After a month-long break, I am hitting the trail again for another section hike (#7). This time, it will be a 3-day hike, commencing at Big Meadows in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia.

A month can bring significant changes in weather conditions. The temperature difference between last month's hike and this one is nearly 30 degrees cooler, marking my first cold weather excursion. As before, I stopped at the ranger station to register my hike and obtain a backcountry permit. With my car parked near the Big Meadows Campground, I am all set and eager to begin hiking.

Back on the trail, I can feel the arrival of autumn in the air. The leaves have begun their transformation, displaying early signs of changing color, with some already carpeting the ground.

It seems the deer was peacefully munching on leaves, but judging by its expression, I may have startled it.

I discovered a side trail leading to Bearfence Rock Scramble, which offered a magnificent 360-degree view of the Virginia Piedmont and Shenandoah Valley.

I reached the Bearfence Mountain hut around 5 PM, located about 0.3 miles south of the AT via a side trail. Being the first to arrive, I made some evening coffee and prepared an early dinner as the sun was setting quickly on this chilly October day. Later in the evening, a few southbound hikers joined me at the hut.