Hiking Mt Rogers

imported
#1

Was thinking about a short jaunt thru Mt Rogers next weekish, say VA 603 to Troutdale. Any thoughts on logistics (shuttles etc.)in Troutdale? I was thinking it would be nice to shuttle out and walk back.

Saluki Dave

#2

Parking overnight at 603 is a no-no. There have been LOTS of break-ins and car thefts at the lot there this year. You could park at my place in Damascus and I could run you to wherever you want to go.

Wolf

#3

Did the 4th of July weekend in Mt. Rogers environs…read a trip report here:

http://www.hypernews.org/HyperNews/get/trails/PATC/4133/2.html

Due to the VA603 parking problems, I was advised by a Ranger to park at Grindstone Campground nearby ($3/day access fee, well worth it IMO). There is a short access trail to the Mt. Rogers Trail, which leads to a couple of other options to the other trails, including the A.T. near Deep Gap.

If you don’t want to follow the same itinerary I did, looking at one of the area’s trail maps will give you some ideas of hikes you could put together that begin/end at Grindstone.

Another (safer parking) option would be Massie Gap inside Grayson Highlands State Park. There is also a daily access fee there. A number of circuit possibilities that begin/end at Massie Gap can be seen on a map as well.

“Skyline”

#4

Take wolf up on his offer; get him to shuttle you to Grayson Highlands (Massie gap) and hike to Damascus. That is a nice 33-34 miler.

weed killer

#5

I just got back from a great loop trip. I parked in grindstone cg at $3/day after stashing my pack near lewis fork/cliffside trailhead. I climbed cliffside trail-only downer was evidence of recent domestic horses. After looping the highlands, I went down the Mt. Rogers trail to my still intact vehicle. Lots of signs concerning the auto thefts at trailheads.
This all happened perfectly within the window of the cold front that pushed through with RECORD lows in Kingsport-we all figured it was in the 40’s each night-you could see your breath and the cold and blowing clouds were chilling!!
Of course the shuttle option is another way to avoid unsafe trailheads.
Some springs are starting to dry up and there’s still only one really good one that i know of up top where they’re all enclosed by stock fences.

tombone