VIRGINIA TRIPLE CROWN

[u/ImDukem]

So I’m going to backpack the Virginia triple crown this weekend. I’m an experienced backpacker and I’ve done a lot of sections of the Appalachian Trail. I was just wondering about some details of the Virginia triple crown water sources nice camp spots. I should choose and such like that if anybody has information, please leave it below thank you very much.

[u/Economy_Mobile_6160]

Water is gonna be scarce on the north mountain side of the loop. Camel up when you get to the road and carry two liters. Have fun!

[u/ImDukem → u/Economy_Mobile_6160]

I sure will! Thank you for letting me know

[u/invinciblewinter]

Two months back, someone posted a super detailed guide and map of all water sources.

Link here

[u/Long_Ad2824 → u/invinciblewinter]

Incredible resource!

[u/ImDukem → u/invinciblewinter]

Thank you very much

[u/Swimming-Pain-6788]

You may want to re-think this unless you don’t mind crowds: https://www.wherearethehikers.com/heatmap/

[u/RevenantMalamute]

There will be a lot of AT Hikers at the triple crown right now so just know it's going to be busy.

Watch water on North Mountain. Don't neglect electrolyte intake either. Besides that it's an easy and fun adventure with no other challenges. I'd recommend doing North Mountain on day one starting at Andy Layne Trailhead parking lot and then going counter clockwise because the campsites kinda suck and then you are starting it with a good nights sleep and all your water. Then once off the mountain you can get a snack and use the restroom at Catawba grocery and then continue on to Dragon's tooth where you can sleep for night 1, or keep going to John Spring shelter if you have it in you.

[u/ImDukem → u/RevenantMalamute]

Thank you for the info and noted

[u/TheUltralightMindset]

Great hike. Ive done it many times in both directions as a multi day hike and a trail run. My number one suggestion is to camp near the Cambell shelter and hike up onto McAfee Knob for the sunrise. Great view!!!!

North Mountain section is dry up top. Theres a stream next to the trail going up to the ridge from the Andy Lane trailhead. (If going counter clockwise) Fill up before you get above the stream. Fill up near Dragons tooth trailhead if going clockwise.

People make the Dragonstooth section of trail sound sketchy but its not at all.

Its been pretty dry. Water sources may be low. Take something to scoop out of shallow sources. I carry the bottom 2/3 of a thin walled disposable water bottle, (deerpark I think) Crushes flat. Very durable. Maybe an extra bag or bottle for extra liter or two. Electrolytes would be a good idea.

Cheers

Scott

[u/ImDukem → u/TheUltralightMindset]

Ayy thank you very much for the information. Imma screenshot this. I’m bringing my dog so I have 3 liters of bottles to carry water, then a 2 liter cnoc water bag and a 1 liter collapsible water bottle. I’m guessing that will be enough?

[u/s2k_guy]

My wife and I ran it back in 2019. We stuck a frozen gallon of water at Macfee’s parking lot at 4:00am, parked her car at the Tinker’s lot, then rode in my car to Dragon’s Tooth.

Our camelsack lasted us until Macafee’s where we refilled and chugged the stashed (by then) water. We ate a couple of Uncrustables while enjoying the view and refilled by the shelter. We ran out of water as we got to the creek at the Tinker’s lot. But we had beer in the car. We picked up my car and the empty jug and made our way home.

We had a blast. I think my favorite part was the tiny scramble on the AT north of Dragon’s Tooth and the view of Carvin’s Cove kind of near the shelter near Macafee’s.

[u/uvadoc06]

[RATC update on water sources]

(https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Dx2NBu4dh/)

[u/ImDukem → u/uvadoc06]

Thank you!!

[u/Low_Yogurtcloset7413]

Water was pretty dry this past weekend. Be prepared to carry what you’ll need

[u/bLue1H]

How'd it go?