Punchbowl Overlook (BRP) to Long Mountain Wayside (VA-60)

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11.0 miles, moderate terrain
52 miles from Daleville plus 12-mile shuttle, $6.00 carpool fee

This hike is northbound on the AT from the Blue Ridge Parkway MP 51.7 near the Punchbowl Shelter to the Long Mountain Wayside where the AT crosses US-60. The hike starts out around 2200 feet before dropping to 1000 feet between the 2 and 4 mile marks. From there it slowly climbs back to 2000 feet, passing by the Lynchburg Reservoir and the ruins of a farming community of freed slaves after the Civil War before they sold their land to the Forest Service in 1920.

Those coming from Charlottesville or Lexington can meet us at the US-60 Wayside, which is east of Buena Vista and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Heading east, it's on the left-hand side and above the level of the road, has picnic tables, pretty easy to spot. I'm guessing those of us from the Roanoke area will be there about 45 minutes to an hour after leaving Daleville.