My main goal for 2026 is to thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail. As part of my preparation for my PCT thru-hike, I did many hay hikes on the AT near my home as well as a week-long shakedown hike in central Virginia. The goals of the shakedown hike include:
- test all my gear and clothes
- make sure I did not forget to pack anything
- double check how much for per day I need
- fine-tune my new backpack
- generally get my mind ready for another thru-hike
Daleville, VA to Big Stoney Creek Rd (VA Rt 635) – March/April 2026
This was a 5.5 day 72 mile SOBO hike from Daleville, VA to Big Stoney Creek Rd at Virginia Route 635. This hike includes the Virginia Triple Crown comprised of McAfee Knob, Tinker Cliffs, and Dragon’s Tooth. I would have preferred going all the way south to Pearisburg, VA but we both had to be home for Easter weekend. Big Stoney Creek Rd is the last good place to get off trail for a shuttle before Pearisburg.
