AT Shuttle Hike #5: 'The Rollercoaster' [NVHC, A+]

L @ AT

The white blazes that now mark the full length of the AT were gradually adopted to replace the original combination of axe-cut blazes, copper tags and wooden slats to mark turns and landmarks. Myron Avery adopted the vertical white blaze from Will Monroe, president of the New York chapter of Vermont’s Green Mountain Club, who had chosen to use them on his section of Vermont’s Long Trail.

Bear's Den O/L

Bears Den was originally part of a 620 acre estate that ran from the Blue Ridge to the Shenandoah River. When it was put on the market in the late 1970s, the prospect of private acquisition that would again jeopardize the AT galvanized the PATC to purchase the property in 1981. PATC now manages the hostel under the ATC.

cross Morgans Mill Rd

The historic Burwell-Morgan Mill lies due west across the Shenandoah River in Millwood. Named for Lt. Col. Nathanial Burwell and General Dan Morgan, the hero of the battles of Saratoga and Cowpens in the Revolutionary War, the mill was a major supplier of wheat flour in the 19th Century. Morgan Mill Road was one of the early wagon transport routes in the area.

Rod Hollow Shelter

L to Ashby Gap T/H

Named for Captain Thomas Ashby of the Virginia militia, Ashby Gap was originally known as the Upper Thoroughfare of the Blue Ridge and was the primary route to Shenandoah Valley. Winchester Pike, the early name of the road through the gap, became US 50 in 1926, one year before the first bus trip by PATC’s founders to scout this section.

Spout Run

Sam Moore Shelter

Fent Wiley Hollow

Reservoir Hollow

Tumbling Stream

Plank bridge

Lookout Point

Ahead on left, mountains visible from Lookout Point to the south and east mark the route of the original AT from 1928 until landowners forced relocation, initially onto the paved Route 601 just below.

Buzzard Hill

The view to the west into Shenandoah Valley is notable for the ox-bow bend in the Shenandoah as it meanders north to join the Potomac River at Harpers Ferry.

Piney Ridge Knoll

Piney Ridge, the highest point on the hike at 1337 feet. View east.

Myron Glaser Cabin

This primitive, stone cabin is located along the AT near Paris, VA. Dedicated to long-time PATC member and travel writer, Myron Glaser, this cabin is ideal for winter hiking excursions. Access the cabin by a moderate 1.9 mile hike-in from parking. There, you will find a well-lit cabin with skylights and large windows; just open the shutters for more natural light. A wood stove and large stone fireplace keep the cabin quite warm and cozy, with a large front porch, and sleeping for 12 including 2 double-deck bunks and a sleeping loft for up to 8 mattresses. Hikers can walk along the AT and head south to brave the “Roller Coaster.”

Boardwalk

Duke Hollow

Bolden Hollow

Ashby Hollow

Bear's Den Cottage

This public cabin, offering a bedroom, an overhead loft, and a spacious main room, is located on the property of Bears Den Trail Center Lodge. Only 20 miles west of Leesburg, VA, this conveniently-located cottage has electricity and seasonal access to running water from an exterior spigot.* Access the cabin by a 0.25 mile downhill walk from the Lodge's day-use parking area. There, you will find a cozy space defined by a large brick fireplace and equipped with a refrigerator, hotplate, microwave, and coffee pot. Rest on 2 double deck bunks, 2 single mattresses, or 2 single bunks. Hikers can access the AT from a short connector trail.