Date: 2016-11-19
From: US 60/Lexington Turnpike

To: James River Footbridge
Miles today: 0.0

We have been watching the weather closely all week. A strong cold front is crossing the country and has been predicted to bring some rain and colder temps starting today. But the arrival of the front on our piece of the AT was pushed back somewhat, so our starting conditions were very mild and the temp didn¢t start to fall until after midday. We were apprehensive about high and gusty winds at elevation potentially reaching 45 mph with gusts of 55 or higher. South of US 60 the trail descends and follows along Brown Mountain Creek for a while. There is an interesting section along the creek with some benches and signs that describe the origins of a number of stone foundations in the area. This was a community of freed slaves that lived as sharecroppers here until the early 1920¢s when the Forest Service bought the land. There are several substantial footbridges as the trail crosses and recrosses the creek. The trail is relatively level for several miles and it passes by Peddlar Lake. It¢s interesting that we didn¢t remember seeing this lake when we hiked this section the past 2 years. Perhaps because we hiked it northbound instead? Eventually the trail reaches the Peddlar River suspension bridge and Reservoir Road. We do have memories of camping along the road very close to here. Beyond the road the trail begins a 1200 foot climb up Rice Mountain, then goes through some ups and downs for several miles and finally starts another 1200 foot climb to the top of Bluff Mountain. It crosses Punchbowl Mountain partway up to Bluff. There is a Punchbowl Shelter just off the trail, but I didn¢t stop. The top of Bluff still has the foundation of a long-gone fire tower and enjoys a dramatic view of the valley to the west. Just a few feet from the top there is a small plaque marking the exact point where the body of a 4 yr and 11 mo-old girl was eventually found after she strayed away from her school 7 miles from this spot.After crossing Bluff Moountain, the trail descends a bit, and then after 4 miles or so of ups and downs it crosses Big Rocky Row. Then the trail starts a sharp, rocky downhill. Parts of it cross a ridge and a bump (Little Rocky Row?). Altogether the change in elevation is about 2,300 feet ¢ a significant drop in under 4 miles. The upper parts of the descent have some interesting sections along a rockface. And along the way there are really dramatic views of the James River as it winds through the mountains from the west to the east. Perhaps the most memorable feature of the hike was the winds. Predictions of high, gusty winds in the afternoon were accurate. I don¢t know the exact speeds, but I was very nervous about the trees as they swayed back and forth in the gusts. I never saw or heard any blowdowns, but leaves and some small branches were flying around. The last section of trail followed along a stream leading into the James River. The AT crossed the stream several times on very sturdy footbridges. At points the stream was in a small gorge and the rock walls provided some impressive photos. At last, the trail came out at the James River Footbridge (the longest footbridge on the AT). We¢ve decided to take a break from hiking for the Thanksgiving holidays. We¢ll head down to Blue Ridge, GA for a couple of days to visit Ranger and his wife. Then drive over to Alabama to have TG with Princess¢ relatives. If the weather cooperates we may do some hiking on the AT in GA after the holidays with Ranger and a friend of his.