Join us on a 10 person max, women’s only overnight backpacking trip exploring a ~14 mile loop hike exploring the Grayson Highlands. Get ready for an unforgettable trek through one of Virginia’s most stunning wilderness areas. We're heading into a land of windswept balds, wild ponies, rocky outcrops, and panoramic views.
Our hike will begin in Grayson Highlands State Park, connect with the Appalachian Trail, and head to the summit of Mount Rogers. You can look further into the trail map here (https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/document/data/trail-guide-graysonhighlands.pdf)
You can find a map of Mt. Rogers National Recreation area here (https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd480627.pdf).
The route for the first day is considered Strenuous and the route for the second day is considered Moderately Strenuous based on Shenandoah's Hiking Difficulty Formula. Please, only sign up if you are an experienced hiker. According to the SHD Formula, the Strenuous hike will challenge most hikers.
Itinerary:
Day 1 - ~8.5 miles +1,800 elevation gain / 1,400 decline rated as Strenuous
10 am - Meet at the backpacking parking lot. Two lots have been reserved. If you would like to drive separately, not carpooling with the group, you will need to reserve your own parking. You can find more resources on parking here (https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/blog/parking-for-overnight-backpacking-at-grayson-highlands)
from parking lot follow the AT Spur Trail 0.7 miles to the junction with the AT
make left on AT (southbound) for ~3.6 miles to the Mt. Rogers Spur trail
follow to the top of Mt. Rogers 0.5 miles. Good place to stop for snack/rest
backtrack 1.3 miles to the connector trail. Make right, go for 0.1 miles and then make left onto Crest Trail.
follow Crest Trail ~1.5 miles just past the Lewis Fork Trail intersection and look for fenced spring on left of trail to top off water for dinner/breakfast
continue on Crest Trail for ~ 1/4 to 1/2 mile until we find a nice campsite.
Looking at the satellite images of this area there looks to be an area of woods along this stretch that would accommodate any hammock campers
Day 2 - ~6.5 miles +950 elevation gain / 1,300 decline rated as Moderately Strenuous
continue on Crest Trail 1.6 miles to the intersection with the AT
merge onto the AT (southbound) for 4.1 miles to the AT Spur Trail
make left onto the AT Spur Trail 0.7 miles back to cars
Checkout for backpacking parking is at noon, so we will plan accordingly to be back by then.
Please note that there is a burn ban in effect in Virginia during this time.
You will be automatically waitlisted and added to the group based on question responses. We are asking for $10, nonrefundable, to cover the cost of parking and organizing the event.
photo credit Chris Dove from all trails.
