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| New hiker, new member. Trail suggestions? |
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, I'm new to the forum and hiking, so if this is improper at this forum, please let me know.
I've put together all of the equipment I think I need and feel comfortable with its usage. Now I'd like to try a simple one-night hike, but finding a suitable trail is a little overwhelming for a rookie. I live 30 miles west of Charleston, and would like something that is not too far away. The overall length of the trail is not important, as I will probably just go in a few miles and look for a site to set up camp, and then reverse the trail the next day. I am in my mid 50s but the doctor says I'm in reasonably good health. I feel pretty comfortable with the idea that I may not hurt myself or the trail.
Seems like most of the published (online) trails are in the National Park/Forest system and those are for the most part, along the VA/WV border. Maybe these will be tackled one day, but for starters, I'd like a nice easy trail with a lot of off trail tent sites to easily choose from until I get some mud on my boots. I'll probably do this solo until the right partner and I meet up.
Any suggestions for the trail or intentions would be really appreciated.
Thanks |
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| Re: New hiker, new member. Trail suggestions? |
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Sounds like you're within spittin distance of the Blue Ridge Parkway. How many miles do you want to do? If you just want to do about 1.7 miles in and then back out again drive south on the parkway from US250 to just beyond mile marker 13 (Reeds Gap). Hike in 1.7 miles to Maupin Field shelter. Good water and lots of campsites there. You'll pass one overlook at the maximum elevbation on the way in. If you get there early set up a base camp and further explore the AT or Mau-Har Tr without the incumberance of a pack.
THe route is the first and last part of the hike shown here on my site:
http://midatlantichikes.com/at-mauhar.htm
As a rookie, I wouldn't attempt the entire loop. As an experienced hiker I wouldn't attempt it this time of the year as a day hike.
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| Re: New hiker, new member. Trail suggestions? |
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, Thanks for the tip. I'll download your file (I use the NG MidAtlantic State version) . I review your site constantly and think it's great! I was really hoping for something closer, but this may not be that far after I look at it.
I really don't know all the ins and outs of camping in the National parks and forests, like permits, etc. and there's always things like bear food vaults and such, and whether I need them. I guess the local ranger can inform me there.
A backpacking friend has suggested I just go down (up) a trail for a mile or so and do as you mention - setting up a base camp. He mentions this as a good thing for a beginner and also as a common way of seeing trails without all the work for experienced hikers. I like the idea and would extend the distance as I get experience, if I decide. I'm not in this for the distance hiked, but the experiences and sights, and know those don't always equate to distance travelled.
Thanks again and if you think of anything else that I might also like, be sure and post it. |
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| Re: New hiker, new member. Trail suggestions? |
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| Don't need a permit for the GWNF which is why I suggested it. You do need a bear bag and line to suspend your food out of reach of bears and other critters., |
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| Re: New hiker, new member. Trail suggestions? |
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, I assume the bear bag is used even when everything is sealed like in Mountain House, etc?
I also wonder why all of my posts start with a "," (comma). I don't put it there.
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| Re: New hiker, new member. Trail suggestions? |
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Yes. Some folks will tell you if it's sealed you don't have to but the experts will tell you a bear can smell through it. , |
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| Re: New hiker, new member. Trail suggestions? |
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| Do the Mount Pleasant hike and camp at the foot of the summit trail. There is even a trail leading to water (you will need to have a filter). Its a total of 5 miles round trip and is not too strenuous... the views are the best I have seen., |
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