Our
journey will begin
at the Thunder Hill overlook, elevation
3,472 feet, on the Blue Ridge Parkway mile
marker 74.8. Ample parking exists at the
overlook and the Appalachian Trail runs
beside the observation area. Our first
day's destination, Thunder Hill Shelter,
lies to the South approximately 1.2
miles.
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A
very impressive view of the
Shenandoah Valley with the Allegheny
Mountains in the distance can be
seen from Thunder Hill Overlook.
This picture was made in mid-April.
Winter still holds the mountain tops
and ridges in its icy grip, but the
valleys below are colored with
spring's first shades of
green
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The
Appalachian Trail follows the ridge of the
mountain offering panoramic views both East
and West and crosses the Parkway 0.2 mile
from the overlook. The first mile of our
adventure ascends gradually to an elevation
of approximately 3,800 feet. The trail is
very "rocky" in places and passes through
weather beaten old growth hardwood forest.
The effects of wind and ice can be seen and
the trees here grow abnormally short and
stout. Only the strong survive up here on the
ridge. We only have 1.2 miles to travel the
first day, thus we can arrive at our
destination late in the afternoon, if
necessary, and still make camp before night
fall.
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You
often find yourself, quite
literally, in the clouds when on
Thunder Hill, and the weather can
change with remarkable speed. It is
always advisable to have rain gear
and a sweater or coat available,
even in summer months. The wind is
always present and the clouds sail
by close overhead.
Truly
an exhilarating place to
be!
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The
Virginia stretch of Appalachian Trail has a
very positive reputation with most "Through
Hikers" (those who go from Georgia to Maine).
The trail is well maintained by local clubs,
Shelters are numerous and in good repair, the
general lay of the land is "kinder and
gentler" than it is in most other States, and
the scenery is truly breathtaking. The trail,
however, still offers challenge. It is steep
and strenuous in places, passes through some
very remote wilderness areas, and can be very
unforgiving to the inexperienced,
ill-equipped, or unprepared.
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If
you look to your right, in a north
westerly direction, you will see two
rock slide areas. These two very
distinctive landmarks can be seen
from many different vantage points
along this section of the trail.
This picture also gives you some
idea of the local terrain.
Fortunately the AT, along our chosen
route, navigates mainly the ridge
tops and only occasionally descends
into the deeper valleys
below.
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All
along the AT, approximately every ten to
twelve miles, you will find a Shelter. These
building are provided and maintained mostly
by local hiking clubs and organizations. For
the most part, they all have the same basic
design, however some better maintained and
situated than others. They provide "shelter"
on a very basic level, with a wooden floor to
spread your sleeping bag upon and one side of
the building completely open to the elements.
It's a first come, first sleep, situation;
and late comers may find themselves out in
the cold and rain. Generally crowds are not a
problem and room is, almost always, made for
even the latecomer.
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The
shelter at Thunder Hill is very
typical, well maintained and
situated. It has a reliable
spring nearby (except in drought
conditions) and a fairly new
outdoor privy just down the hill.
A wooden table and rustic grill
for cooking complete its
accommodations. Crude lodging,
but a very welcome sight at the
end of a long day on the trail,
especially in bad
weather.
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For
those "Purists" who wish to truly be "one
with nature", there are ample camping
spots close by the Shelter. Thunder Hill
has more than its share and could
accommodate a large group of campers. The
winter wind and ice storms even provide a
good supply of dead firewood.
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Most
Through Hikers prefer sleeping
within the Shelters, and many
"week-enders" tend to tent camp. The
main advantage of the Shelter is
that you don't have the hassle of
pitching a tent. Some Through Hikers
travel up to twenty miles in a
single day. Making a "traditional"
camp is not exactly a priority at
day's end. Some people consider it
"trail curtsey" to offer Shelter
space first to Through Hikers,
however, this is entirely up to the
individual.
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Our
first day on the trail ends here on Thunder
Hill. Tomorrow we could travel a minimum of
five miles (up to eight miles if side trails
along the way are taken leading to various
places of interest) to the next Shelter; or
return to Thunder Hill
Overlook.
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