VA Appalachian Trail - Section 7 - Neighbor Mountain Trailhead to Thornton Gap

Date	Distance	Time	Elevation Gain	Average Moving Time	Year to Date Miles
10/19/2018	5.1 miles	2 hours 32 minutes	994'	29:27

Map: Appalachian Trail Guide Shenandoah National Park
Parking: $30 for a one week pass to enter Shenandoah National Park. Skyline Drive (Neighbor Mountain Trailhead) and Thornton Gap (Panorama lot)
Directions: Southbound

Today the terrain was pretty good again. Shenandoah National Park has a reputation for having easier hiking. I wanted to hike longer today, but we were heading to Mechanicsburg, PA and wanted to get in at a reasonable time. No bear sightings today. No views today. More ticks today.

We passed the Elkwallow Wayside while hiking. We decided to stop by on our way out of the park. I've heard so much about the blackberry milkshakes they have in the Shenandoah National Park waysides, that I want to have one! The store was open, but no milkshakes. Sigh. Mostly unhealthy food.

We have stayed in Mechanicsburg before, and knew that Wegmans was a good bet for dinner. We are doing a two day backpack in PA. Nights have been getting cold. I'm worried about Trek staying warm. We went to Walmart. I bought him a foam sleeping pad, figuring I could cut it down. However, it was too unwieldy. It didn't fit. I also bought a fleece throw for him. I pack for my fears. The first time Glen and I backpacked on or own, it got down to around 40 degrees and I froze. This time I have a sleeping bag liner which is supposed to add additional warmth to my 20 degree sleeping bag.