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  1. #1
    “Rusha”
    Join Date
    04-11-2010
    Location
    Salida, CO
    Age
    55
    Posts
    27

    Default Coordinating Parking & Shuttles - Ceres, VA to Harper’s Ferry, VA

    I will be section hiking Ceres, VA to Harper’s Ferry, VA and will be driving from CO since I’m bringing my dog. Thinking I would park my car every 100 miles or so (i.e. weekly), and shuttle back to trailhead. This will allow us to resupply ourselves, especially my dog since he’s on special dog food, or bail if either of us gets injured. Looking to park my car in locations near: 1) Pearisburg, 2) Daleville, 3) Waynesboro, VA, 4) Front Royal. Can anyone recommend where I can leave my car CHEAPLY in these areas for 5-6 days each? Also, need shuttle recommendations back to the trailhead from where I leapfrog my car. Thanks!

  2. #2

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    There should be several options. One is just to park at the trailheads. This occurs some break in risk, but it's minimal. Lock everything in the trunk and don't leave anything remotely valuable in plain sight. That would be the cheapest option.

    The other is motels. They will often let you park in their lot if you spend a night there. The Ho-Jos in Daleville comes to mind. There are hostels in Waynesboro and Front Royal which will likely let you park if you stay. Stanimal's hostel in Waynesboro and Pearisburg also does shuttles.

    Another is to call the local police department and ask if they can recommend a safe, long term public parking area.

    I don't know about getting away cheaply, just the shuttle costs alone are going to be significant.

    5-6 days of food plus the dog food is going to be a heavy pack. Glad I won't be lugging it
    Follow slogoen on Instagram.

  3. #3
    Registered User
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    Pearisburg(Angel's Rest Hiker's Haven Hostel), Waynesboro (Stanimal's) and Front Royal (Mountain House B&B), no problem. Daleville, on the other hand.... not so sure.The Ho-Jo there is hiker friendly, but it attracts all kind of people down on their luck, day laborers, etc.

  4. #4
    Registered User
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    10-25-2005
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    pearisburg,va.
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    I shuttle out of pearisburg. Feel free to call anytime @540-921-7433 for shuttle, local info and transportation options.

  5. #5
    Registered User
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    01-31-2018
    Location
    Winchester, Virginia
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    30
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    The trail head at front royal or the B&B up the street is where I park. When are you planning on doing your trip?

  6. #6
    “Rusha”
    Join Date
    04-11-2010
    Location
    Salida, CO
    Age
    55
    Posts
    27

    Default

    Plan on starting hike 3/28 and finishing 5/1. Am hopeful weather will be decent that early in season.

  7. #7
    “Rusha”
    Join Date
    04-11-2010
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    Salida, CO
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    Default

    Thanks ratfaceraines. Will reach out once plans are more firm. Do you shuttle dogs, too?

  8. #8
    “Rusha”
    Join Date
    04-11-2010
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    Default

    Thanks stephanD

  9. #9
    “Rusha”
    Join Date
    04-11-2010
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    Salida, CO
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    Slo-Go’en he gets high calorie, high fat and high protein dog food, so will only require 2 1/2 cups of food per day. He weighs 55 lbs so he’ll be able to carry his own food for up to 8 days ( 4cups dog food = 1 lb )...of course we’d never go more that 5 days before resupplying. I’ll resupply every few days on trail as there are lots of stops on this route. I mainly want him to have his dog food so he doesn’t have tummy issues.

  10. #10

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    Quote Originally Posted by ashmorec View Post
    Slo-Go’en he gets high calorie, high fat and high protein dog food, so will only require 2 1/2 cups of food per day. He weighs 55 lbs so he’ll be able to carry his own food for up to 8 days ( 4cups dog food = 1 lb )...of course we’d never go more that 5 days before resupplying. I’ll resupply every few days on trail as there are lots of stops on this route. I mainly want him to have his dog food so he doesn’t have tummy issues.
    Sounds like good bear bait. Be careful how you store that stuff and his pack. The bears are out and hungry that time of year.

    Weather wise, early April is a mixed bag all up and down the AT. The weather doesn't start to really improve until towards the end of April. Then by the end of May it can be really hot. You should plan on it being cold and wet more often then not, at least early on. Then hope it isn't. Storms used to linger longer, now I think they come more often with short breaks between. You just have to look at the long range forecast before you leave and plan accordingly. Then hope their right.

    So, you want to hike about 628 miles (I'm assuming Marion, VA since I can't find Cere and Marion is about 100 miles south of Pearisburg) in 32 days or less. Plus have time to shuttle a car around. In April. With a dog. I think that's a bit optimistic, but I always err well on the conservative side. One advantage of having a car more or less near-by is it does give you flexibility.

    Good luck, stay dry, stay warm, have fun.
    Follow slogoen on Instagram.

