[at-l] AT in Shenandoah

[jplynch at crosslink.net (Jim Lynch)]

The following was copied from the ATC web site:
Virginia   Date Posted: 10/06/2003   Subject: UPDATE - Hurricane Isabel 
     Trail Information:

Hurricane Isabel swept across the A.T. in the mid-Atlantic region 
9/18-19, leaving numerous downed trees and other storm-related damage. 
In places, large trees have fallen on top of one another, creating 
dangerous conditions for hikers. Use caution when hiking in 
storm-affected areas. Volunteer trail crews are working to clear the 
damage as quickly as possible.

Conditions in Northern Virginia, Shenandoah National Park, and Central 
Virginia are variable, with some sections receiving heavy damage.

According to recent reports (north to south):

Loudoun Heights to Keys Gap (4 miles): the heavily-damaged section of 
A.T. from the powerline to Keys Gap has been cleared. A few blowdowns 
remain, but the route is now passable.

Keys Gap to Va. 7/Snickers Gap (14 miles): light damage.

Va. 7/Snickers Gap to Bears Den Rocks (0.6 miles): Cleared. All trails 
on the Bears Den Trail Center property have been cleared.

Bears Den Rocks to Rod Hollow Shelter (10 miles): Unknown.

Rod Hollow Shelter to U.S. 50/Ashby Gap (4 miles): Heavy damage.

U.S. 50/Ashby Gap to Jim and Molly Denton Shelter (15 miles): Quite a 
few downed trees Ashby Gap to Manassas Gap Shelter.

Jim and Molly Denton Shelter to northern border of Shenandoah National 
Park (9 miles): Cleared.

Shenandoah National Park (107 A.T. miles): The park received heavy storm 
damage, with an estimate of 17 blowdowns per mile on the A.T. in the 
central district of the park. As of 10/01, the A.T. from Elkwallow Gap 
Swift Run Gap (43.9 miles) is cleared of storm debris and recommended 
for hiking. As of 10/01, Skyline Drive is open in the North and Central 
districts of the park (65 miles from Front Royal south to Swift Run 
Gap/U.S. 33). The park anticipates opening the entire length of the 
Skyline Drive by 10/10. The A.T. is technically open for thru-hikers, 
but most have been using Skyline Drive due to high number of blowdowns 
on the Trail. Conditions remain hazardous due to fallen trees and tread 
damage. Some park facilities remain closed. Check the park's Web site 
(http://www.nps.gov/shen/) or call (540) 999-3500 for details.

Chris Bagby wrote:
> I can't seem to get connected to my newsgroup server, which is how
> I usually read at-l, so have not been able to get an update from the
> list on trail conditions in Shenandoah after the hurricane blew through.
> 
> I'm planning (hoping) to hike from Harpers Ferry to Waynesboro
> the week after the Gathering, and wonder if the blowdown situation
> will make this ridiculously impractical, or if the AT is open through
> Shenandoah Park at all.
> 
James P. ('Jim') Lynch
jplynch@crosslink.net