Today's Hike

We wanted to take advantage of today's sunny weather by getting out for a hike somewhere in the mountains. Since we had chores at home to take care of first and we knew the day was going to start off with quite chilly temperatures we decided to wait until after lunch. Not wanting to drive too far, we settled for a hike on a stretch of the Appalachian Trail that's about 50 miles from Oakton.

Saturday on the AT

Driving west on Interstate 66, about 15 miles from Front Royal, the Appalachian Trail crosses under the highway. We have hiked here a number of times before but any time that you get out on the trail it is a special time. Instead of parking at the trailhead where the trail goes under the highway, we drove on Fiery Run Road from the small town of Linden up to the trail crossing there. From that point back to the trailhead by I-66 there is a good-sized mountain that you have to climb up and over. Most of the trail is through the woods but at a couple of places you come out into meadows where you can see the surrounding ridges.




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For those who are interested in Civil War history this part of the Appalachian Trail follows what was once the western boundary of Mosby's confederacy. Colonel John Singleton Mosby was nicknamed "The Gray Ghost" for his ability to lead his troops (known as Mosby's Rangers) on lightening fast raids against Union soldiers and then disappear quickly, blending in with local farmers and townsmen.