[at-l] Fw: Info for Former Thruhiker

[daveh at psknet.com (Dave Hicks)]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "don hoke" <hikerhead@msn.com>
To: "Dave Hicks" <daveh@psknet.com>
Sent: Tuesday, March 30, 2004 2:36 PM
Subject: Re: Info for Former Thruhiker


Stay at the Four Pines Hostel, just 1/4 up 624 on the left from where the
trail crosses the road. Leave the car there and do the loop.

There's nice campsites all across North Mtn as it's pretty flat but a lot of
pud's.  It is dry accept for one water source, there is or was a sign on a
tree marking the creek that you walk about 1/4 down to get to. Drop your
pack before going to get water here, big down to it and a bigger up to get
back to the trail.  I wouldn't rely on it though, the last time I was there
it was dry but this year has been wet. I would get water at the last stream
crossing climbing North Mtn, right before you start really climbing.

The north mtn trail is clear and well marked. Not any rock ledges so the
only views are through the trees before the leaves come out.

----- Original Message -----
From: Dave Hicks
Sent: Tuesday, March 30, 2004 9:07 AM
To: Don R Hoke
Subject: RATC: Info for Former Thruhiker

PA (of MA & PA 99 posted the following to another list I am on:

>>
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.
<<

If anyone can be of help, please advise me and I'll forward the info.

dave

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