Were you in Virigina on the Application Trail - me thinks not from the way written, but wanted to ask. I am geared up for a second attempt to thru-hike the AT starting 8 April. Pack weight is now down to 17 lbs +/- a half pound base weight before, food and water. Last year my base weight was 24 lbs. Happy hiking!
A few years ago a couple of friends and I backpacked the Shenandoah leg of the AT, but it was in the early summer. It was beautiful.
You are attempting a through-hike south to north?
How many days are you planning?
If you get a chance to report back to FR during your hike please comment on the fire damage in NC on the stretch between Hwy. 64 outside of Franklin and the Natahala Outdoor center in the gorge.
I’m guessing that’s about three days of hiking. Wildfires were burning through various parts of that stretch of the trail last fall, especially from Wayah Mt. to the Outdoor center.