[at-l] Questions about Hiking in Catawba area

[gareau at sprint.ca (Marielle and Paul)]

In case someone missed this when I first asked this, I am posting this again.  We are leaving early next week and would appreciate any information anyone has.

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We are driving down to Virginia to hike for a 10 days or so, starting Easter weekend. We will be with friends who have only a little backpacking experience and who don't want to do big days or be out too long. 

Our plan is to do a 3 or 4 day trip and then do day hikes and/or overnights.  We originally thought the longer trip could start at Route 624 in the Catawba area and end up at US 220 near Troutville. We chose this area because Of Mac Afee's Knob and Tinker Cliffs and because we seem to recall that it wasn't too strenuous.

We now see by the map that it would be possible to do a loop  back to our starting spot by taking the Andy Lane Trail and North Mountain Trail.

 Does anyone have any information about the area?  What is condition of the North Mountain Trail and what about the campsite at its mid point that is mentioned in the AT guide book?  How safe are the trail heads for leaving vehicles? Also, does anyone have information about the Hostel that is on Route 624. It wasn't there during our 1999 thru hike.

PA (MA & PA 99)