The AFT is an Awesome Freaking Trail ;)
I drove to the trailhead off Rt 504 on Friday evening and slept in my Adventure Lincoln (the back seats lay down and the trunk is huge!). Alarm set for 4:30. On trail heading towards Ralph's Views at 4:53 am.
Clothing choice ~ shorts, a tank, a rain jacket, a Nathan vest (a gift from my friend, Jen). Rain was to come in the evening. The morning was clear and in the 50s. The temperature rose on the sunny day to the upper 70s. With no leaves on the trees yet, the trail was more exposed than I expected, and I felt like I was roasting at times. I grateful for the areas of shade! Light rain started some time after 5. Heavier rain started after 7. I was super glad I had my rain jacket to provide a layer of warmth, although with as much rain, it did not take long to get soaked through. I carried 1 Propel water bottle with a flip top lid, refilling numerous times. Nutrition ~ 3 servings of electrolytes, 6 mandarin, 3 servings salted pecan nuts, 2 servings salted cashews, 6 dates, 1 serving potato flakes, 2 servings oatmeal, 3 servings dried mango. I carried too much food, consuming 2 servings electrolytes, 6 mandarin, 1 serving pecan nuts, 1/2 serving salted cashews, 2 dates, all the mango. I wish I would have had a few more mandarins.
Sunrise was beautiful! I was atop the mountain around Ralph's view when it happening! This was unplanned and "majestic", as the sign says.
I saw 7 people during my journey. 2 Fisherman, 3 Backpackers, 2 Hikers.
Having hiked the trail last year, I had an idea of what to expect. There were rocky areas, some climbs, and some very smooth sections. I forgot about the "crowded" parts where the trail is engulfed in rhodedenrons and other vegetation.
The trail was in good shape, though with dry leaves crunching underfoot, I was unable to hear wildlife. I saw 1 turkey, 1 deer, 1 snake, and 1 bird. There were soupy spots, yet my feet stayed mostly dry until the rain came.
Dawning my headlamp for the last half mile, I finished at 8:25!