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Day 13 My First 20 Mile Day!
The first 10 or 12 miles of today’s hike was across Cumberland Valley. From Carlisle, where I slept to the southern end of the valley is about 12 miles. This part of the hike was flat and easy, but surprisingly interesting and full of great views across the farms of Cumberland Valley. The Appalachian Trail manages to thread its way from one wooded area in Cumberland Valley to another staying roughly 80% in the woods, even though the valley is about 90% farmland. The first picture below shows the trail edging one of the fields.
The second picture shows the Ridge I’m approaching as I near the southern end of Cumberland Valley.
I had lunch at Café 101 in the town of Boiling Springs. It was delicious and sitting outside with peaceful surroundings. In the little town of boiling Springs was idyllic. Here is a picture taken from the outdoor eating area at Café 101. The Appalachian Trail actually passes just the other side of the pond in the background.
After climbing out of Cumberland Valley, I went over several small mountains, I would call them Hills, that were about 400 to 600 feet in height. Although I had originally planned to only go 16 miles, I got to my original endpoint before 3:30 in the afternoon and decided that I could go at least another 4 miles. So I continued my pleasant walk in the woods arriving at the James Fry shelter around 6 PM. I have my tent set up near the shelter and I’m very happy with the campsite. I have a full stomach and I’m looking forward to another great hiking day tomorrow, although there is some chance of rain.
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Comments 2
My husband and I hiked about 4 miles around Carlisle and Boiling Springs last May when we were getting our 14 State Challenge completed. We had never hiked the AT in Pennsylvania before, so we feel like we hiked some of the prettiest Pennsylvania has to offer! Glad you enjoyed your 20 miles!
My husband and I hiked about 4 miles near Carlisle and also a little around Boiling Springs last May when we were getting our 14 State Challenge completed. What a beautiful area to hike in! As we’d never hiked the AT in Pennsylvania, this was a great place to do it! And no rocks! Enjoy your hike!