From 1931 to 1953 the Appalachain Trail took an entirely different route through SW Virginia. The toughest section of the "old trail" was The Pinnacles of Dan and I had never been there, so I had to go.
The trail is described as brutal, steep and dangerous, to which I reply, "what trail?"
The summit of the pinnacle was bald in 1940, allowing stunning views of the Dan River Gorge below. Now it is overgrown and affords almost no scenic vista.
But I have been there now. Here are some photos.
I hiked a little bit of the Appalachian Trail to see the cicada brood coming out. I pitched a hammock but was pretty scared when a powerful electric storm came through. The trail must have crossed the stream 10 times. I had sandals for that, but a rabbit ate one of the straps. The tiny black flies were wretched.
Dang rabbits