  11. #11
    “Rusha”
    Join Date
    04-11-2010
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    Salida, CO
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    Hiking 466 miles over 35 days. Last year (2018) we did 350 miles over 25 days. I think it should be okay. I haven’t finalized my plans, but here’s a rough draft. Still need to adjust here and there...



    Date
    Location
    Notes
    Mile Marker
    Avg Daily Mileage
    Wednesday, March 27, 2019
    Travel Day
    Bear Garden Hiker Hostel
    557.8
    --
    Thursday, March 28, 2019
    Chestnut Knob Shelter
    569.2
    11.40
    Friday, March 29, 2019
    Jenkins Shelter
    579.9
    10.70
    Saturday, March 30, 2019
    Helveys Mill Shelter - RESUPPLY Bland, VA mm 591.2
    Bland, VA - DQ, DG, Subway, Big Walker Motel Dog F
    593.4
    13.50
    Sunday, March 31, 2019
    Dismal Falls (611.4) Campsite
    615.4
    22.00
    Monday, April 01, 2019
    Woods Hole Hostel
    1880’s dog-friendly $15 log cabin - shuttles & slackpacking
    624.9
    9.50
    Tuesday, April 02, 2019
    Pearisburg, VA - RESUPPLY
    Angel’s Rest - dog $5
    636.5
    11.60
    Wednesday, April 03, 2019
    ZERO DAY - PEARISBURG
    Angel’s Rest
    636.5
    0.00
    Thursday, April 04, 2019
    Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
    655.8
    19.30
    Friday, April 05, 2019
    Laurel Creek Shelter
    674.3
    18.50
    Saturday, April 06, 2019
    VA 620, Trout Creek
    695.6
    21.30
    Sunday, April 07, 2019
    Campbell Shelter
    713.8
    18.20
    Monday, April 08, 2019
    Daleville, VA - RESUPPLY
    Super 8 (skip Troutville, VA)
    729.2
    15.40
    Tuesday, April 09, 2019
    Bobblets Gap Shelter
    747.7
    18.50
    Wednesday, April 10, 2019
    Bryant Ridge Shelter
    Double-decker shelter
    761.2
    13.50
    Thursday, April 11, 2019
    Marble Spring
    Wide open and grassy
    778.3
    17.10
    Friday, April 12, 2019
    Glasgow - free town shelter.
    Stanimals Hostel no dogs & eat Bosses Slackpack to BV-20 miles
    786.0
    7.70
    Saturday, April 13, 2019
    ZERO DAY - GLASGOW - RESUPPLY
    Stanimals Hostel
    786.0
    0.00
    Sunday, April 14, 2019
    Brown Mountain Creek Shelter
    (Skip Buena Vista, VA)
    806.0
    20.00
    Monday, April 15, 2019
    Seeley-Woolworth Shelter
    821.8
    15.80
    Tuesday, April 16, 2019
    Harpers Creek Shelter
    Tye River (833.2) tenting just past suspension bridge
    836.0
    14.20
    Wednesday, April 17, 2019
    Reed’s Gap / Devil’s Backbone Brewery
    Call for shuttle/free camping
    843.9
    7.90
    Thursday, April 18, 2019
    Paul Wolfe Shelter
    858.0
    14.10
    Friday, April 19, 2019
    Rockfish Gap - Waynesboro, VA
    863.0
    5.00
    Saturday, April 20, 2019
    ZERO DAY - WAYNESBORO, VA - RESUPPLY
    Meet Wade
    863.0
    0.00
    Sunday, April 21, 2019
    Blackrock Hut
    883.7
    20.7
    Monday, April 22, 2019
    Pinefield Hut
    mm 891.1 Loft Mtn Campstore - soda, snacks, ice cream
    896.9
    13.20
    Tuesday, April 23, 2019
    Hightop Hut
    905.1
    8.20
    Wednesday, April 24, 2019
    Big MeadowsCampground / Wayside
    Dinner, beer, snacks, shower
    925.5
    20.40
    Thursday, April 25, 2019
    Pass Mountain Hut
    944.3
    18.80
    Friday, April 26, 2019
    Gravel Springs Hut
    957.4
    13.10
    Saturday, April 27, 2019
    US522 - FRONT ROYAL, VA - RESUPPLY
    Mountain Home Cabbin - dog $5
    970.8
    13.40
    Sunday, April 28, 2019
    Whiskey Hollow Shelter
    Say bye to Wade
    986.0
    15.20
    Monday, April 29, 2019
    Spout Run Campsite
    1002.5
    16.50
    Tuesday, April 30, 2019
    David Lesser Memorial Shelter
    1015.5
    13.00
    Wednesday, May 01, 2019
    Harpers Ferry, WV
    Tumblina
    1024.6
    9.10












    TOTAL MILES

    466.80


    AVERAGE MILES

    13.3


  12. #12
    Registered User Pastor Bryon's Avatar
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    11-08-2014
    Location
    Buena Vista, VA
    Age
    48
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    285

    Default

    I've got contacts on parking in Glasgow and Buena Vista if needed. I'm also available for shuttling, just PM me. Happy Trails!

