I wanted to hike the the Grayson Highlands and am wondering what would be the best city to fly in to from Los Angeles. I would then rent a car and drive to the trail head (am thinking of starting around Fox Creek and walking to Damascus. Thanks
Jason
It might be cheaper to fly to Knoxville and drive a little over 2 hrs north on I-40 then I-81.
Contact Jeff at Mt. Rodgers Outfitters. You can park in Damascus and they can shuttle you north and then hike back to your car. That way you want be leaving your car in the middle of nowhere.
Remember it can get cold in the Highlands. Last year at the end of June it was in the 30’s at night.
Have a great hike that is a beautiful section this time of the year with the blooming rhododendron.
Papa Smurf
I would think Knoxville might be the way to go. Watch out with parking around Damascus, they have had several vehicle break-ins over the past couple of months. I hope you have better weather then I did last year. I was up there in July and it was raining, cloudy, cool(cold) and my camera lens was fogged over and I didn’t see a horse or pony. But, I did have a great time.
Bilko
I hiked that section in May of '04 and again in May '06. Weather was slightly colder this year with temps touching low 40’s, but both years beautiful days. Water is good this year, no dried out streams or springs.
Also, both years saw at least one sizeable herd of the feral ponies just past Thomas Knob Shelter heading NOBO, and in '04, saw another dozen or so as I headed towards Wise shelter. Remember to try to pack in some carrots or something that won’t hurt them if you want to feed them (They’ll eat anything, but Ramen and other processed foods not the best for them, and Forest Service prefers you don’t feed them at all).
Enjoy the section, one of the most beautiful I know of,
-xtn :boy
airferret
A couple of more questions. Do I need a permit to hike here?, and, if I wanted to hike around 70-100 miles and end in Damascus where would be a good place to start?
Thanks again for the help, I from Australia and appreciate the advice.
Jason
Jason,
You don’t need a permit. There are some boxes on poles with sign up list along the way when you pass from one area to another. You just sign your name, date and destination.
If you hike from Atkins, VA (on I-81) to Damascus, VA you will hike about 75 miles. It would be a good point to get a shuttle from Damascus. You could leave your car in Damascus and get a shuttle to Atkins. It may cost $50 to $100 but you should be able to find someone to take you. Then hike back to Damascus to your car. Call or e-mail Jeff at Mt. Rodgers Outfitters and ask him (you can contact them through there web site) or the Baptist Church or Methodist Church in Damascus they are very hiker friendly and my find someone to shuttle you.
Have a great hike … mate!
PS. Do you know Crocodile Dundee?
Papa Smurf
For Bilko, who missed the views:
http://www.richardsmith.net/wrsunrise1.html
And for Jason to look at to consider taking the ridge trail on Wilburn Ridge. Straight shot out of Grayson Highlands. I’ll be up there tomorrow. Park in Damascus and get a shuttle. I’ve had cars vandalized for years. *&%#! locals. Oh, wait, I am one.
local
Shuttle contacts in Damascus:
Call Wolf at 276-475-3532,
or Mount Rogers Outfitters, 276-475-5416,
or Sundog Outfitters, 276- 475-6252
Other information for hikers:
http://www.damascus.org/athikers.html
Richard Smith
Wolf I will take you up on that offer. I am looking to be over there on the 13th of this month. When i have booked my tix in the next few days I will call you on the above nos. It is a very generous offer, so thanks.
I don’t know Croc Dundee but I do know Paul Hogan.
once again, thanks all for your help.
Jason
Just got back (within the last hour) from a Atkins to Damascus hike–beautiful! Have fun with the scenery, the ponies, and all the hospitalities of the area!
gumball