After last week’s paired history hike and reading group, the Rockbridge Historical Society continues its celebration of the Appalachian Trail’s 2025 Centennial with another coupling of recreation and education, in the days ahead.
This weekend, hikers can climb the AT to the crest of the Blue Ridge, accompanied by local historians and conservationists who will discuss the trail’s creation, maintenance, and ecology. A week later, a final return to “base camp” at the Rockbridge Regional Library in Lexington will close the series with discussion of selected readings that reflect on the AT, and the value of public lands.
On Sunday, Nov. 9, the group hike will depart at noon from Hog Camp Gap, climbing one mile south on the AT to the balds of Cole Mountain. Atop the ridge, local trail club volunteers, staff from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and veteran thru-hikers will share stories of trials, triumphs, and “trail magic,” welcoming the same from participants. Participants can descend by the same route, or complete the 6-mile loop back to the parking lot via the Old Hotel Trail, hugging the foot of Mount Pleasant.
On Monday, Nov. 17, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., area residents are invited to gather again at the Lexington library for discussion of AT-themed readings to reflect on, before or after the hikes, at tinyurl. com/AT-Centennial-Hikes-Readings. There, readers can revisit essays that first proposed the inter-regional path in 1921 or explore its introduction into a longer tradition of “Native Lands;” as well as chapters from Bill Bryson’s comic trail memoir, and Philip D’Anieri’s biographical profiles of key figures who’ve shaped the AT’s reach, and legacy.
Check RHS Facebook for updates on trail conditions and additional reading recommendations.
