You start this hike at the at bridge crossing.. kinda tricky to find.. plenty of parking.. and it’s a great length hike without being too long to reach the top area.. i mean you can keep going on it to maine if you want to, lol

⚠️ Wildlife Alert: Eastern Copperhead Near Manassas Gap Shelter
Just a heads-up for anyone hiking the Appalachian Trail in this area:
Location: About a quarter-mile south of the Manassas Gap Shelter.
Sightings: Confirmed an Eastern Copperhead sitting directly on the active trail. They are masters of camouflage and blend right into the leaves and dirt, making them incredibly hard to see until you are right on top of them.
Safety Tips for the Area:
Watch your step: Keep your eyes glued to the path, especially on narrow stretches.
Give them space: If you spot one, freeze and back away slowly. Do not throw rocks or try to move it, as it will agitate the snake.
Be patient: Pass very slowly with as much distance as possible, or wait for it to move on.

Great view from atop Mt. Washington. Saw a few thru hikers on the trail. This trail goes from Stone Mountain in Georgia to Mt. Katahdin in Maine. (Or vice versa). If you can't hike this, there are some books written by people who hiked the whole trail.

It's amazing how many times a stumble upon the Appalachian Trail. From school trips up into Pennsylvania, my friends property near Camp David, MD, crossing the Potomac River from Sandy Hook, MD to Loudoun Co., VA and up the mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV. I've hit spots in 4 states and close to 100 miles from most northern to most southern and, never straight through. It's amazing how many people use the trail and I've never seen any trash during my adventures. I highly recommend checking out your closest part of the trail if you love the outdoors like myself.

This trail is so so awesome! Lots of history, nature and hundreds of miles of scenic hiking. We have watched so many videos on people hiking, running and walking the appalachian trail and HAD to visit while we were in Virginia. Definitely worth every bit of it!