AT Day 79: Boiling Springs & Cumberland Valley

Daily Miles: 22.8, Total Miles: 1,132.4

Big day on the trail started with long stretches of “rocky ridge” walking leading me to Boiling Springs PA. A nice little town with a river running through it and a trout-filled small lake with lots of fishermen. Not to mention a hot springs. Got no further than Cafe 101, where I enjoyed a huge quesadilla with chicken, rested my weary legs and chatted with folks at nearly outdoor tables. The server even filled my water bottles.

The next eight miles was called the Cumberland Valley Crossing, a narrow corridor of the AT that passes through farms, pastures, cornfields, and several turnpikes and freeways.

I noticed on my map that there was a motel within a half-mile of the Harrisburg Turnpike overpass in the direction of Carlisle PA. No nearby camping opportunities and late in the day so off I went and glad I did! Got cleaned up and went next door to the Middlesex Diner for a prime rib dinner capped off with a large slice of coconut cake. Hiker hunger must be setting in early!

I saw a few runners, day-hikers and a cottontail today.

New birds today: Great Crested Flycatcher and an American Robin.