McAfee Hikes

Date Written: 10/17/2024 | AT Mile 1245.7 | Day Total: 25.9 miles | Gain: 6046 ft

Was up just before sunrise and ventured out into the 35 degree morning to retrieve my food from the bear pole. Cozy warm last night and I wasn’t wearing my puffy jacket. I was the last of the sobos to leave camp this morning probably because I cooked a warm breakfast unlike most.

Steady climb this morning which kept me warm. On my way down to Route 522 I passed a large gated government area. I walked right up against it for some time.

When I reached Route 522 the bubble of four sobos were waiting to head into town. I’ve got plenty of food so I’m going to continue on. I thanked Slip and Slide again for the donut last night! I hiked across a short boardwalk before gradually climbing up 2000ft into Shenandoah National Park! There were some great views early on when I was next to some fields.

I passed some super tame deer today. I could get within 10ft and they would continue to graze on the plants nearly oblivious of my presence.

I eventually made it to the Shenandoah park boundary! Not much of an official entrance other than a small sign. I’m really looking forward to the amazing views and Waysides that that are stationed every 15-20 miles.

The leaves are really popping with color and the weather is wonderful! It’s been keeping the sweat to a minimum which is a plus. I got my first crossing of Skyline Drive. The AT crosses it countless times.

I ate lunch next to a piped stream with a glimpse of a view through the trees. The sun kept me warm while I ate and filtered water. After lunch I was able to get super close to another deer only this one was a buck.

After lunch I continued towards North Mount Marshall. The trail here is sooooooo well maintained and it’s easy to keep a descent pace. On a side note, it’s been a long time since I’ve gone up to a mountain with a name.

The top of North Mount Marshall is wooded but there were some good views just after the top! Sometimes I had to go off trail a few steps but it was always worth it. I really love being able to see the layers of ranges in the distance.

I continued down then to Hogback Mountain. Another great view towards the north.

I’ve lost track how many times I’ve crossed paths with Skyline Drive. Between all the crossings I had another amazing view from Hogback Overlook before heading down to the first Wayside!

As I made my way down to the Wayside I was really soaking in the beauty of the trail though here. The leaves are full of color, the suns shingling through the trees and nothing but the sounds of nature. Lovely!

Lovely until nature throws a black furry animal at you… luckily the bear throw himself away from me. He was not quite full grown but older than what I would consider a cub.

I was a quarter mile from the wayside when I saw the bear. The wayside is a little piece of luxury! Food, power, water, restrooms, etc. I plugged in my phone and battery bank and ordered some food.

I got a burger and a small pack of powdered donuts for later. Kill Bill got here an hour before I did and was enjoying food and a beer. I washed my face in the bathroom which always feels refreshing.

There’s a stream about half a mile down the trail that I’m hoping to camp at. There’s lots of stealth sites throughout the park.

When I continued on the trail I didn’t find any stealth spots so I grabbed some water at the stream and ended up hiking up another mile before a flat site showed up. It’s past sunset but it’s still fairly light while I set up my tent. The hike up here was gorgeous.

It’s nice being able to setup my tent and crash having eaten dinner at the wayside. It’s going to be another chilly night tonight. Maybe below freezing. I’ve got plenty of layers to stay warm. The moons light is casting shadows in my tent! Crazy how bright it is tonight.