Short Connecting Hike

“Over the mountains & through the woods, down the river & up the valley, over the boulders & through the stream to nobody’s house I go.”
~Unknown

May 15, 2021
Hike from Reeds Gap to the side trail to the Humpback Mountain Visitors Center
AT miles: 12.6 miles
Ascent: 2252’
Descent: 2326’
Weather: 70 and sunny
Sightings: one brave rabbit, lots of butterflies
High points: a lift from some really nice folks

---

My plans for today were foiled. I had intended to hike the 19.1 miles between Reed’s Gap and the southern terminus of Shenandoah National Park, which would connect the two sections of the Appalachian Trail that I have hiked in Virginia. This required someone to shuttle me from Rockfish Gap to Reed’s Gap. A local hostel had agreed to do the shuttling, but the driver was a no-show. I called multiple times and was repeatedly told that he was five minutes away but that they also had no idea where he was. Finally I gave up and decided to drive to Reed’s Gap and walk half the distance on the AT and then return to my car by walking on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Reed’s Gap is a popular trail head, so I was lucky to find a good parking place. I started walking north on the AT. The trail was unusually rocky for a Virginia. I mean, it was seriously rocky, like New England rocky!

I did not see anyone on the trail for the first 5 miles, so it was just me and the rocks. Once I got near Dripping Rock Parking Area, I started to see some day hikers. The views from Cedar Cliffs were gorgeous.

Quite rocky, the trail was a foot puzzle today. I had to be very careful to put my foot down correctly, so it was slow going. I even saw some bedrock — unusual for around here!

The azalea blooms were absolutely beautiful.

I saw some False Solomon Seal today. It is a beautiful tall plant with striking lily-like leaves, but the blooms are at the end of the plant. Real Solomon Seal has similar leaves but its flowers hide under the leaves.

I hiked up and over Humpback Mountain but there were no views there. I then descended to Humpback Gap and headed back to the parking area, where I proceeded to head south on foot on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is beautiful and fun to drive, but walking it is a drag. I walked about 4 miles, up to the Dripping Rock Parking Area, where a couple struck up a conversation with me about hiking the Appalachian Trail and observing wildflowers. They got in their car, I trudged off, and about a minute later they pulled up alongside me and generously offered me a lift to Reeds Gap. Yay!

I loved the views today, and I am very thankful for the kindness of strangers.

Today is a great day for a long walk in the woods!