Appalachian Trail Backpacking: Rockfish Gap to the Tye River

OVERVIEW

Do you love backpacking, or think you might love backpacking? Are you looking to celebrate finishing your post-fall break midterms with some time outdoors? Come backpacking with Miles and I on the AT next weekend!

The section in question is a little under 30 miles, with some moderate elevation changes over the second and third days of the trip. The mileage of the only full day may be a little challenging for absolute beginners, but nothing too crazy. There are plenty of cool spots along the way, including a bunch in the Three Ridges Wilderness on the third day.

Check out the AllTrails here:
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/virginia/appalachian-trail-rockfish-gap-to-tye-river

THIS TRIP WILL REQUIRE AN ADDITIONAL CAR TO LEAVE AT THE ENDPOINT TRAILHEAD. DRIVERS WILL GET PRIORITY OFF THE WAITLIST.

Tentative Itinerary:
Friday (10/9):
– Depart from Echols at ~2pm, and drive ~55 min to the Tye River parking lot (VA Rte. 56), leave one car there, then drive ~40 min to the trailhead at Rockfish Gap
– Hike 4.8 miles from Rockfish Gap to Paul C. Wolfe Shelter
Saturday (10/10):
– Hike 16.0 miles from Paul C. Wolfe Shelter to Maupin Field Shelter
Sunday (10/11):
– Hike 9.0 miles from Maupin Field Shelter to the Tye River parking lot (VA Rte. 56)
– Drive ~40 min from the Tye River parking lot back to Rockfish Gap to get the other car, then drive ~25 min back to Charlottesville
Rest of your life:
– Tell everyone about how much fun you had

What you should bring:
– A pack that fits both you and your belongings comfortably
– A sleeping bag and mat
– Comfortable hiking shoes + a couple changes of socks
– Active clothing w/ layers + a set of clothes to sleep in
– 2 liters of water carrying capacity (at absolute minimum)
– Meals and snacks for 2 days and 2 nights (we are also happy to bring meals for others, just let us know beforehand! Also feel free to reach out for ideas)
– Utensils and a plate or bowl for eating
– Headlamp
– Hiking poles
– Personal toiletries
– Poncho? (depending on the weather)

Let us know if you can’t make it to a gear room and need something picked up!

What you probably shouldn’t bring:
– A tent (we’ll be staying in the AT shelters)
– Heavy entertainment items (a deck of cards is one thing, but we’ll be keeping each other entertained for the most part)

What we’ll bring:
– Water filters
– Camping stove / pot / fuel
– Toilet paper / trowel
– Bearbag to hang food
– Additional snacks
– First aid kit

Feel free to reach out with any questions!

Spencer Lieb (757) 756-8219
Miles Nelson (757) 754-4579