Roanoke, VA (USA)

I'd been watching the weather closely for over a week and figured out that there was a tiny chance for a little bit of good weather (about eight hours) in only one hiking zone: McAfee Knob. This was also my last section in Virginia - the distance was longer than I typically try to hike during the winter but I really wanted to finish a sixth state on the AT. So, I left my apartment at 0500 and drove through the dark and rain. Used I-66 (gas in Front Royal at 0615) and I-81 until I reached VA-311 (just west of Roanoke). By then, the weather had improved - no precipitation but a little fog. Arrived at the parking area at the AT Trailhead and started NOBO at 0900. I'd researched this section for many months - the location an iconic photo spot (for the ledge over the Catawba Valley) and it was usually crowded with day hikers. The poor weather kept the crowds away and I decided to use a Fire Road that paralleled the AT to hike the outbound leg. Wore two layers and was comfortable for most of the day. The climb towards the top of the Knob was gradual, well maintained and probably cut off about a half mile of the section (it also avoided the climb itself). Saw a few early birds coming in the opposite direction - they confirmed there were no views to be had yet so I decided to keep walking on the Fire Road. I passed a huge herd of deer, unafraid of me at all but not photogenic. For the first hour, my views into the valley below ranged between fogged-in and amazing visibility. I didn't reach the AT itself until I'd hiked almost four miles (near Campbell Shelter). By then, the sun had come out and it got much warmer - if it weren't for the cold wind which started to blow, it would probably have been shorts/t-shirts weather. Saw some strange purple water - Springtails (“snow fleas”)! I'd heard about this phenomenon before from other hikers but had never witnessed them. Walked all the way to Brickeys Gap, where I'd turned around (from the other direction) in March 2017. However, the terrain had changed and I didn't recognize it at first - ended up climbing a hill unnecessarily - but finally realized my error when I found a sign with mileages. Headed back towards the Knob, this time with the intention of reaching the top. It was a steep climb and my speed, which had been as good as ever, slowed down tremendously. When I reached the summit, I was treated to amazing views! I talked to some of the people up there but they gave me the impression we were at the famous viewpoint when we really weren't. Eventually, I located the ledge/overlook. Unfortunately, there wasn't anyone to take my photo... Oh well! Started downhill on the AT (more accurately "a river"). There was so much mud and I had to stop a few times because of the huge number of Virginia Tech students climbing up to the view in the opposite direction. Eventually, though, I was alone (probably because the signs at the parking lot told everyone to allow for six hours to complete the climb). Figured out there were three shelters in a five mile stretch but never saw anyone at any of them. A rock scramble within two miles of my car was a bit frustrating but then I saw VA-311 beneath the ledges I was on and it helped me finish the hike. Reached my car by 3:15 after 15 miles. Just as I arrived, a Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club worker (Bruce) asked me for a "downed tree" report. I'd actually only encountered one all day - this made him happy. We talked for awhile (e.g., Hiker Happy Hours in Salem) and then I changed clothes. Headed home via the reverse path I'd traveled in the morning. Stopped for gas in Troutville at 1605 but didn't stop otherwise - arriving at 1915 after a LONG day. But I can say I finished Virginia! Eight more states and a little more than 800 miles to go! AT Today = 7.50 miles / Grand Total AT = 1351.82 miles