Day 2 – Wildcat Ridge to Loft Mountain Campground 

Wednesday, October 8, 2025. Up at 8:00. Foggy, Dan, mid 60s going to mid 70s. Clearing this afternoon.

Rained on and off last night. Woke at 7:00 to heavy fog so I went back to sleep for a while. 

Will have to pack up a wet tent and try to dry it if the sun comes out later afternoon. We camped on heavy leaves so at least stuff isn’t muddy! Broke down camp and got on trail about 9:15.

Reached the Riprap Trail parking area at 10:05 and 2.13 miles. Humid and breezy. Sun is trying to come out. Hopefully that helps with the humidity. Took the legs off my pants. Too humid for long pants and the weather gets better as the day progresses.

Reached Blackrock Gap at 11:20 and 5 miles. Got cloudy again. Overcast and breeze feels nice. Trail is nice except for the slippery wet leaves. 

Arrived at Blackrock Hut at 11:50. No water this year. This place was packed last year when we came through here in early July. Probably 12 other hikers minimum. We have 7.2 miles to reach Loft Mountain campground. Should be there by 4:00.

Summited Blackrock at 12:50. Nice view to the west all the way across the Shenandoah valley.

Quick break at Dundo Picnic Grounds at 1:45. Emptied trash and tested my feat. We have .7 miles downhill then 3.8 uphill to Loft Mountain campground. Probably 4:15.

Startled a doe about 2 miles from camp.

Got to Loft Mountain campground and checked in just before 4:00. Set up camp in a nice sunny spot. Tent was a bit damp but dried quickly.

Headed to camp store at 5:00 or dinner and 2 days resupply. Good selection. We both got cold sandwiches and beverages for dinner. Ramen and spam for resupply dinner plus snacks.

Ate dinner at camp and got into tent early. Getting cold fast and winds picking up. In bed at 7:00.

Good day. Legs and feet need more work, but getting there.

Technical Notes:

• Pop Tarts 360
• Fatty beef stick 300
• Trail mix 210
• Zero sugar sausage 120
• Payday 240
• 1330
• Italian sub 590
• Italian sandwich 450
• Seltzer 400
• Reese’s 400
• Fritos 500
• Water liters 2.25
• Miles 13.44
• Time 7:00
• Up 3064
• Down 2602
• Calories consumed 3670
• Calories burned 2716