Since the AT covers the length of the SNP for about 100 miles, the area where I hiked and spent time was limited to the Central District of the park. This area is from Highway 211 near Luray, Va. and Highway 33 near Elkton, Va. The distant between these two locations is 65 miles. Most of my hiking was in the Big Meadows and Skyland area and not the total distance. Upon arrival, I picked up Back Country Permit at Big Meadows near Byrd Visitor Center. After checking in, I settled at the Big Meadow Lodge after a long two day drive from Dallas, Texas. The weather was outstanding and that afternoon I walked a part of the AT trail and reviewed the campground area before going to sleep.
On Monday, I woke up early to hit the trail and found a heavy fog in the area. Unable to see the road, buildings and trail, I waited until it cleared off. My hike started about 1 PM and ran late in the day. I hiked the AT from Big Meadows to the other side of Milam Gap (Mile Marker 53) and returned to Big Meadows Campground for the night. The distance was 7.4 miles. I was expecting to get to Lewis Mountain and return, but due to a late start and the slick rocks on the trail it was best to limit my day. The other hikers on this section were few, only two people and a few white tail deer. The trail crosses a fire road a few miles into the hike; I found a cemetery named Tanner Ridge that was well maintained with several older head stones. I made sure to say a prayer for the folks and thank them for being here to share the trail today. Upon returning set up tent and campsite at Big Meadows Campground site A81 for the night. I met a few thru hikers that started in June from Maine heading south to Georgia. On Tuesday, I woke up early and found a heavy fog in the area again. It did not clear up until about noon, so I adjusted the day for sectional hikes in the park. My first stop was the Dark Hollows Falls Trail. This was amazing seeing the falls that drop 70 feet and some of the local native trout in the area. Many hikers were on the trail and most stopped to catch their breath to chat due to the big elevation changes on the trail. After this hike, I return to the car and drove back to the entrance to Skyland and stopped at the parking lot near White Oak Canyon/Limberlost trail heads. Here I saw multiple cars with people out viewing a small bear in the tree. I stopped and took a few pictures and was amazed how the bear could balance himself on a tree limb swaying eating and not falling. This was my first black bear in the SNP. My next hike was Hawksbill Summit at 4051 feet, the highest peak in the SNP. This was amazing climb up the trail to see the area, the view on the peak and an AT shelter called Birdnest # 2. I met a few folks on the trail; one couple was from England spending a week in the area hiking. The couple was in their late 60’s or maybe early 70’s. We started the hike up the summit trail and they did not stop. I was beat by the time I got there. I need the O2 for sure… After finishing the day hikes, I drove to Skyland for the night. The mileage today was 4.2. On Wednesday the weather was outstanding. I started off at hiking the Hazel Falls trail. I enjoyed the vertical drop as it snaked down the mountainside of the canyon. I stopped just above the falls area and return to the car to look for another area to hike. I did not see any hikers on this trail. The next stop was Pinnacle Picnic Grounds; I hopped back on the AT to hike a short distance to see the views on the west side of the mountain ridge. I saw multiple hikers on this trail. After this short hike, I return to the parking lot near White Oak Canyon/Limberlost where I had seen the bear the day before. I began the White Oak Trail later in the day and found this to be the gem of the trip. The trail was a relatively flat winding trail down to a series of falls winding down the mountain. The late afternoon hike was peaceful and exciting too. After turning one of the corners, here was another black bear. The bear took off and ran but not before I had a chance to enjoying seeing him. This was my second black bear in the SNP. Once I arrived at the falls area, I had a chance to relax and enjoy the beauty. I am sure there were plenty of fish to be caught in the pond area but did not bring any of my fly fishing gear. I saw multiple hikers and horses on this trail. The mileage today was 8.8. I returned to Skyland Resort for the night after a full day.
The dinner at Skyland Resort was outstanding. The restaurant is well known for their food and views from the dining area. Thanks to my cousin, Marie for suggesting I make this a stop on the trip. My meal included Virginian Merlot from Barboursville Vineyards, traditional Caesar salad, spice rubbed pork tenderloin medallions and pumpkin cheese cake. Wonderful food and view for the last evening in SNP.

The next day I headed back to Dallas, but before leaving the park I saw my third black bear on the highway leaving SNP. I stayed in Jackson, TN the first night and arriving late afternoon on Friday back to Bid D. I logged over 2575 miles in the rental car.

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My trip to SNP was full of wonders and surprises but best of all it was to refresh and renew me for the everyday life. The solitude, views and wildlife from the trail were amazing. The silence and peace I found while hiking the variety of trails was enjoyable. I found the trail markings were abundant and the concrete post marks indicated mileage to the next stop on the trail. The trails were maintained well, thanks to the Potomac Trail Club and Appalachian Trail Conservatory. Water was available. I felt safe. People were friendly. Maps were accurate. Cell phone and internet service limited except for Big Meadows and Skyland Resort Areas. So far, I have avoided poison ivy and ticks. The wildlife included seeing black bear, white tailed deer, bobcat, trout, variety of bugs and moles. I offer many thanks to my wonderful wife who supported me on this trip. I love you…
Thanks for reading my blog. Peace be with you.