AT Day 71: Virginia Roller Coaster to WV

Daily Miles: 24.0, Total Miles: 1,018.1

As if the AT hasn’t been a roller coaster thus far and full of PUDS (pointless ups and downs). I started off this morning with a 14-mile stretch of trail officially named the Roller Coaster. Numerous, one after another steep climbs and descents with very few views. One saving grace was plentiful water which was fortunate because I was sweating profusely on a warm, sunny day.

I crossed two milestones today, the 1,000-mile marker and saying goodbye to Virginia and hello to West Virginia. Take me home, country road!

Late in the afternoon, I dropped down to Blackburn Trail Center for water. The hiker campground, 4-person hiker cabin and Main House are owned by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club. Pretty inviting and a cool spot, tempted to stay tonight, but trudged back up the hill to the AT and hike on for a few more hours.