TR: Hogback Mt. to Compton Gap in Shenandoah
Sept 17, 2014 20:32:28 GMT -5
Post by rpcv on Sept 17, 2014 20:32:28 GMT -5
My husband and I got out with two friends for a short section hike on the Appalachian Trail in the north district of Shenandoah National Park on Sunday. We hiked from Hogback Mountain to Compton Gap, which is about 10.5 miles. With a short out-and-back to the west overlook on Compton Peak, we hiked about 11 miles, total. The weather was just spectacular: highs in the 60s and bright and sunny. It was a perfect day for a ridge-top hike with lots of great views.
It was a really nice hike. There are still lots of flowers in bloom, although they are starting to fade. The season is clearly rapidly transitioning to fall. I actually saw some Witch Hazel in bloom, the last flower of the year. In one spot along the trail, we found an old, but relatively modern, house foundation. Nearby was an old, overgrown orchard. The fruit trees were planted in rows that are still visible. We found a few tiny apples on the ground. Definitely a good day on trail.
Hiking near Hogback Mountain
Helianthus divaricatus (Woodland Sunflower)
The view west from South Mount Marshall
A cool little purple mushroom.
More pictures can be found here:
It was a really nice hike. There are still lots of flowers in bloom, although they are starting to fade. The season is clearly rapidly transitioning to fall. I actually saw some Witch Hazel in bloom, the last flower of the year. In one spot along the trail, we found an old, but relatively modern, house foundation. Nearby was an old, overgrown orchard. The fruit trees were planted in rows that are still visible. We found a few tiny apples on the ground. Definitely a good day on trail.
Hiking near Hogback Mountain
Helianthus divaricatus (Woodland Sunflower)
The view west from South Mount Marshall
A cool little purple mushroom.
More pictures can be found here:
