Trail Days Hike Planning and Poll #2

[Hooch]

Trail Day Hike Itinerary Redeux

So, after looking at the original plan for this hike and considering it a bit deeper, we thought that a couple days at nearly 12 miles/day was just a little too much for some, including us. So we did a little more looking and planning and came up with what we believe to be 2 good options. Option 1 is to start on Tuesday, 11 May at Massie Gap and hike for a total of 30.8 miles over 4 days. Option 2 is to start at Whitetop Mtn Rd/USFS 89 on Wednesday and hike for a total of 21.3 miles over 3 days. Anyone who wanted to take Option 2 would meet the group at Whitetop Mtn. Rd/USFS 89 on Wednesday morning. Here are the proposed mileages:

Day 1, Tuesday, 11 May
Massie Gap to Whitetop Mtn Rd/USFS 89
9.6 miles
Camping, water, no privy.
If you are hiking Option 1, you will start here.

Day 2, Wednesday, 12 May
Whitetop Mtn Rd/USFS 89 to Lost Mountain Shelter
5.5 miles
Shelter, water, privy.
If you are hiking Option 2, you will start here.

Day 3, Thursday, 13 May
Lost Mountain Shelter to Saunders Shelter
6.4 miles
Shelter, water, privy.

Day 4, Friday, 14 May
Saunders Shelter to Damascus
9.4 miles
The hike in to Damascus is mostly downhill or reasonably flat with 2 minor climbs.

Generally speaking, in this section there are no difficult climbs at all, with plenty of downhill walking. We're really looking forward to this hike, it'll be a great way to kick Trail Days off. I hope that the new options will make this easier and more enjoyable for anyone who wants to attend.

As far as getting to Massie Gap, I think the best way to do this is to catch a shuttle in Damascus. Shuttles are available from various places in Damascus, such as Mount Rogers Outfitters and Sundog Outfitters. You can also park a car at the parking area and I'd be happy to help shuttle folks back to their cars at the end of the hike. Although I'm sure that some folks will hike together, please bear in mind that this is a hike your own hike event. Hope to see plenty of y'all there.

Elevation profiles are available in any good AT guiebook. I'm kinda partial to Awol's The AT Guide. They are also availble from Mr. Parkay.