June 13, 2023
Chunky Gal Trail from Deep Gap
It was a really beautiful and unusually cool, 52 to 65 degree day for mid-June. We chose to start from Deep Gap to hike the entire trail from its intersection with the AT to Glade Gap on US Hwy 64. We shortcut our hike by taking the "Old AT" from Deep Gap. The "Old AT" was still quite usable and in fair shape with no significant obstructions. The Chunky Gal Trail itself is a narrow ridgeline hike with 3-4 short, but steep inclines in the second half of the hike. For mid-June, this trail was becoming overgrown from lack of use, but still easy to follow with blue blazes. Although no good views of the surrounding terrain from this trail, it was still a pleasant, but challenging hike. There were a few wildflowers along the way as well as a number of very large hardwood trees to tweak one's interest. This hike might be best taken in the winter when better views could be expected.
The route
7.1 mi · 1,539 ft climbing · 5h 9m out, 3h 53m walking · 1.8 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%
24 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (28)
One of the very large trees seen along the Chunky Gal Trail. Today's hikers (L-R) Back: Vic, Don, Gary, Gerald, Charles, Matt, Terre, Lynn, Jenny, Ken, Shelia & Rex; Front: Mike, Heather, Beth & Renee. Headed up the "Old AT" on our way to the Chunky Gal Trail An attractive display of lichen and moss growing on a large bolder along the Old AT. Yep, still plenty of Mountain Laurel in bloom in the upper elevations. And an occasional Flame Azalea. Other wildflowers seen early in the hike: L-Bowman's Root; UR-Tassel Rue; LR-Spiderwort AT the start of the Chunky Gal Trail. Our gals are good natured about the reference. Lots of bear scat today along this trail. Vic, you want to take lead again? Yep! That's the trail blaze for this hike. A couple of "almost views" from the trail. Perhaps the best "almost view" of the hike. Pretty typical of the trail this time of the year. Just beginning to be overgrown. Some really large Solomon's Seal today. Plenty of these Wood Betony (aka Common Lousewort), too! Goat's Beard anyone? Headed through one of several Rhododendron tunnels. Hope that bear is not around the corner! Just a walk in the woods. Think how high this stuff will be at the end of the summer. One of those strange "land octopi." Nope, but it is a type of fungus. These fungi were ~12 inches across. Lunch time . . . . finally! Don checking on everyone headed up one of the steep climbs. Cow Parsnip perhaps. A very tall, head-high plant. "Come on Mike! Not another photo stop? Nice rock formation though". More of the several very large old growth trees that caught our attention. Squaw Root seen throughout the trail. Sundrops (aka Evening Primrose) Yep, that's a big tree. Nice to see so many on this hike!