Appalachian Trail

We decided to do one extended hike from the campground today to see some waterfalls. Our campsite is in full sun until late afternoon, so we parked in shade at the Big Meadows picnic area. The Appalachian Trail follows along Skyline Drive through the park, and it can be used to reach other trails while hiking. From the picnic area, we hopped on the AT to hike to the Fishers Gap Overlook. Then we walked down a fire road to the Rose River Falls trail.

Rose River and Dark Hollow Falls

To complete the Rose River waterfall hike loop, you end up at the base of the Dark Hollow falls and then follow the fire road back. In order to cover new ground, we chose to follow this steeper Dark Hollow trail back up to Skyline Drive and then walk the Story of the Forest Trail back to the campground. Dark Hollow is a popular hike in the park, and Tony wanted to hurry through because there were too many people for his liking. For the most part, we were alone on the other trails. This all added up to a six and a half mile hike, and we were understandably a bit tired at the end.

This hike was so strenuous that Tony lost part of his hiking shoe. It started flapping like a flip flop on the Dark Hollow trail and completely fell off on the Story of the Forest.

Skyland

Before sundown we decided to drive back to Skyland, which we had passed by yesterday. Stony Man Mountain is there and we thought we might have time to hike a short trail. But then I saw the restaurant was open for business. Who wants to cook after a long hike anyway? A root vegetable stew sounded so good, and Tony ended up with soup as well.

Oh Deer

The sun was setting as we drove back to Big Meadow, and we definitely took it slower with many deer on the road. The picture below was of a young buck who raced parallel to Usain for a bit before crossing over in front of us. I had slowed way down anticipating his move.

Back at the campground the deer were everywhere, wondering through the campsites and around the restrooms.