Backpacking in Grayson Highlands State Park
Details
Join me for a 2.5-day backpacking trip through the Grayson Highlands, where we will get to experience incredible mountain views, spectacular sunsets, wildflowers, majestic forests, and maybe even some wild ponies!
This backpacking trip will begin at the trailhead at 10 am on Friday, April 17th, and we will plan to finish before midday on Sunday.
I have created a custom route with the link below.
Day 1: We will depart the trailhead at 10am, hiking about 10 miles and just under 1,700 ft elevation.
Day 2: We will begin our day early-to-mid morning, and hike 12 miles and almost 2,800 ft.
Day 3: Sunday morning, we will have just under 3 miles on mostly flat terrain to reach the trailhead, with enough energy for the drive home!
Total distance for the 2.5 days will be just under 25 miles and 4,500 ft vertical elevation gain. While this is not specifically geared towards beginner backpackers, I want all to feel welcome. If I haven't hiked or backpacked with you before, please feel free to still RSVP and I can reach out to you directly to review your experience and answer any questions!
There is a fee of $15 per vehicle to park in the overnight backpacking lot. Please book your permit in advance using the link below!
https://www.reservevaparks.com/Web/#!park/11
Below are a few housekeeping items that you must read in order to participate.
1. You must come prepared with all of your own gear for overnight backpacking, including enough food for 2.5 days, enough water (or the ability to filter water), navigation, and the ability to make it back to the trailhead on your own if separated, etc.
2. I am not a certified guide, nor will I be acting as the hiking guide for this trip. This is a social outing, everyone will be responsible for their own navigation, gear, essentials, etc. My goal is obviously to keep everyone safe, together, and having a good time, but I cannot guarantee anyone's safety. By RSVPing "yes" to this event, you are releasing me from any-and-all liability should you experience illness, injury, or worse during (or as a result of) this trip.
3. This trail is dog-friendly and you are welcome to bring your dog IF you can guarantee that they will be kept on a leash AT ALL TIMES. Zero exceptions.
4. Please brush up on your Leave No Trace Principles - https://www.nps.gov/articles/leave-no-trace-seven-principles.htm
5. There are bears in the park, so bring a bear canister. While there are some sites with bear boxes, they are not guaranteed. It is also not guaranteed that there will be trees to hang a bear bag, so bear canisters are recommended.
This event has a short RSVP deadline because of required permits. If you don't make an RSVP before the cutoff, please message me and I can check for availability of permits :-)
This will be an amazing trail, can't wait to share it with all of you!