Mile 875. No Virginia Blues here.

Several times I have heard through-hikers complain about Virginia’s 540 miles representing 25% of the Appalachian Trail.   They even have a name for it:  the “Virginia Blues”, citing that Virginia is the same Green Tunnel with none of the vistas seen in Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee.

I don’t get it.

Yes, I’m partial to Virginia as it’s my home state.   At the same time, I look at what Virginia has provided so far.  

The section just north of Damascus is a smooth and fast terrain.  It overlaps with a small section of the beautiful Virginia Creeper Trail that meanders along a rushing creek, perfect for fly fishing.

Continuing north, Virginia is famous for its Grayson Highlands with craggy rocks, blooming rhododendrons and wild ponies – views that are spectacular even during the middle of a 5-day storm system. 

A few days later, Virginia boasts the magnificent Virginia Triple Crown that includes the famous Dragon’s Tooth, McAfee Knob, and Tinker Cliffs - the most photographed views along the entire Appalachian Trail.   

And if that isn’t enough, the Blue Ridge Parkway and Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline Drive provide a softly meandering roadway that intersects with the Trail multiple times.   Lush green forest is speckled with inviting waterfalls, gurgling brooks, and craggy overlooks throughout.

The only time I have felt anything close to the “Virginia Blues” is when I caught a head cold from another hiker at one of the hostels.    My cold medicine made my head feel like it was a helium balloon; and it prevented me from getting a wink of sleep two nights in a row.    I was loopy more from sleep deprivation than from any views Virginia did or did not provide.

People do like to complain.   And they certainly are granted the freedom to do so.  Just please don’t complain about Virginia around me. 

After 23 years of living here and – now – after hiking its 540 Appalachian Trail miles, I’m more in love with this state than ever before.