It’s a mountain. Get over it!
October 16, 2022
Ascent: 2782’
Descent: 3211’
Weather: mid-60’s, cloudy, and blustery
Sightings: chipmunks!
High points: the amazing views from Big Bald Mtn
In the gray of early morning, we drove to Sam’s Gap and headed north on the AT.
Almost immediately we started the ascent of Big Bald Mtn (5513’). Even after only 30 minutes of hiking, the views were amazing.
Partway up the mountain we bumped into French Broad, a woman I met while preparing to hike the AT. Last year our paths crossed multiple times on the AT, and seeing her today was a wonderful surprise. Our repeated encounters on the trail show how small the Appalachian Trail community really is!
The fall foliage in this area is truly amazing.
Big Bald Mountain is precisely that. At 5513’’, it is one of the most impressive balds on the AT. No one knows the cause of these bare summits — Indians or lightning or some other reason. But balds provide hikers with the most incredible 360° views!
The descent from Big Bald Mountain was pretty gorgeous too!
Originally we had planned to have lunch on the top of Big Bald Mountain, but it was incredibly windy and quite chilly at the summit. We opted to have our break at Big Bald Mountain Shelter, a much more protected place.
We then descended over 2500’, with small climbs over Little Bald Mountain (5220’ and, despite the name, tree-covered) and High Rocks (4241’). The trail was fairly smooth, and the descent was easy.
I don’t think of the South as having red foliage, but in this particular area the reds glowed!
And down we went!
Since we will drive back to Williamsburg after our hike tomorrow, tonight is our last night at Uncle Johnny’s Hostel. We are enjoying a pleasant sit by the perpetually burning fire pit.
Today is a great day for a long walk in the woods!
Glorious pix of the mountains and the foliage!
So. glad your weather appeared to be very cooperative this round.
What a great year of hiking the AT you’ve had, Gwen!!
Margie 🙂