AT Day 58: George Washington NF

Daily Miles: 22.8, Total miles: 810.0

I had a nice stay at Stanimal’s Hostel but ready to get back on the trail. Got the first shuttle back out to James River and the AT trailhead.

First day out of town usually starts with a climb and today was no different. 2,600′ elevation gain spread out over the first nine miles got me to the high point at Bluff Mountain. This site in the George Washington NF had good views and the remains of an old fire tower.

I lost nearly all that elevation gain on a descent to Brown Mountain Creek. Good water and the site of an old farming community built by freed black slaves in the early 1900’s.

I started back up to the next ridgetop, crossed US Route 60 and found a campsite near an old FS road. Joined Shaggy who was setting up camp and later joined by Pickles and Stinky, who was celebrating his 18th birthday.