Greatest Walking Trail in the World Part II

It is a 2200-mile corridor of solitude and serenity. But don’t let the scale of the AT deter your ambition. You don’t need to be a hardcore backpacker to enjoy the wonders of this spectacular natural treasure. All you need is a pair of good shoes, some water and snacks coupled with a little motivation, and you will experience one of the best things in the country. Consider that the AT is accessible to everyone on the entire eastern seaboard in less than a day’s drive and you may realize that parts are closer than you think.

John Muir said, “The mountains are calling, and I must go”. What did he mean by that?  There is something about the human experience when immersed in stunning natural beauty. It brings us back to the origins of our humanity. We become natural creatures again; reverting from our iPhone tethered existence. We need this. It feeds our souls. John Muir was a man in a modern society just like us today; with polluted city-life and the ever-present audible moan of the urban existence.  Muir knew when he stepped out into the wilderness, the sound would change, the air would smell natural and healthy again, and the streams would have clear, clean water. These things coupled with the stunning visual aesthetic would feed his soul.  “…and I must go” seems to say it all. He hungered for it. I think we all hunger for it whether we know it or not. The more we experience nature, the more we salivate for those experiences.

The Appalachian Trail has something for everyone, too.  If you want the ultimate survival challenge, this will give you that. Or, if you just want a short afternoon hike with the family, the AT will give you a comfortable leisurely stroll in some places. Melissa and I are so fortunate to live just four miles from Amicalola Falls State park, which is the southern terminus of the AT. We can do sections across Georgia as day-hikes or short weekenders. Our favorite spot on the AT is Springer Mountain. We camped here once when we were dating, and it has a special meaning to us. We camped at the top, where it is suggested that you avoid as the trees at the top have a lot of their tops knocked out of them. Black bears like storm damaged trees as this is where they sleep. Mountain tops often have ice-storm damaged trees, and these are ultimate bear habitats; so, avoid this as your camping spot, if possible.

Springer mountain is accessible from a couple of different points if you would like to see this spot. You can get there from the Approach Trail out of Amicalola Falls State Park by hiking northbound. Or, you can go to the first entry point on the AT via a WMA just two miles up the trail and hike south to the summit. The approach trail is actually strenuous, but the 2-mile southbound trek from the WMA is an easy hike on relatively level terrain. Trust me when I say, you won’t be disappointed with the view from Springer Mountain.

The best thing to see on the AT is certainly contestable. A lot of it has to do with what appeals to you personally. But the nice thing is that there is something for everybody. I should also mention that there are many locations that are wheelchair accessible, and a list of those locations can be found on a great site called Trailspace. The following list is a selection of the best destinations along the AT. The list was compiled by Blue Ridge Outdoors, a magazine dedicated to tourism in this part of the country.

  1. The Pinnacle, Pennsylvania

A mixture of thru-hikers, school groups and intrigued day hikers beat along the moderate trail to soak in the beauty offered by The Pinnacle Summit. Located along the Blue Mountain Ridgeline, this rocky viewpoint enables its visitors to gaze out over the picturesque, rolling farmlands of Pennsylvania.

Getting There – From the trailhead parking lot, located on Hawk Mountain Road, begin hiking through the yellow gates along the gravel road. Turn right on the white blazed Appalachian Trail. Follow the Appalachian Trail along a rock filled trail to Pulpit Rock. Keep straight on the Appalachian Trail until you pass the turnoff to Blue Rock Campground. Just ahead, take a right turn for The Pinnacle overlook by way of Blue Trail.

  1. Clingmans Dome, Tennessee

Standing at 6,643 feet of elevation, Clingmans Dome offers a 360-degree viewpoint high above the tree line of the Great Smoky Mountains. The Appalachian Trail crosses here, making Clingmans Dome the highest AT viewpoint from Georgia to Maine.  From this man-made observation tower, hikers can peer out over a sea of mountains. On a clear day, all seven surrounding states; Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama and Georgia; are visible from the tower.

Getting There – Driving, take Newfound Gap Road to Clingmans Dome Road. Clingmans Dome Road leads up to a parking lot and visitor center. From here, the walking path up to the Clingmans Dome observation tower is paved but steep. The half-mile path is straightforward and easy to follow.

  1. McAfee Knob, Virginia

Tucked in the Jefferson National Forest of Virginia, McAfee Knob has earned quite a reputation for its beautiful viewpoint. A hike of around 4.5 miles will take you 1,740 feet in elevation, which will be well worth the reward as you sit out on the ledge of McAfee Knob practically floating above the Shenandoah Valley.

