Troutville to Buena Vista

[PAsectionguy]

Looking forward to hiking this stretch in 2 weeks. Like to hike the whole day, often coming in to shelter at dark, so curious if there are poles or boxes at the shelters along this stretch. I also don't love hanging a bag in the dark.

Any other thoughts about this stretch that would be interesting or helpful?

Thank you!

[Slo-go'en]

No bear boxes or poles, shelter hang. This a pretty bumpy section for VA and more difficult then you might think, especially as a section hike. Don't forget the sun block. There will be little or no shade. The climb out of the James river valley will get your attention. It seems to go on forever. The summit of Apple Orchard is interesting with the "golf ball" on top and "the Guillotine" a little ways down from the north side the summit.

[Studlintsean]

No bear boxes or poles, shelter hang. This a pretty bumpy section for VA and more difficult then you might think, especially as a section hike. Don't forget the sun block. There will be little or no shade. The climb out of the James river valley will get your attention. It seems to go on forever. The summit of Apple Orchard is interesting with the "golf ball" on top and "the Guillotine" a little ways down from the north side the summit.

Sorry in advance to the OP on the thread drift.

You may already know this but if not, the golf ball looking thing is an FAA Air Route Surveillence Radar. Here is a pic of one on Mt Kokee in Hawaii. I was fortunate enough to go visit it last week for work.

(not sure why it’s sideways)
265692B7-5C1F-4DF2-8CFF-5D1E2A910994.jpg

And the the view from the catwalk around the Radome. CC748363-BF87-4658-A4D8-64EEE0867CEF.jpg