  13. #13

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    Okay 466/35 is more reasonable. I miss calculated the distance and missed a few days..

    I did Harpers Ferry to Daleville (295 miles) in 25 days last spring (April 18th start). One zero on a cold, rainy day to prevent the start of a cold from developing any farther and a couple of real short near-o's. (less then 5 miles).

    Be sure to pick up water at the pond going up to Chestnut Knob, 1.8 miles from the shelter. A piped spring feeds the pond, but you'll have to look for it, it's not real obvious. Unless you can find water at Walker Gap the next day, it's the only water until you get to Jenkins Shelter, 10 miles away from Chestnut, so stock up, even though carrying it the rest of the way is a pain. A lot of water sources south of Daleville are a pain to get to. Your up on the top of the ridge. The water is down near the bottom of it.

    Dismal falls is a local party spot, but should be quiet in early April, except maybe if its a nice weekend. The good campsites are on the other side of the river, which will be hard to cross in the spring. There are a couple of marginal tent sites on the AT side of the river. I typically stay at Jenny Knob, stop at Trent's grocery for lunch and restock snacks (most of what they stock is junk food), then move on to Wapiti shelter. Once you climb up to the falls, the rest is pretty easy.

    Steely-Woodworth to Harpers is a hard day. Followed by an even harder day up and over Three Ridges. The brewery is nice, be careful of the 9% brews though! Harpers creek is one of my favorite shelter sites on the AT.

    The Brewery to Paul Wolf is one of my least favorite sections. You parallel the Blue Ridge parkway on a rough trail and do multiple road crossings. But there are picnic tables and trash cans at most of the crossings.

    If a section looks pretty flat on the profile, don't believe it. There will be countless microbumps to climb up and over.

    Despite all that, I like VA and have done the state a number of times.
    Follow slogoen on Instagram.

  14. #14

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    I did a similar hike one year but a friend and I had two cars. We started on April 1st on the south end of Shenandoah National Park and headed south. It was lot colder up on the ridgelines then we planned. Might have been spring in the valleys but up high especially at nights it could get darn cold The hardwoods had not leafed out so any wind can get blow through the trees. Many days I would start out with a polypro too and bottle under my zip pants with a lightweight balaclava , liner gloves and occasionally mittens.

  15. #15
    Registered User
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    12-01-2014
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    You can also stop at the Four Pines Hostel in Catawba. it is a donations based and dog friendly, and Joe the owner does shuttles and slack packing and is very reliable.

  16. #16
    “Rusha”
    Join Date
    04-11-2010
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    Salida, CO
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    Thanks Pastor Bryon.

  17. #17

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    1) Pearisburg, VA
    You can park at the Giles Farm Bureau - Call to let them know
    3745 Virginia Ave, Pearisburg, VA 24134
    (540) 921-3853

    Shuttle: RatFace Don Raines



    2) Daleville, VA
    Holiday Inn allowed me to park for a trip of 4 days length. I alos spent a night there, I give it an A+. I have stayed there on my way up I81 several times
    3200 Lee Highway South, Troutville, VA 24175
    (540) 966-4444

    Shuttle: Homer Witcher



    3) Waynesboro, VA,
    I parked at this location for 3-4 days. It is in a high Traffic area and I had no issues.
    Click here

    Shuttle: Gary Serra



    4) Front Royal
    Mountain Home may be an option
    3471 Remount Rd, Front Royal, VA 22630
    (540) 692-6198

    Mark "Strings"<< I am not sure if he is still in that area

    If he can not do it, I think Gary may service this area as well and Mountain Home may do a shuttle if they have time.
    Last edited by Gambit McCrae; 01-11-2019 at 11:34.
    Trail Miles: 4,927.6
    AT Map 1: Complete 2013-2021
    Sheltowee Trace: Complete 2020-2023
    Pinhoti Trail: Complete 2023-2024
    Foothills Trail: 0.0
    AT Map 2: 279.4
    BMT: 52.7
    CDT: 85.4

  18. #18
    Registered User
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    Quote Originally Posted by Gambit McCrae View Post
    4) Front Royal
    Mountain Home may be an option
    3471 Remount Rd, Front Royal, VA 22630
    (540) 692-6198
    Mark "Strings"<< I am not sure if he is still in that area
    If he can not do it, I think Gary may service this area as well and Mountain Home may do a shuttle if they have time.
    I don't have her number anymore, but there's a woman named Sharon in Front Royal that shuttles. We've used her two or three times.

  19. #19
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    Quote Originally Posted by illabelle View Post
    I don't have her number anymore, but there's a woman named Sharon in Front Royal that shuttles. We've used her two or three times.
    703-615-5612.
    Delightful lady and very helpful.
    fortis fortuna adjuvat

  20. #20
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    Quote Originally Posted by TwoSpirits View Post
    703-615-5612.
    Delightful lady and very helpful.
    Sharon Johnson, btw
    fortis fortuna adjuvat

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