The sun was out. The sky was not so cloudy. Temperatures were expected to reach in double digits (in degree C). It was a day for outing. Biking had been done the previous day. So I decided to go hiking to the McAfee's Knob.
It had snowed a couple of days back so there was a concern about the trail condition. However, the previous day I was told that the actual trail was fine for hiking and that the shout-cut was not. But yes, since it had snowed, parts of the trail were not dry. So I packed an extra pair of shoes and three pairs of socks. All of them were fully utilized. I took the actual trail while going up and combined part of the trail with the short-cut while coming down.
Here are some of the pictures which I took. All the pictures were taken by the Panasonic ZS7. Below some of the pictures I have noted the time at which they were taken. That might give you some idea about how far the things are and how long it might take to come across a landmark.
It had snowed a couple of days back so there was a concern about the trail condition. However, the previous day I was told that the actual trail was fine for hiking and that the shout-cut was not. But yes, since it had snowed, parts of the trail were not dry. So I packed an extra pair of shoes and three pairs of socks. All of them were fully utilized. I took the actual trail while going up and combined part of the trail with the short-cut while coming down.
Here are some of the pictures which I took. All the pictures were taken by the Panasonic ZS7. Below some of the pictures I have noted the time at which they were taken. That might give you some idea about how far the things are and how long it might take to come across a landmark.
All these pictures (except for one) were taken during this (winter) trip. In the summer its all green and much more beautiful.
Hope you will be able to join me next time.
The starting point is from the parking lot off VA-311.
(11:51 am)
There you will see the sign for the Appalachian trail parking, and a brown board pointing (across the road) towards the trail for the McAfee's Knob.
On the other side of the road there is the board which points towards the trail.
White marks on the trees help you keep on the trail.
In the beginning, there was some snow on the trail.
Soon you will reach the start of the actual trail.
(12:02 pm)
From there on just keep going. Do remember the white marks on the trees.
There are a couple of wooden bridges, some big rocks, wooden step like portions on the trail. They will come pretty soon, at least the bridges. If not, you are going somewhere else.
(12:09 pm)
(12:17 pm)
You will come to a post which will point you to the direction of the campsite and a shelter. Keep going towards the campsites.
(12:42 pm)
Soon you will reach the campsite.
(12:44 pm)
While on the trail and looking at the campsite on the right, you will see the board on the left which mentions McAfees Knob, Tinkers Cliff and US220. Facing the board, you have to go straight (remember the white marks on the trees)
Maybe I should have made some arrows on the picture below. You will reach this place where the short-cut crosses the trail for the first time. It does so one more time, rather the second time it simply merges into the trail. The short-cut in the picture below, is running from left to right and the actual trail goes straight through.
(12:51 pm)
At one point you will cross a clearing with the wires (over your head, far above your head) and electric poles to the far left and right of the trail. Keep going straight.
(1:03 pm) Looking left, trail, looking right.
Keep walking. There was some snow on parts of the trail but it was not bad.
Finally, you will reach your destination.
(1:22 pm)
The view from the top is great. You just have to be there and see for yourself. You can find tons of pictures on the internet. A video which I made that day:
The picture below is from the summers.
You can even see Tinker's Cliff from the top.
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