seen Alan Dixon’s posts on that).

Any ideas for very pleasant, rolling or flat-ish, logistically feasible stretches that start w/in a day’s drive of DC? I’m thinking AT, but it doesn’t necessary have to be.

When– What’s a good window? I want to avoid winter conditions and spring break crowds. Just when he trees are beginning to get green would be perfect.

[Ben C]

Grayson Highlands is a favorite southern AT location.  It’s a mix of deep forest and high balds.  And it has wild ponies – seriously.

Shenandoah fits the bill too.  It’s closer than Grayson Highlands and is pretty much all forest.  It also has regular road crossings, campsites, and a lodge, it that suits.

[BRYON L]

US-60 Long Mountain Wayside to Tye River/VA-56 – about 26 miles. Multiple shelters and campsites for options. Most significant uphill would be right at the start (Bald Knob), after that a few others, but I wouldn’t consider them too bad. Add Mt. Pleasant Loop and end your hike at Crabtree Falls and that would be pretty awesome as well.

Incorporates Cold Mountain, Spy Rock, and the Priest, all have great views, but plenty of trees/tunnel in between.

Mid April to late May would be best, IMO. Flowers and everything will have bloomed to the peaks. Temps are nice, could be cool at night, but shouldn’t be freezing. You will have some thru-hikers around, but the bubble will not have arrived yet. That comes right around June 1.

Also, check out hikingupward.com for a list of hikes in your area. George Washington NF has many hikes and such.

If you decide to do anything from Rockfish Gap south to Roanoke you are in my neck of the woods. PM if I can be of any help with logistics, advice, etc. Happy to help!

[Sean B]

Agree with Bryon’s suggestions. Great section to hike. I also recommend late April/ early May. I may also be able to help with logistics depending on the time frame although I am a bit further North. If you do something in SNP, look into taking the VRE to Broad Run from Reagan National Airport although schedule is limited and weekdays only. I may be able to help with a ride from Broad Run to SNP (45 min) as I ride the train daily and the drive out to the park is pleasant.

Good luck.

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