I heard a lot about the Virginia section of the AT before setting foot on the trail. Some of what I heard was good, while some of it wasn’t so good. Needless to say, I was absolutely mentally prepared for the hike when I entered Virginia all those miles ago.
What do I think about it now that I’m done?
Virginia has been my favorite by far!
I probably (again) have an unpopular opinion here. It’s also true that I haven’t even been through most of the AT states yet. Still, I think Virginia will always hold a special place in the AT part of my heart.
Let me reveal some of my expectations and experiences with this spectacular section of the OT.
my expectations
There are two main expectations I had for Virginia that can be summed up in two words: flat and blue.
First of all, I had read several times that Virginia was flat. In my opinion, that meant miles of trails through rolling meadows, farmland, and pastures. I imagined I could see the AT stretching out before me, disappearing into the horizon. I was excited for 500 miles of flat Virginia.
Secondly, everyone was talking about the “Virginia blues.” This term refers to people who become “blue” or mentally struggling due to the time they spend walking around Virginia. You’re in Virginia for a long time, which can take a toll on you mentally. So, I was also mentally preparing myself for that.
The funny thing is that none of these expectations were met for me.
my experiences
I owe Virginia an apology because I was wrong on both fronts.
First, Virginia is NOT flat. Don’t let people lie to you. This section definitely has some good uphill pushes and technical aspects that tested me. I remember three days in a row where we had to navigate a big uphill climb right at the beginning of the day. And don’t get me started on the huge wall I hit (figuratively, of course) after finishing the Triple Crown. Cruisy they said….ha. My dreams of flat farmland for miles evaporated almost immediately. It became a joke I told over dinner to those who shared my disappointment. No, that floor level was saved for early Pennsylvania. Virginia had some flatter sections and perhaps more flatter sections than any other state.
But it’s not flat. Not even close.
Second, I never experienced the “Virginia blues.” I think that was less because I had been mentally preparing myself for the fight and more because of how wonderful this AT state actually is. I don’t blame people who experience sadness, but I thought Virginia’s versatility, beauty, and big moments kept things lively. Even the zeros I took here were deeply relaxing and fun. I got another haircut in Pearisburg and completed my first marathon distance (28.3 miles) in the Shenandoahs.
It’s definitely a long time to be in the same state. But I enjoyed every second of my time in this section. I wasn’t even close to being blue.
My review of Virginia
Virginia has been my favorite section of the AT. It’s a beautiful section of trail, from Grayson Highlands to the Triple Crown, Shenandoah National Park, and Roller Coaster. It’s where I checked off most of my AT bucket list and where I got my route name. It’s where I met some of the most fantastic trail angels and lodge owners.
I certainly didn’t expect such an experience in Virginia. Especially after everything he’d heard about it. This section does not have a bad reputation like Pennsylvania’s, and yet it does not necessarily receive glowing reports either. Maybe it’s just a diamond in the rough?
I am very grateful for my time in Virginia. Now I’m heading to the northern states and all the good and bad I’ve heard about them. Pray for me and wish me luck!
And so we continue the adventure….
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