March 19, 2024
Appalachian Trail - Woody Gap to Gooch Gap
A really cold day with strong winds blowing through Woody Gap . . . burr! Fortunately the winds dropped off when we began our hike on the southeast side of the ridgeline. Outbound the trails were "frozen dry" and in good condition, and still mostly dry on our return leg. Thirty-six energetic AT through hikers passed by us today headed to Maine. This group included hikers from GA, MA, MS, FL, IL, TN, ME, AL, NC, ID, Canada and Germany. A few wildflowers were sprouting, mostly small Red Toadstool Trillium, Bloodroot and even a few Peach Trees??? Despite a cold start, it was another "Great Day for a Hike!" TODAY'S HIKERS: Linda Shultz, Jack Treadman, Jane Brown & Squirt, Beth Hawkins, Rich Brown, Don Pratt, Charles Hawkins, Rex Wade, Ken Kellerman & Cutie Pie, Pam Hembree, Claudia Pardue, Ken Pardue, Jenny Bell, Terre Pratt & Mike Bell
The route
7.2 mi · 1,270 ft climbing · 4h 42m out, 3h 52m walking · 1.9 mph moving
Elevation
Hover over the profile to see the elevation and steepness. Your position will be shown on the map.
- Steepness
- Gentle under 5%
- Moderate 5–10%
- Steep 10–15%
- Very steep over 15%
16 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (16)
As Tony Presley frequently said, "A great day for a hike!" Today's Hardy Hikers-Back: Mike, Linda, Jack, Gerald, Rich, Don, Charles, Rex, Ken, Cutie Pie, Pam, Claudia & Ken; Front: Jane, Squirt, Beth, Jenny & Terre Everybody ready? . . . anybody, anybody?? That cold wind will get you going! Lots of "Needle Ice" along the first part of the trail. Just a few examples of Bloodroot sprouting along the trail. Plus some unusually small Red Toadshade Trillium. Even a Halberd-leaved Violet & Bloodroot combo. Easygoing trail dogs like Squirt (top) and Cutie Pie (bottom) are alway fun to have along. Always a nice view from the Ramrock Mountain overlook. Thanks for waiting! Lunchtime at Gooch Gap A beautiful example of a Luna Moth spotted by Linda Shultz. Surprise! . . . American Columbo On the way back . . . Oh my, another climb? Puzzle of the day . . . Peach trees at the start and mid-hike. Really?