April 23, 2022
AT miles: 13.8
Ascent: 2765’
Descent: 2284’
Weather: sunny and hot (near 90°)
Sightings: two black snakes and LOTS of other hikers
High points: 1) managing to stay ON the mountain while descending Dragon’s Tooth; 2) finishing up not only this section (Pearisburg to McAfee knob parking lot) but also ALL of the 540 miles of the AT in Virginia!!!!!
I knew today would be a tough hike— I had to climb up and down Dragon’s Tooth, and the north face of Dragon’s Tooth is generally considered the toughest part of the AT in Virginia.
Immediately after getting dropped off at the AT I walked past a very unkempt sketchy-looking guy packing up camp. I said hi and moved on, hoping that I could stay ahead of him. He was a fast hiker, and in about twenty minutes he caught up to me and we talked for a bit. He was really nice, though like most thru-hikers he looked scruffy and sketchy. It’s so easy to make faulty judgments about people based on appearances!
The trail was rocky. Unfortunately the trail was also covered with leaves, so the rocks were almost impossible to see. I went very slowly through this treacherous section!!
Every once in a while the trail would become smooth and inviting. I would remember to take a picture, and then I would pick up my pace for a bit.
AT thruhikers celebrate the centuries of miles from Springer Mtn in Georgia by creating environmentally-friendly markers commemorating the milestones. I passed the 700 mile marker today.
As I climbed up the back of Dragon’s Tooth the views were fantastic.
Near the summit of Cove Mtn (3020’), I took the 0.1 mile detour to see the actual Dragon’s Tooth, a 35 foot tall rock monolith. It is seriously impressive. People can climb to the top of it, so though I stayed on the ground I admired two daring people who were slowly carefully clambering up this behemoth.
Next came the descent from Dragon’s Tooth, which is delicately described as a “rock scramble.” I felt like I was climbing down a cliff face — the trail was ridiculously steep. I stashed my hiking poles in my backpack and used every single bit of rock climbing know-how that I have. My knees, hands, and elbows got involved in this effort as I grabbed rock handles and balanced on tree trunks. They were even a few rebars sunk into the rocks. I was down on my butt more than I was off it!
The descent was seriously scary. It was definitely one of those moments when you think to yourself, “What strange life decisions have I made such that I am now scrambling down a cliff face?“
Two older men were behind me. They were very kind and didn’t rush me at all. We joked back-and-forth during the whole ordeal, and I give them lots of credit for helping me to stay firmly attached to the mountain. I am very grateful for their companionship during this scary experience.
Annoyingly, there were a number of younger people galloping up the mountain like mountain goats!
One of the two gentleman behind me was a section hiker who had just done 28 days on trail. The hike down from Dragon’s Tooth unnerved him so much that he literally left the trail for good the moment we hit the first crossroad!
The trail gradually resumed its normal gentle Appalachian Trail self.
The only source of water between mile 697.9 and 714.9 was Catawba Creek. This location turned into a major gathering spot for thirsty hikers. I actually saw eight people whom I had previously stayed with at shelters. At this impromptu water-filtering reunion we congratulated each other on not falling off the cliff, said lots of goodbyes, and prepared for the long hot hike ahead.
The trail then dipped down into pasture land. This picture represents how I would like to remember today!
Several hours later I emerged at the McAfee Knob parking lot hot, sunburned, and victorious. I had successfully hiked from Pearisburg to the McAfee Knob parking lot, covering 73.3 miles in five days.
I have now finished section hiking all of Virginia. The AT runs through Virginia for 540.7 miles — a quarter of the entire trail — so completing Virginia is a major accomplishment!
I am very grateful to my hiking partner for slackpacking me for the past two days. Hiking with a light backpack is such a blessing! Without that help, I could not have done the high mileages that allowed me to complete the 70+ miles of this difficult section in five days.
Today is a great day for a long walk in the woods!
Congratulations on finishing all Virginia!!!!