Mt Rogers Grayson Highlands- 3 days Backpacking
Details
Mt. Rogers, Grayson Highlands in Independence Day
The highest natural point in the state of Virginia
This trip will take 3 full days + driving time, plan accordingly.
We will be leaving Thursday 2 after work and coming back Sunday 4 in the evening.
Mount Rogers is the highest natural point in the state of Virginia, USA, with a summit elevation of 5,729 feet (1,746 m) above sea level. It lies in Grayson County and Smyth County, Virginia, about 6.45 miles (10.38 km) WSW of Troutdale, Virginia, within the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area and Jefferson National Forest.
For a previous, click here.
To reach the summit we will follow the Appalachian Trail southbound to a blue-blazed trail leading to the summit itself, actually there is NOT a panoramic view to enjoy from here, the summit is covered by trees and marked with four National Geodetic Survey triangulation station disks; a standard station disk marked with an equilateral triangle and three standard reference disks marked with arrows pointing towards the station disk. Because the Appalachian Trail passes within a half mile of the summit, the area is especially popular with hikers.
Mount Rogers is the northernmost habitat of the high-altitude Southern Appalachian spruce-fir forests, which are found in only five other locations in the United States: the Great Smoky Mountains, the Black Mountains, the Great Balsam Mountains, Grandfather Mountain, and Roan Mountain. This forest type is one of the few remaining habitats of the Fraser fir, which is only found at high elevations, typically above 5,500 feet (1,700 m), in the southern Appalachian Mountains.
Elevation: 5,729 ft (1,746 m)
Location: Grayson / Smyth counties, Virginia.
Mt. Range: Blue Ridge Mountains
Distance from DC area: 335 mile
Driving time: 6 hr. (12HR round trip)
We will expend the first night on a horse campground because by the time we arrive the main campground will be close, since we will be arriving at mid-night or later. there is not reason to continue at that time.
Next day around 9-10 am. after a good breakfast we drive to campground and leave the cars on they parking lot, we will be ready to continue as describe in trail description (map & trail description coming soon)
Hiking trail description:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Wbj81LvwUP9OkFJbwqgTX02_7FSTidZT/view?usp=sharing
Gear list:
1.) Tent
2.) Sleeping bag
3.) Sleeping pad
4.) 2 pieces rain suit - NOT poncho.
5.) 2-3 Extra pair of socks.
6.) Backpacking stove + pot/cup/dish/spoon
7.) Dehydrate food for your self.
8.) Camel bag/bottle or similar for drinking water.
9.) Snacks/sandwich/power bars or equivalent, etc.
10.) Water - for first day, Saturday and Sunday we will refuel from a
stream.
11.) Sun protection - Bug repellent
I will recommend to buy this map ahead of time if you want to be confident of the area we will backpacking:
http://www.amazon.com/Country-Highlands-National-Geographic-Illustrated/dp/1566956641/ref=sr_1_fkmr3_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1428117352&sr=8-1-fkmr3&keywords=Mt.+Rogers%2C+Grayson+Highlands+map
CARPOOL: Don't forget if you want a ride or are willing to offer a ride – be a friend to the environment, save money, and make friends by just posting a message!!
Have a ride: Please post where you are coming from, what time, and how many spots you have.
Need a ride: Post that you need a ride and contact any offers via e-mail for those that are offering rides.
Riders: Carpool is NOT free, you must share gas expenses in equal parts whit all occupants on the vehicle.
Link to last videos/pictures from this same trip:
https://goo.gl/photos/vfcf2neeiRjw8Ymz5