Appalachian trail folks-

Has anyone ever run the PA Little gap/ Smith Gap/ Lehigh Gap area? My friend wants me to join her, and I was wondering how runnable this section is for a relatively new trail/ultra runner like myself. I have 18 miles on my training plan for tomorrow, but I'm not sure what the terrain is like in this section. She says relatively flat, but without elevation numbers I'm a bit hesitant.

Not sure where you are starting and direction of travel.  It's been a few years since I was in that area.  Some good climbs, but not as rocky as down by my way.

 

Hers is a site link that I use from time to time.  Good descriptions, and I've found it accurate..

Lehigh Gap to Wind Gap

 

Here is a link to parking spots along the AT

Trail Heads

 

Go for it, and enjoy.

AT- I was hoping you would answer this. My friend also send me those two websites, and she has hiked a few times in that area so I think I'm good to go. I am still going to try to get a map before hand for my sake of mind.

Still can't help being nervous, I'm used to big city parks where it's kinda hard to get lost. I have a pretty good sense of direction though, if I do say so myself

 

 I'm used to big city parks where it's kinda hard to get lost. I have a pretty good sense of direction though, if I do say so myself

Follow the White Blazes and you'll be fine.    If I remember that section, there was one pretty good climb, but no harm in walking the big hills.  If you are not used to technical trails, a bit of advice is don't run right behind your friend.  You don't want her legs to block visibility of any small obstacles.  If you see any section hikers, stop and talk to them, they usually enjoy the interaction.  They always seem so surprised that anyone is running the AT.

 

Follow the White Blazes and you'll be fine.    If I remember that section, there was one pretty good climb, but no harm in walking the big hills.  If you are not used to technical trails, a bit of advice is don't run right behind your friend.  You don't want her legs to block visibility of any small obstacles.  If you see any section hikers, stop and talk to them, they usually enjoy the interaction.  They always seem so surprised that anyone is running the AT.

I see a lot of hikers (thru and sections) on the parts that I run.  Last year, on a 18 mile out n back I came across a thru hiker (I think he was slack packing it) - I stopped and talked to him on my way back.  He was totally dejected telling me about the night before how he had "lost time" due to the crazy storm that came through.  That comment was why I thought he was slack packing it.  Otherwise a thru hiker wouldn't care about missing that kind of time.  Anyways, he asked where the nearest road crossing was to get to a store, phone, food etc.  So I told him it was only 7ish miles away.  I almost thought about offering to meet him somewhere once I got back to my car.  But then I thought I would just be enabling him.  I think he would have been fine once he get a shower and some good food.  Something special about those thru hikes.

Sorry for the hijack!

Just wanted to say...have fun on your run and let us know how it is!!

We are running Sunday starting in Mechanicsburg and headed north (20mi out & back) but still much further south then you. I am wanting to explore more ares of the AT this year!

I'm sorry but who said you could run on my section of the AT?!? Seriously though, have a great time.  Those are my stomping grounds.  There is a side trail at the top of Blue Mtn that goes to your right when heading north - it's the Darlington Trail - blazed in orange. From the AT it goes about 4.25 to where I often park.  I will do loops that include the Darlington, AT and one of the roads that leads up the mountain.  It's a beautiful area.  Have fun!