[at-l] Side trip suggestions for Year 2002 thru-hikers

[datto_atl@yahoo.com (Datto)]

Here is a beginning listing of side-trips to consider
for Year 2002 thru-hikers -- listers...add to this
list if you have a suggestion or an idea:

*) See "The Cliffs" at the shelter just north of the
Georgia/North Carolina line (northbounders will have
just climbed out of Bly Gap and will be ready for a
rest anyhow, Ha).

*) If you haven't seen Gettysburg and have an interest
in American history, take time out and zig over east a
ways on US 30 in Pennsylvania and take a tour of the
most famous of civil war battlefields when you reach
Pennsylvania.

*) About 1/2 mile north of the New Jersey/New York
state line (watch for the white state line painted
marker on the rocks you're walking on) is a very
narrow view window (maybe 20 feet wide or so) where,
on a clear day, you can see New York City between the
distant mountains.

*) Make sure you take the time to climb out on top of 
Charlie's Bunyon when you pass it in the Smoky
Mountains.

*) Tinker Cliffs (in Virginia right on the Trail just
north of McAfee's Knob) -- scenic spot to laze around
for an afternoon with your thru-hiking friends.

*) visit "The Doyle" in Duncannon, PA -- a memorable
experience -- might even want to schedule and
overnight there just to take in the ambiance...

*) consider visiting New York City for a day --
there's a train stop right on the AT that will take
you into NYC for little money. The train stop is
called "The Appalachian Trail Stop" in the train
schedule literature.

*) if you haven't ever visted Washington, DC, consider
taking a side trip when you reach say the Peaks of
Otter in Virginia (hitch from the Peaks of Otter to
Lynchburg, VA then take the train up to Washington, DC
-- the train drops you off just behind the Capital
Building). By the time you reach this point in your
thru-hike, you'll be able to run up the steps of the
Capital Building taking two steps at a time and not be
winded at the top. Impresses the tourists that's for
sure! Do a Rocky dance at the top for the tourists
too.

*) Have coffee and ice cream at the classy restaurant
(right on the Trail) where famous dignitaries eat just
north of Dahlgren Campground in Maryland (famous
portrait photos on the wall of some of the famous
people). Nice place, doesn't mind thru-hikers coming
in. Be nice...stop scratching yourself for a
moment...little pinkies up while your in there.

*) Stay overnight at the Blueberry Patch in Georgia --
an interesting, low-cost overnight experience and I
sure did enjoy the breakfast the next morning.

*) take and overnight at NOC in North Carolina -- one
of the nicest places to take a day off.

*) plan to take an overnight at Upper Goose Pond Cabin
in Massachusetts. One of the nicest spots on the
Trail.

*) Plan to stay overnight at the 501 Shelter in
Pennsylvania. One of the nicest shelters along the
Trail.

*) Plan to stay at the Partnership Shelter in Virginia
and have pizza delivered to you there. One of the
nicest shelters along the Trail.

*) Consider attending Trail Days in Damascus, VA (most
of the activities happen the weekend of May 17-19
during Year 2002). Always a memorable experience for
thru-hikers hiking the Trail that year.

Datto



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