I went out on a very cold dayhike up to Hawksbill Mtn., the highest peak in the park at just over 4,000'. Afterwards I hiked down the AT to Dark Hollow Falls, which was frozen over and incredibly serene.
The pictures show my accent up the west side of the mtn. where I was brutally hit by a cold western wind the whole way up. The starting temp was around 28, at the summit, with the 30 MPH wind, sending the chill into the single digits. I took the AT up and then sidetracked onto the Salamander Trail to the summit. At the summit is a clearing and the Byrd's Nest shelter overlooking the valley below - a goregeous sight. Another quick scramble and you're out in the open on the true summit, with a 360 deg. view - Incredible!! Could see West Virginia, the Piedmont, the Blue Ridge north to Front Royal, south to The Priest. I then worked my way back down a fireroad to the AT and went towards Dark Hollow. Along the way I ran into a herd of deer! There were at least ten all scattered in the woods, inc. a doe. They were amazingly tame.
Down at Dark Hollow Falls, everything was frozen over and silent. An absolutely amazing scene, esp. considering during the summer this is the most popular spot for tourists in the park.
All in all a great Sunday in Virginia!
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