Look deep into nature and you will understand everything better.
~Albert Einstein
October 4, 2021
Hike from Rt 52 (Bland, VA) to Lickskillet Hollow
AT miles: 13.2
Ascent: 1531’
Descent: 2076’
Weather: morning mist followed by a sun with temps in the low 70’s
Sightings: a bold deer, a garter snake, and a chipmunk
High points: the lovely ridge walk
Julie from the hostel dropped us off at the intersection of the AT with Rt 52. We walked along Rt 52 for a little bit and then the trail headed up a sharp incline, still following the road. We had a spectacular mist-filled view of the valley. We could hear I-77 loud and clear, but it was hidden by the mist.
The trail did a quick and exceptionally steep descent and we emerged onto Rt 52 again, just a little worse for the crazy and unnecessary climb. Apparently we are not the only people to think that that particular section of the trail is a little bit insane. We saw this bit of graffiti on the guard rail where the AT rejoins Rt 52.
I find crossing interstates on foot weird and cool, so here is a misty picture of I-77 from the Appalachian Trail.
We only saw three other hikers all day — SOBO’s who all spent last night in the shelter near I-77. That meant that for most of the day we were the first people to walk the trail, so there were lots and lots of spiderwebs across the trail. One in particular caught the sunlight and was just beautiful.
We spent almost the entire 13 miles walking along a ridge at about 3000 feet. The trail was easy, and we were able to appreciate the beautiful fall foliage that is beginning to appear.
Much to our surprise, we did encounter a young buck. He was on the trail, and he was definitely lacking the timidity one usually associates with deer. He stood his ground, we admired him, he still blocked the trail, and eventually we started making noise to shoo him away. We were making quite a racket before he reluctantly bounded off into the woods.
Bland County, where we are hiking, is seriously remote. The entire county has about 6,000 residents, the nearest grocery store is 45 minutes away, and nearly 80% of the land is part of the Jefferson National Forest. But the area is beautiful, and I am thankful there are such rural areas!
Today was a gorgeous and easy fall hike!
Today is a great day for a long walk in the woods!
Wow! This was a great post! Loved the spider web, the changing leaves and the young buck’s expression! Made my day! Thanks!