If we were into those Bucket List kinds of things, this would be on it—hiking on the Appalachian Trail. We have hiked so many places, including on the Pacific Crest Trail, but today’s hike was extra special to us.
We went from New Found Gap to Charlie’s Bunion (seriously, that’s what the outcropping of rocks is called). It is an 8-mile, round trip hike, with 2000 feet of total elevation gain.
This trail was built by the, of course you know the answer, Civilian Conservation Corps, and evidence of the CCC is everywhere. At mile 2.7 there is a shelter built by the CCC. Groups can rent it and spend the night. Maybe some year…….
The trail is a fairly serious one—you go up 1000 feet in about 2 miles, then walk along a crest, and then down 1000 feet in another mile. The trail is excellent, showing much care in construction and maintenance.
Although it is unlikely that any boys who were part of the CCC in the 1930s when this was built are alive today, if any are, I would like to tell them how much their legacy lives on. The trail was packed. Guys—what you built in the 1930s is still a treasure.
Here, Charlie, are some REAL bunions.
The day was pretty nice—some sun, and we would like to have had more. But, after all, they are called the Smokies for a reason.
Vicky and I can now say we have hiked on the Appalachian Trail.
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