Is it really necessary for the AT to go over every boulder field in PA?

Harder hike today.  Started at Hawk Mountain Road and hiked to Port Clinton.  Started out with two miles uphill to the Pinnacle.  Fortunately it was a very gradual climb mostly on an old game land road and we were rewarded with a great view.

  Standing on the top, we noted that it is unusual to be the only people up there.  However, on the way down the other side we must have passed 50 people on their way up - including a large party of Asians who looked so neat coming up toward us with their colorful hats, jackets, and gloves.