Hiking hordes on Dennis Cove Road

Sunday, May 10, 2026

I survive an encounter with the motley group of “Riff Raff” hikers and then dust off my camelback for an 18-mile day hike. Along the way I meet a rare family of real trails.

Horde #1: Riff Raff

tThe best nights of sleep always seem to follow zero. I guess having a full stomach is essential for a rejuvenating rest. I could hear the group of angels/trail campers preparing breakfast. With a hike of just 18 miles planned, I stayed in my cozy bed for about an hour. I collected and filtered 2 liters of water for my day hike and then walked over to the campers to find out what they were doing. Jimbo Poppins greeted me and quickly offered me a hot breakfast. After being rejected by Ingles the day before, I was tempted, but decided to stick to my own breakfast first.

I learned that he was part Riff Raff. A group of hikers that formed in 2006. They had organized an entire week to hang out on the trail and support hikers before Trail Days. Superman and Red B are the original founders and the group has been growing year after year. Dennis Cove Road is one of its several magical trail posts. Before beginning my hike, I returned to sign his logbook and serve myself a delicious apple-cinnamon donut.

Barbie’s rare cooler appears.

We’re not in the Smokies anymore.

I may have set the record for the slowest morning before starting an 18-mile hike, but I eventually got back on the trail. Almost immediately I passed an old abandoned cabin. I quickly discovered that the trail was quite busy. In the Smokies I was probably a little behind the NOBO hiker bubble. Now that I’m further north and within walking distance of Damascus, it made sense that the traffic would be heavier.

I couldn’t help but compare the trail conditions to those in the Smokies. It was a marked difference to say the least. The trail was completely filled with dirt and free of obstacles. The slope was constant, these were going to be easy kilometers. It was a beautiful sunny day in the mid 60s. The trail was shaded the entire way. If I had to hike another 30 mile day, this would have been the perfect place. After just over three hours, I arrived at Hardcore Cascades.

There’s not much stopping this old trailside cabin.

A view from the trail leading up from Dennis Cove Road.

A view of the Roan Highlands from the trail.

Fairytale waterfalls

Today the waterfalls seemed much more fairytale-like. Above the waterfall, sunlight filtered through layers of leaves and illuminated a few lucky rhododendrons. Water emerged from the rocks and pooled just where the sunlight had found a gap between the trees. The rocks themselves were completely covered in a bright but drab green moss. Small flying infected floated above the water like goblins.

Back at Hardcore Cascades.

It definitely seems like a Disney character should show up any day now.

Dream day hike

Coming back down the trail from Ccscades, I realized that the sun was already out in full force. A few puffy clouds decorated the otherwise wide-open blue sky. I was sweating a little during the uphill sections of the hike, even without carrying 20 pounds on my back.

Backpackers don’t hike because it’s easy. They walk because they like to be in harmony with nature. Hiking the Appalachian Trail is not about comparing achievements or hiking styles. All hikers need to rest and many will choose to take the trail leisurely like I am doing today. I’ve put together almost perfect gear for a day hike. I have my camel loin with a lot of water. I have my sun hoodie that keeps me cool and protected from sunburn. I have my trekking poles that allow me to walk faster and safer.

I deliberately chose some day hikes for the next two days for several reasons. First, my body is still adjusting to backpacking. My hips are taking all the weight and have been clenched tightly for 10 or more hours a day. They’re a little sore and could use a rest. Secondly, my arms are still acclimating to the trekking poles. The poles have been a blessing for my legs. However, the muscles in my shoulders and neck can become fatigued and tight after a long day of sustained climbing. Walking without a backpack would also give them time to recover a little and get stronger.

Horde #2: Great Walk Jones

I ran into a family of four having lunch at the Moreland Gap Shelter. In fact, they had caught a glimpse of my curiosity earlier that day when I passed them for the first time on the trail. I asked some questions about hiking the Appalachian Trail as a family. I was happy to know that both children were enjoying and growing from the experience. The intrepid kids, Leatherfoot and DJ Butterfly, lead the walk every day for their parents, Todd and Molly. Leatherfoot has developed a type of reinforced feet that allows him to walk barefoot occasionally. DJ Butterfly is the social butterfly and conversation starter of the family. They are documenting their walk on YouTube under the name BIGWALKJONES. I think what you are doing is amazing for growing together as a family, and I will definitely be watching your videos!

From left to right; See you tomorrow, DJ Butterfly, Molly, Leatherfoot and Todd.

Strawberry Lemonade

The kilometers passed in what increasingly seemed like the end of a summer afternoon. I was drinking water, but it couldn’t quench my thirst. My body wanted something else: sugar. Obviously, this was a result of the soda and donuts I consumed the day before. Luckily, I had the remedy in my truck: strawberry lemonade mix. Just what I needed to complete a few hours outdoors on a hot day. Kids, set up your lemonade stands at the trailheads, you’ll make a fortune.

Another perspective of the Roan Highlands from the trail.

-See you tomorrow

Total: 18.6 miles, 41,659 steps

• Hike type: Day hike
• Campground: Minivan, Dennis Cove Road Trailhead

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