HardWood

Appalachian Trail

Linden, Virginia · Fauquier County · Potomac Appalachian Trail Club

Appalachian Trail is a hard hiking trail near Linden in Fauquier County, Virginia.. The surface is wood. Managed by Potomac Appalachian Trail Club. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

🧭 Get Directions 🗺️ Open in OSM

38.91138, -78.05252

Open in OpenStreetMap

5-Day Forecast

Weather at Appalachian Trail

Live forecast for the trailhead. Use it to pack and time your hike.

Avg High86°F

Avg Low65°F

Peak Rain Chance50%

Humidity68%

UV (avg)7

Air Quality51 · Moderate

Today

⛅

Partly Cloudy

87°/65°

💧 7%🌬 6mph

↑ 6:08 AM ↓ 8:29 PM

Mon

☁️

Overcast

89°/70°

💧 7%🌬 11mph

↑ 6:09 AM ↓ 8:28 PM

Tue

🌧

Rain Showers

83°/65°

💧 50%🌬 12mph

↑ 6:09 AM ↓ 8:27 PM

Wed

🌦

Light Drizzle

87°/64°

💧 10%🌬 13mph

↑ 6:10 AM ↓ 8:26 PM

Thu

☁️

Overcast

84°/62°

💧 4%🌬 12mph

↑ 6:11 AM ↓ 8:25 PM

Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.

About Appalachian Trail

Appalachian Trail is a hard hiking trail near Linden in Fauquier County, Virginia.. The surface is wood. Managed by Potomac Appalachian Trail Club. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

What “Hard” Means

Steep, technical, or long. Requires good fitness and experience.

Difficulty is derived from OpenStreetMap’s Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) hiking scale, trail visibility, surface, distance, and elevation gain. Always verify current conditions before heading out.

What to Pack & Wear

Personalised to this trail’s length, elevation, difficulty, and the live forecast.

👔 What to Wear

👕
UPF sun shirt (long sleeve)
Cooler than direct sun on bare skin.
🩳
Light shorts/skirt
Loose-fit, breathable.
🧢
Wide-brimmed sun hat
Plus a buff/bandana you can wet for cooling.
🕶
Polarized sunglasses
Critical for glare from sun + sand/water.
☔
Rain jacket / shell
50% chance of precipitation in the forecast.

🎒 What to Pack

💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
🧴
Sun protection (UV 7)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
🔦
Headlamp + spare batteries
Long days can run late — never rely on phone flashlight alone.
🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
🛍
Dry bags for electronics
Phone, camera, and snacks should stay dry.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Trail Safety in Virginia

Trail conditions in Virginia change with weather, season, and fire activity. Closures, washouts, and rerouting are common. Before heading out:

Check with the land manager for current conditions and closures
Tell someone your plan and expected return time
Know your turn-around limits — conditions can change fast
Carry the 10 essentials: water, food, navigation, first aid, light, fire, shelter, knife, sun protection, extra clothes

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is Appalachian Trail?

Appalachian Trail is rated Hard. Steep, technical, or long — good fitness and experience recommended.

Can I ride a bike on Appalachian Trail?

No — this trail is closed to bicycles.

What is the trail surface on Appalachian Trail?

The surface is wood. Wooden boardwalk — watch for slick conditions when wet.

When is the best time to hike Appalachian Trail?

Virginia has trail conditions that vary by season. Spring and fall usually offer the best mix of temperature and trail conditions. Check the 5-day forecast above for current outlook. Always verify trail status (closures, washouts, fire restrictions) with the local land manager before going.

Who manages Appalachian Trail?

Appalachian Trail is managed by Potomac Appalachian Trail Club. Check the operator’s website for current permits, fees, and restrictions.

References & Maps

View original OpenStreetMap record — source data
Open OpenStreetMap at trailhead
Driving directions (Google Maps)

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Hiker on a high alpine ridge above a glacial valley

Photo: Tobias MrzykHardVA

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