[Composed: 7/2/2024]
Buzzard Hill is one of those hikes that looks perfect on paper: close to DC, relatively short (only 4'ish miles!) and with at least one notable feature, in this case, a waterfall. The hike is a tiny section of the Appalachian Trail, so it's easy to extend and could be turned into an overnight with ease. With all this going, how could the hike not be a winner?
With our niece C in town, we wanted to get some hiking time in. She expressed an interest in going on the AT so Buzzard Hill seemed like the perfect fit.
About 10 minutes in, I realized that this hike wasn't the slam dunk I'd hoped for. We were smack dab in the infamous section of the 2,197-mile AT, affectionately known as the 'Roller Coaster.' While the climbs weren't massive, they weren't trivial either. Up and down we hiked, and I realized that this trail wasn't the gentle introduction to the AT I'd hoped for. This was work, and after a summer of gaming and watching Netflix, C was feeling the grind.
We took the side trail to the waterfall and it was OK. There were multiple levels of waterfall to explore, but the rocks were wet, and the whole area was fairly treacherous. So while the waterfall wasn't a bust, it also didn't quite make up for the sweat equity spent getting there.
From the waterfall, we continued on to Buzzard Hill. More uphill. There's a very nice campsite at the summit, along with hints of great views. Alas, the vegetation makes it so there's no clear vista. Like the waterfall, it earns a 'nice but not spectacular' rating.
For nearly the entire length of the trail, pawpaw trees lined the path. Unfortunately, we only saw a couple of fruit, and they weren't ready to be harvested. Still, during the right time of year, this hike would be a glorious foraging location.
Another notable find on the trail was the '1000 miles from Georgia' marker. This helps put the AT in context, and you realize that for through-hikers this section of trail will hold a special place in their hearts.
I was excited to give C a first introduction to the AT. The thick tree cover provided for a maximum green-tunnel effect, but in this case, it helped keep us cool. We saw a bit of wildlife: a turtle, frog, a number of fascinating bugs, and a skink. Alas, we didn't see a wendigo like C had hoped for. Oh well, maybe next time.
Most importantly, I now appreciate that Buzzard Hill isn't an ideal option for introducing folks to the AT. What it gains in being close to DC, it loses in the elevation gain. It may have been a 4-mile hike, but it felt like a 10-miler.
Maybe I'll come back with Shira in the winter when we can roast hot dogs at the summit and take in the views. Or maybe I'll crack the pawpaw code here, and we'll come back for an epic haul.
Regardless, it was a real pleasure to hike with C. Whatever exhaustion she incurred helped save the next unfortunate soul we might have dragged out for a 'quick hike on the AT.' For that, C is a hero.
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