Getting There – From the VA311 parking area, cross the street and pick up the white blazed Appalachian Trail. Remain along the Appalachian Trail until McAfee Knob Spur Trail. Turn left and the overlook will be just a few steps away.

  1. Tinker Cliffs, Virginia

Hanging 3,000 feet over the Catawba Valley, Tinker Cliffs is a great place to stop for lunch and soak in the gorgeous view. Though the hike is relatively strenuous, making it to Tinker Cliffs will give you a bird’s eyes view of surrounding mountains including McAfee Knob to the South.

Getting There – On Virginia Route 779, halfway between Catawba and Daleville, you will find the trailhead for Tinker Cliffs day hikers. Head out on the Andy Layne trail, yellow blazed, until it intersects with the white blazed Appalachian Trail (about three miles). Turn right onto the Appalachian Trail and Tinker Cliffs will be within a mile.

  1. Dragon’s Tooth, Virginia

Dragon’s Tooth, another breathtaking viewpoint along the Virginia portion of the Appalachian Trail, stands out atop Cove Mountain. Join other hikers on the climb to this popular destination as you crisscross creeks and make an elevation gain of 1,505 ft.

Getting There – The Dragon’s Tooth parking lot is located along VA311. Start off on the blue blazed Dragon’s Tooth trail. About two miles in, the trail will intersect the Appalachian Trail. Turn right onto the Appalachian Trail for a strenuous 0.7-mile hike to pick up the Dragon’s Tooth Spur trail. A leisurely hike of less than a mile on this path will place you at the foot of Dragon’s Tooth.

  1. Max Patch, North Carolina

The perfect place for an Appalachian Trail day hike, Max Patch is a moderate hike with an open grassy field at the summit. If heading there in the winter, make sure to bundle up and be prepared to soak in the deep blues of the Great Smokies to the west and the Black Mountains to the southeast.

Getting There – Take State Road 1181 until you arrive at the intersection for Max Patch Road (State Road 1182). Turn right onto Max Patch Road and travel about a mile and a half to the Max Patch parking lot. From the parking lot, you can then choose from two direct hiking routes, differing in length, to reach the Max Patch viewpoint.

  1. Grayson Highlands/ Mount Rogers, Virginia

Where else, but at Mount Rogers, might you catch a mountain view as a herd of wild ponies roam along the trail? From the Grayson Highlands approach to Mount Rogers, wild ponies are often sighted as visitors hike their way up to the state’s highest peak.

Getting There – The parking for Mount Rogers is located halfway between the cities of Independence and Damascus on U.S. 58. Day hikers have several trail options for reaching the summit. From the access point in Grayson Highlands, follow Massie Gap.

  1. Mount Moosilauke, New Hampshire

The bare summit of Mount Moosilauke, located at an elevation of 4,802 feet, sits in western New Hampshire. Here, hikers are rewarded with a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains of New England.

Getting There – For a moderate, but long hike, take Gorge Brook Trail to the Mount Moosilauke summit. Starting from Ravine Lodge, this trail is relatively easy though the route will put 7.4 miles under your feet. Other options for reaching the summit include more strenuous hikes with greater gains in elevation: Beaver Brook Trail, Glencliff Trail, Moosilauke Carriage Road and Benton Trail.

  1. Mount Killington, Vermont

Mount Killington is a popular peak. Not only does the Appalachian Trail run along its summit, it is also the location of a bunkhouse for thru-hikers as well as a ski resort. Despite all the hustle and bustle that occurs on this mountain, Killington is still best known for its breathtaking viewpoint.

Getting There – Park in the Brewer’s Corner Parking lot, located on Wheelerville Road, and begin hiking by way of Bucklin Trail. After about 3.3 miles, you will reach the Appalachian Trail. Turn right onto the Appalachian Trail and the Killington Summit will be about a half mile ahead.

  1. Baldpate, Maine

Baldpate offers two incredible summits. Connecting both the west peak and the east peak are a network of boardwalk-like structures and a wooden ladder. Stroll along the ridgeline and climb the ladder to take in the marvelous viewpoints of Baldpate. From the top, hikers can gaze out at the lush forests and rolling mountains of Maine.

Getting There – Hikers can choose from a variety of trails to reach the summit. The most direct route is by way of Micah Trail – an easy .6-mile hike. Parking for Micah Trail is located on Moose Cove Lodge Road. Follow signs for parking and Micah trailhead along the side of the road.

Whether you are a hardcore outdoor enthusiast, ordinary working folks, or over the hill, get out to the AT this fall and see a part of this national treasure. Remember, it’s YOURS. Our National Park System is such a wonderful resource, and as Americans we are so fortunate to have these areas protected. SO, get out to the trail and enjoy!