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Appalachian Trail: Four State Challenge, PA-VA

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Star Star Star Star Star

Distance: 42.7 miles


Hike 42.9 miles on the AT in 24 hours, in the process traveling across the borders of Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.

It’s a rite of passage for many trail-hardened thru-hikers (especially the young guns), but you can get a leg up by tackling the rolling miles in cool weather and low-traffic season, rather than when most northbounders are passing through in spring. Tyler Schultz, a 2011 thru-hiker who returned to knock out the challenge after summiting Katahdin, recommends hiking the trail from north to south, so you can do the cliffy southern bit in daylight. Park a car in Harper’s Ferry at the intersection of Shenandoah Road and US 340. Take a second car to Pen-Mar Park in Waynesboro, PA, and get going before dawn (Schultz started at 3:30 a.m.). Near the end of the hike, you’ll pass your car before you get to the Virginia border. Don’t stop! To finish the challenge, cross the Shenandoah River and knock out 2.4 miles out-and-back on the AT/Loudoun Heights Trail to reach your fourth and final state line (Virginia).


Shelters: Ed Garvey Shelter: sleeps 12; privy. Crampton Gap Shelter: sleeps 6; privy. Rocky Run Shelter: sleeps 4; privy. Pine Knob Shelter: sleeps 5; privy. Ensign Cowall Shelter: sleeps 8; privy. Devils Racecourse Shelter; sleeps 7.

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