Overnight Backpacking in Roan Highlands

Let's embark on a 20-mile, 4,400 ft elevation gain trip spread out over two (and a half) days!
On Friday night, we will arrive at Carver's Gap parking lot at 6:30 pm. We will do a quick gear check, consolidate what we can, and head out (aiming for 7 pm departure from the trailhead). We will head South on the Appalachian Trail to Roan High Knob, 760 ft elevation gain over 1.6 miles, and will make it to camp right around sunset. We will set up camp, have dinner, and relax.
Saturday morning, we will wake up, have coffee/breakfast, pack up, and head out of camp between 8:30 am and 9:30 am. We will hike back towards Carver's Gap (pass the parking lot), and head North on the Appalachian Trail, take a break at Jane Bald, then head on to Grassy Ridge Bald (a good spot to stop for lunch). We will continue on to Stan Murray Shelter where we can filter water if needed. This point is about 8-9 miles in (total), so make sure to have enough water for that distance (including what you need for food/coffee/tea). You can also keep an extra stash of water in your car and grab it when we pass by on Sat morning :-) After another break/water filtering (if needed), we will carry on toward the Overmountain Shelter Area and find camping nearby. There is water available at this spot as well. There are no reservations/campsites/permits available for this area; it is all first-come, first-served. The total planned for the day will be 9.1 miles and 1,175 ft elevation gain, but be prepared for an additional 2 miles and 800 ft elevation gain just in case. After we find a spot, we will have plenty of time to set up camp, relax, have dinner, enjoy the sunset, and stargaze!
Sunday will be the BIG elevation day :-) Just for fun, we will add a little lollipop loop at the beginning of the day (about 2.5 miles). We can always opt for this as a morning hike and then circle back to pack up camp if we want. It will depend on how everyone is feeling :-) From there (Overmountain Shelter Area), we will head back to our cars at Carver's Gap, about 5.5 miles. With the beginning of the day loop, the total for the day will be 8 miles and 2,500 ft elevation gain. We will pass the same water source on the way out if needed, and can always use that as a spot for a snack/lunch break. I don't anticipate that we will need the full day, but I am planning for an end time of 4 pm to be on the safe side.

I will note that this is all a tentative plan, as things may change based on the availability of sites for camping, weather, how the group is feeling, etc.

Please also note that I am not a certified guide and by RSVPing to this event, you release me (and all hosts) from all liability, should you be injured (or worse) during, or as a result of, this trip.

This trail is dog-friendly, and well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome. If you bring your dog, you must have them on a leash at all times, for the safety of your dog, other dogs, humans, and wildlife. If you cannot abide by this rule, this is not the trip for you.

I'd like to give a shout-out and a big high-five to Matthew for sharing that there will be a meteor shower in mid-August, which inspired this trip! We picked the Roan Highlands because we will be able to camp on the balds with a (hopefully) unobstructed view of the night sky (weather and "campsite" availability pending).

This trail is strenuous, so if you haven't hiked with the group before, we will need to chat about your backpacking/hiking experience to make sure this is the right trip for you :-) Backpacking beginners aren't excluded from the trip, but let's have a chat first!

Please only RSVP if you plan to attend. I understand if plans change at the last minute and you need to cancel, but please message me and update your RSVP. If you no-show for more than one event (without notice), you will be moved to the waitlist for future events.

Thank you all so much and can't wait to experience this with you!