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Post by dognurse on Oct 2, 2014 14:43:32 GMT -5
We are looking for a ~70(ish) mile trip to do in the spring of 2015. We are in central Virginia and would like to be within 5 hours, to save on drive time! We have done Mt Rogers, Cranberry Wilderness, Linville Gorge, Quehanna, and most of Shenandoah. We enjoy challenging terrain, solitude, beautiful scenery and no snakes! :-)
Ideally, we want a loop, to avoid shuttling, but would consider if the hike is worth it! We have no problem patching and piecing together shorter trails! Please give any and all suggestions!
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MRHyker
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Post by MRHyker on Oct 2, 2014 23:04:28 GMT -5
These might be just outside of your drive time requirements:
Susquehannock Trail System, PA is 80+ miles and has cross connectors.
The Black Forest Tr, PA is 40+ miles and also has cross connectors.
I've done a small part of the first and all of the second, including the cross connectors. Very nice areas. The two are joined together by, I think, two connectors. See my website (Midatlantichikes.com) to get a sense for what they are about. Maps for the trails and a guide book for the STS are available on line.
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vdeal
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Post by vdeal on Oct 3, 2014 7:13:04 GMT -5
To do a 70 mile loop in this area is difficult. In WV the only place that would come close to that would be Cranberry and you said you've been there. Without doing road walks, backtracking and a lot of figure 8's I just don't see it happening easily. I think your best bet for a loop of that length would be in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. According to Wikipedia there are over 850 miles of trails and unpaved roads in the park so I think it would be easy. It's the loop thing that makes it difficult. Now, if we're talking a linear trail then the options open up wide, the AT, the Allegheny Trail in WV, the Long Trail in VT, etc.
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MRHyker
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Post by MRHyker on Oct 3, 2014 7:49:18 GMT -5
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Post by dognurse on Oct 3, 2014 17:55:12 GMT -5
Thanks for all your suggestions. I'll explore the options! We have never done a one-way, and a lot of our hesitation to do so is in the shuttle. We have backpacking friends whose shuttle arrangements went very tragically wrong.
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WoolyBully
Full Member
Walking slow.....
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Post by WoolyBully on Oct 3, 2014 19:13:50 GMT -5
Have you considered the Massanutten Mountain area, in the GWNF? The trail system forms a 71 mile circuit. With PATC maintenance which really keeps the trails clear. And lots of side trails. Hmmm. That's a nice long loop, not too far from me........
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Post by dognurse on Oct 4, 2014 7:53:40 GMT -5
I have not been able to find any concrete info about the Massanutten Trail-only that it is used for distance running events. It is practically in my backyard! I'd love to find trail maps, description and details!
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MRHyker
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Post by MRHyker on Oct 4, 2014 9:12:08 GMT -5
PATC sells the map and trail guide on line. I feature several day hikes and a short backpack using connecting trails on my website if you want to get a sense of what it's about.
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