Grayson Highlands State Park and Overnight at Ruby's Rest in Damascus
- March 2 · 7:00 AM
Grayson Highlands State Park (VirginiaOutdoors.com)
Latitude: 36.628322, Longitude: -81.496889
Grayson Highlands is Virginia's third largest state park with just over 4500 acres of land and is located in Grayson County near Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. Our elevation is higher than any other state park in Virginia and we are best known for our beautiful vistas and the wild ponies that live in the highlands. Expect to see spectacular views from our many trails and overlooks, such as the famous Sugarlands Overlook on the main park road. On a clear day, you can see for 70 miles and in the fall the red leaves of the sugar maples create a beautiful sight. The park offers 15 miles of trails for hiking plus year round access to the 2,184 mile long Appalachian Trail that runs from Georgia to Maine. For equestrians, we provide access to the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail, a beautiful trail that takes horse lovers 68 miles through national forest. This hikers paradise offers access to Mount Rogers, Virginia's highest peak. The park also offers camping, picnicking, fishing, hunting and horse stables.
Event Description:
We will drive to Grayson Highlands State Park Saturday morning to catch the sunset. We will be hiking at a photographer's pace (moderate pace with frequent stops) and about 3-6 miles. Saturday night will be perfect for eating out since many places will be closed on Sunday. We will then wake up the following morning to catch the sunset with the horses. Be prepared for beautiful scenery and about 6-8 miles of hiking.
Ruby's Rest:
We will be staying at Ruby's Rest in Damascus (45 minutes from Grayson Highlands State Park). The cost is very reasonable at $10 a person. The cabin comfortably sleeps 4, but we can sleep 6 if a couple sleep on the floor. I am okay with sleeping on a thermarest. RSVP's will be limited to 6. If enough people are interested, we will reserve another place in addition to this cabin.
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matt
Josh has anyone claimed leah's space in the room since it may be a little cold to camp this weekend
February 26
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Shelley Hartman
Hey Matt, Josh and I will be staying in a different cabin and we've had some cancellations, so there will be plenty of room for you in the cabin :)
February 26
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Shelley Hartman
Seeing as we've had some cancellations, there should be enough room for everyone on the event to stay in the cabin now. Josh and I have booked another cabin with our friends Rachel and Tony so that will free up some space as well.
February 26
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Leah
I have to cancel for this weekend's trip. I'm really sorry for the late notice, and I wish I could go. My parents have decided to visit this weekend instead of March 9th. I'm definitely interested in attending other events with this group in the future, and I'm sad that I have to miss this trip. Hope you all have a fabulous time!
February 26
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Lisa Pearson
I'm very sorry but they are forecasting a 50% chance of snow both days and that is weather that's just to cold for me to hike in. :(
February 25
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Laura Herring
I had to switch my rsvp. I am sorry for the late notice! I have an out-of-town friend that was unable to reschedule a visit. I am very very interested in doing this exact trip in the future if others would be as well! I'm really looking forward to a trip with this group!
February 25
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Josh Hartman
Bring good hiking boots and winter clothes. Expect it to be cold and windy.
February 24
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Josh Hartman
Hey everyone! I just wanted to make sure that a second place is booked. We have a hostel reserved at Ruby's Rest and can fit a maximum of 6 people (Kirk, Karin, Leah, Shelley, myself, and another person). We just need someone to reserve another place.
Shelley had recommended this hotel: http://www.hikersinndamascus.co...
I'm looking forward to this event!
February 23
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Lisa Pearson
It's just one queen bed but if one of the ladies is okay with it then sure!
February 23
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Josh Hartman
I have Kirk, Karin, Esther, Leah, Shelley, and myself down for the cabin at Ruby's Rest (unfortunately there is only one available).
If the people on the waiting list are interested in splitting a hotel, I can add you all to the RSVP list. There are plenty of cute places in Damascus. Let me know your thoughts.
January 31
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matt
i am contacting the hostel to see if they have any open rooms would anyone on the wait list be interested in sharing
February 18
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Devon Broughton
I looked a little last night. There is a hostel there for about 55/65 a night on a private room and 25/night on shared...I may not be remembering that correctly. They have coffee in the am and a shower for all to use. There are several b & b's. The old mill was the most of the three and probably not what anyone would want to spend on this trip. They didn't advertise their off season rates but on season was 125 & up. Miss Ginny's b&b seems like a good bang for your buck with the exception that her highly talked about breakfasts are served at 8am so don't think that would even be able to be enjoyed since i believe the idea was to get started early?(I could be wrong). But I think that was around 65 or less per night. A lot of cyclists and probably hikers go there. The hostel is the hiker hotel or something like that.
February 1
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Devon Broughton
I'm contemplating staying in a tent. I have a friend who might be interested in staying with me in the tent IF that is ok with the group size on this trip. I've camped out at Mt. Rogers before, which is in this area...it's nice. If others are thinking about tent camping, let me know. You can bring dogs to the hostel, fyi and I didn't know the policy on bringing a dog. I've been training mine with his own backpack this year and would love to take him if that is acceptable with the group.
February 13
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Josh Hartman
Shelley, yes the plan is to leave Saturday morning and come back Sunday. I can open up more spots, but the additional people attending would be responsible for finding a hotel.
January 31
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Shelley
It's a great place- great views, horses, and Damascus has the bike ride as well. I would be glad to stay in a hotel or other place. Been there before to do the bike thing and GH. Just camped before so don't know the places. Are you saying leave in the morning Sat. and come back Sunday afternoon?
January 31
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Josh Hartman
I talked to Ruby's Rest. They are only going to charge us $10 a person. It will be a bit cozy and a couple people will need to sleep on the floor. I'll volunteer. :)
January 30
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Karin C.
I don't mind sleeping on the floor either. Can be prepped for it. I'm looking forward to photography paced hiking (:
January 30
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8 attended
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Tony +1
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Shelley Hartman
Co-Organizer
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