Rocks. They stand in stark contrast to the misty softness which pervades the park and rocks define some of her most interesting features. Three I’ve hiked are Old Rag Mtn, Stoney Man, and Bearfence Mountain. All three are excellent examples of this.
This week I hiked twice. Once took me past my half-way point, from Hawkbill Gap to Booten Gap (10.2 miles). Another took me to the two thirds marker at Swift Run Gap (11.3 miles) where US 33 crosses the park. With four more day hikes I’ll achieve my goal and be in Waynesboro!
The AT in Shenandoah is at a high altitude and is usually much cooler than the surrounding lowlands. This explains why it was a popular get-away for the rich and the powerful in D.C. before the days of airconditioning. This week has been particularly pleasant for hiking as it’s been unseasonably cool and dry. My first hike started at 64 degrees; my second hike at 59 degrees. On neither day did the temp break above 80.
As you hike the AT you notice variety along the trail. You pass through meadows, along cliffs, across streams, and among trees as you climb and fall. Occasionally you come across a rocky outcropping that affords a view. These are some of my favorite discoveries. Not surprisingly they’ve been the places from where I’ve taken my best pictures.
At least once per hike I come across something really special. Today that was Bearfence Mountain, a distinct ridge of rock that juts out of the ground. I learned on previous hikes that it’s great for scrambling over and taking pictures from. While I didn’t dawdle on this trip, I was reminded of how special a place Bearfence is. Shenandoah has so much to offer!
by 
