u/MEB_PHL

Last time I was here was just a day hike in Summer 2021. Had a slot of time open last week and a lot of my first choice destinations didn’t look great weather wise so I decided to make the long drive and return to this area I loved on the NC/TN border.

Less green than my last visit but still an incredibly beautiful place and the weather couldn’t have been nicer: completely dry, highs around 80 and lows around 50. Always surprised by how low the crowds are here given how nice the terrain and views are.

The standard way to do this stretch is using a shuttle but I decided to do an out and back. Started at Carver’s Gap, over Round Bald & Jane Bald, then up to Grassy Ridge Bald which is the hike I did on my first visit. Missed my turn by quite a bit after descending back down Grassy Ridge and nearly made it back to my car before realizing. Turned around linked back up with the AT and made my way to the area of the former Overmountain Shelter where I got a stunning campsite and great stargazing before the bright moon popped up.

My original plan was to leave my tent and sleeping stuff at Overmountain but the condensation was the worst I’ve ever had and my single-wall tent was drenched, I also ended up with more neighbors than I typically prefer so I decided to bring my whole kit with me on day 2 and find a different campsite. Day 2 was Little Hump Mountain & Hump Mountain. Originally planned to push to Doll Flats but I was tired and turned around at the summit of Hump Mountain instead. Filled up at the spring at Overmountain because I heard reports of dry springs in other areas and didn’t want to chance it, carrying a 4l of water sucks ass but I’m a water junkie. Ended up in a wooded camp site near Stan Murray shelter. The shelter was open but I prefer my tent.

And Day 3 was just a short trek out from there so I had enough time to tackle most of my drive and squeeze in a visit to Harper’s Ferry on my way home. Thought about pushing down to Asheville and Linville Gorge but adding more driving didn’t seem appealing to me. All in all Day 1 was 11.27mi / 2,136ft, Day 2 was 10.53mi / 2,979ft, and Day 3 was 3.73mi / 1,142ft according to my watch. I love it here and I highly recommend a visit if you’re ever in the area. The bald mountains are stunning year-round.

I don’t attempt long exposures very often so I figured I’d give it a shot. Such a beautiful place to enjoy in peace without all the weekend crowds.

I’ve been wanting to get up to these mountains forever and finally got the opportunity. Tried to beat the holiday weekend crowds to moderate success. Still more crowded than I typically like my backpacking though. Drove down on Wednesday night and camped on South Meadows road. Hiked in to Feldspar lean-to and considered staying for the night, but I noticed the heavy fog was finally clearing so I dropped my heavy gear there and took the opportunity to hike up Mount Marcy for some clear views. I was going to do Mount Skylight afterwards but I was gassed so I just went back to camp. Day 2 I hiked up to the top of Mount Colden from Avalanche Pass. I found it more difficult than Marcy with all the slick, steep rocks but it was still a great time. Returned down the same way and then hiked down the freshly reopened Avalanche Pass and made my way back to South Meadows. Although I prefer isolated wilderness, everyone I met was incredibly nice and helpful. It was a great little trip. I’ll just have to try some less popular hikes next time I’m up there.

I’ve been wanting to get up to these mountains forever and finally got the opportunity. Tried to beat the holiday weekend crowds to moderate success. Still more crowded than I typically like my backpacking though. Drove down on Wednesday night and camped on South Meadows road. Hiked in to Feldspar lean-to and considered staying for the night, but I noticed the heavy fog was finally clearing so I dropped my heavy gear there and took the opportunity to hike up Mount Marcy for some clear views. I was going to do Mount Skylight afterwards but I was gassed so I just went back to camp. Day 2 I hiked up to the top of Mount Colden from Avalanche Pass. I found it more difficult than Marcy with all the slick, steep rocks but it was still a great time. Returned down the same way and then hiked down the freshly reopened Avalanche Pass and made my way back to South Meadows. Although I prefer isolated wilderness, everyone I met was incredibly nice and helpful. It was a great little trip. I’ll just have to try some less popular hikes next time I’m up there.

Successfully crossed 422 into Pottstown

Stopped here on my way home from backpacking in the Dolly Sods. Didn’t get the sunset I was hoping for but got a decent shot of the sun breaking through the clouds just before. Love the subtle beauty of Appalachia.

Did the loop in 3 days although I left myself open to pushing it to 4 because I’ve read it was challenging. It definitely was but a little bit of suffering is part of the fun. This is my new favorite backpacking loop in PA. It was beautiful, well blazed, lots of water once you drop off the ridgelines, plenty of campsites, lots of wildlife, and low traffic. Celebrated with a beer and delicious burger from Hotel Manor right by the main trail head. According to my watch Day 1 was 14.58mi & 2,986ft. Day 2 was 14.96mi & 2,533ft. Day 3 was 14.65mi & 3,301ft. AllTrails gave me 46.11 miles and 8,570 ft. Highly recommended. Grippy shoes & trekking poles go a long way.

Smack dab in the middle of the trail and refused to move. Had to walk through a bush to get around. Big and beautiful! Was hoping I’d spot one.

Did the Bear Rocks & Lion’s Head loop over 2 days. Camped on an unmarked trail behind Lion’s Head. Had an amazing time. Only saw a few other hikers. I will say it is nice to have dry feet again.

Went for a bike ride on the Pine Creek Rail Trail and stopped at Leonard Harrison State Park for the overlook. Such a nice part of the state out there!

Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland in Allenwood, PA. Was a little disappointed with some of the enclosure sizes but it was still fun to see some of the herps that were in nice exhibits.

Cowboy camped up here prior to the closure because I forgot my tent stakes. The bald mountains are incredibly beautiful.

Hiked up to Pinnacle Rock in Hamburg this morning, unfortunately the views were clouded out. But this little red eft made my day.

This is in Hamburg, PA.

Few rides in after a years long hiatus. Butt is toughening up and legs are coming back…very, very slowly. Cannondale Topstone 4