I received this email a few weeks ago and thought it an interesting part of Crozet I’d never really thought about. I know we have remarkable access to hiking, and I know of AT through-hikers, but this email struck me.
“I am planning my AT-thru-hike for next year, probably starting in early May. … I will probably fly to Atanta first and then take an AMTRAK train to Charlottesville.
It seems pretty difficult to get from Charlottesville to Rockfish Gap, though. On the website of JAUNT I could see there is a regular shuttle between Charlottesville and Crozet, which would be helpful as it brings me closer to Rockfish Gap. Do you have any information how I could get form Crozet to Afton or even Roskfish Gap? Are there people in Crozet offering rides to that area?
I offered to give this person a ride, but was wondering … are there others in Crozet who offer this sort of assistance? Is there a site for connecting AT Angels to hikers?
I just received the confirmation from JAUNT that the first bus that leaves Charlottesville in the morning should arrive in Crozet no later than 10 am. Since they can drop you off where ever you need to, I guess I could get directly to any meeting point in Crozet indicated by you.
I think this will be fun.
Update 14 January … I received this email:
“It is written in my calendar: on April 6, I was going to contact you anyway to ask about the ride, or better said, to inform you about my current situation. I may take on a new job. In this case I sadly would have to postpone the hike for two or three years. It is not decided yet.I let you know.Whatever will happen, it feels good to see the helpfulness of so many American people. Thanks!”
Jim, I have been section hiking the AT for 10 years, and have not heard about any Angels in Crozet. However, Waynesboro is well-known throughout the trail community as very “Trail-friendly”. The AT Conservancy put out the following shuttle information several years ago: http://www.appalachiantrail.org/docs/default-document-library/2011/04/17/AT%20Shuttle%20List.pdf . Go to page 8 to see the Rockfish Gap info.
Whenever I see hikers with full backpacks hitching for Rockfish Gap I pull over and give them a ride. Always results in great conversation as we drive up to the gap, and share stories of our time on the trail.
If it turns out you can’t take this hiker, let me know. I can pick them up in Cville and take them to the Gap.
Thanks, John!
Also interesting that US Bike Route 76, a cross-country route, goes through Crozet. I have once or twice seen cyclists with full panniers in the area and wondered if they’ve ridden all the way from the west coast. It would be fun to talk with them, too.
What a great way to meet some really interesting people!
What a great idea!! I will talk to the Crozet Trails Crew about this idea. Also, the County is planning to set up the “Information Station/ Community Resource Center” on the lower level of the Library. I have heard some different ideas for what it may entail. Perhaps a trails resource center and pick-up area for folks trying to get to the AT….Hmmmmmmm
Crozet Trails Crew rocks. That is all.
Jim, as was mentioned by Jessica this is very much in line with what we are envisioning for the Outdoor Adventure Center in the first floor of the library – plans underway as we speak. It would be great to get Appalachian Trail community status for Crozet.
This is great. Thanks, Lee!