So, I’m slowly piecing together pieces of the Appalachian Trail on my hiking adventures. This report covers my most recent hiking adventure – I’ve been sorely lacking in time for fall hiking.
A year ago I hiked out here last.
My friend and neighbor hiked from the south to this spot last September. I figured I’d try and reach it from the north this time around.
And here it is a year later, two miles from Morgans Mill Road.
I headed out here early in the morning on Labor Day weekend. My kids (teenagers) were at my house so I figured I’d drive out, a bit over an hour, do a few hours hiking, and be home early afternoon. I drove my Mini which wasn’t exactly the best choice for these roads.
The area between Morgans Mill Road and Route 50 near Middleburg is a spot known as “The Roller Coaster” on the Appalachian Trail. The trail goes up and down several times – it’s a good place to train for hills, so I suspect I may be visiting it several times before next summer when I’m doing something very challenging in the Alps in theory.
Two miles in I reached the spot mentioned above so I turned around and went back to where I started, then kept going to reach a waterfall area.
Beyond the waterfalls, two miles from where I parked, there is something of a view. This spot was a decent spot to sit and rest but I didn’t stay long as I had to get home. Barely time enough to collect my thoughts.
I did, however, visit the waterfall. Not a bad spot. I’m happy I was fairly early because I passed a fairly large contingent of hikers between here and my parking spot. Also happy I wasn’t there in July when it was likely totally dry.
And my typical hiking outfit, ready to be freshened up a bit for next summer. I actually wear board shorts and tank tops that are about a decade old. They haven’t fallen apart but… well, ten years seems to be a lot.
Eight miles on that particular day.
I came home and observed Memorial Day but then I was down sick for a few days. Barely well enough for a weekend in New York City a week later – for the US Open, but more on that later.