Snow, Surprises, and Lessons on the Trail
We decided to return to Bristol, Tennessee in March, thinking statistically the weather would be on our side. While snow was possible, it didn’t seem likely. As usual, I planned the route, coordinated our driver, and booked the Airbnb.
This trip also started on a special note—it was Jerry’s 60th birthday. He’s been getting into bluegrass music, so we made a slight detour to Inverness, Florida to catch a festival on his actual birthday. A little out of the way? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely. The next day, we made the 10-hour drive to Bristol, settled into our Airbnb, and stocked up on our now well-practiced trail nutrition:
- Breakfast: egg white and turkey sausage sandwich
- Mid-morning: trail mix
- Lunch: PB&J
- Afternoon: Cheez-Its
- Post-hike: Gatorade
Simple, predictable, and it works.
Weather Curveballs & Changing Plans
We quickly realized a cold front was moving in. Our original plan was to rest on the coldest day—but incoming rain and a snowstorm forced us to shift everything around.
This theme would continue throughout the trip: plan carefully, then adapt constantly.
Day 1: TN 91 to McQueen Gap – 10.2 Miles
We met our driver at McQueen Gap and navigated a winding mountain road to start. The day began in the 50s and climbed into the 70s—perfect hiking weather.
The first six miles were relatively easy (and honestly, a bit uneventful), but the views were beautiful with the trees still bare. Trail crews had clearly been hard at work clearing fallen trees. The last four miles added some mild elevation changes, and by the end, we were tired—but in a good way.
The bigger challenge for me wasn’t physical—it was mental. Slowing down. Disconnecting. Letting myself just be. That always takes a day or two. We met several hikers, including a retired electrician from Boston who hinted at possible mafia ties and had no intention of ever “finishing” the trail. His advice:
“Enjoy the journey—don’t rush to the end.” That stuck with me.
Afterward, we made a tired trip to Walmart (where I accidentally left my car running the entire time) and grabbed dinner at a local pub. A giant burger, a quirky dog sitting at the table next to us, and an early bedtime capped off the day.
Day 2: A Forced Rest Day
We planned a 10-mile hike, but a severe thunderstorm warning changed everything.
Rain is one thing. Lightning on a mountain? Not happening.
So we pivoted and took an early rest day. We explored Bristol, stopped at a casino (I lost $2 and called it a day), revisited a local bakery, and grabbed soup and sandwiches. By afternoon, the snow started—and it became clear we made the right call.
We spent the evening binge-watching Netflix (a rare event for me), and after a cold night figuring out the mini-split HVAC system, we were ready to move again.
Day 3: US 321 Hampton to Wilbur Dam – 4.4 Miles (…or 8+)
Temperatures were in the low 20s, so we chose our shortest hike.
Layered up and ready, we started—only to find unexpected snow falling despite a “clear” forecast.
Then came the first challenge: We lost the trail. Between snow cover and fallen trees, the path disappeared. Jerry was ready to call it and Uber out. I was not. After some stubborn exploring, we found the trail and continued—through increasingly heavy snow.
It turned into a winter wonderland: large snowflakes, quiet trails, and surprisingly manageable conditions thanks to proper gear (thank you, waterproof shoes). Reaching Wilbur Dam was stunning—but the real challenge came after. We guessed the wrong direction back to the car.
What should have been 4.5 miles turned into over 8 miles, including a freezing, windy uphill backtrack. By the time we reached the car, we were cold, tired, and very ready for heat.
Lesson learned:
Always mark your car location. Always.
Day 4: McQueen Gap to Damascus – 10.4 Miles
Another cold start—this time in the 20s—but sunshine helped bring temperatures into the 30s. Navigation was tricky again. My phone kept trying to reroute us… onto roads, not the Appalachian Trail.
This was a reminder: Technology is helpful—but not always reliable. We relied on trail knowledge, landmarks, and instinct. The snow-covered trail made things harder but also incredibly beautiful. Sparkling snow, quiet woods, and a sense of nostalgia—it felt like being a kid again after a snowstorm.
We eventually descended into Damascus, emerging between two houses—one of the most unique trail exits yet. Dinner that night? BBQ. Much needed.
Day 5: Dennis Cove to US 321 – 8.6 Miles
This was the most scenic day of the trip. Waterfalls, footbridges, riverside walking—it had everything.
Then came the climb: A two-mile ascent up to 3,800 feet on Iron Mountain.
Not steep—but long. And mentally exhausting. Just when we thought we reached the top… another switchback.
Jerry got a little grumpy (understandably). Spirits improved once we finally started descending. By the time we reached the bottom, it was in the 70s—a wild contrast from the freezing temperatures just days before. We celebrated with an incredible dinner and—finally—a relaxing soak in the hot tub.
Day 6: Scrapped Plans & Listening to Our Limits
We had planned an 11-mile hike, but logistics got complicated. The trailhead was difficult to access, and transportation costs tripled.
At that point, we made the call: Not worth it. We were tired. I missed my dogs. And while I stayed connected enough to run payroll and manage my business, I realized something important: I’m not fully unplugged yet—but that’s the goal.
We started heading home, stopping in Asheville and later Columbus, South Carolina, where we had an unexpectedly perfect dinner at a rooftop bar. Sometimes, the unplanned moments end up being the best.
Day 7: Home
After a 6-hour drive, we were back home—greeted by very excited dogs.
And just like that, we were already talking about the next trip.
Final Thoughts: What This Trip Taught Us
This trip wasn’t perfect—but it was exactly what we needed.
We learned:
- Weather can change everything
- Mileage feels different depending on conditions
- Navigation isn’t always straightforward
- Recovery and flexibility matter
- And sometimes, quitting a plan is the smartest move
Most importantly, we’re learning how to build these adventures in a way that’s sustainable, enjoyable, and aligned with a bigger vision. Because this isn’t just about hiking the Appalachian Trail. It’s about creating a life where we can.