Loop hike through Grayson Highlands

[tucker0104]

I think I have a pretty good/relaxing loop picked out for the grayson highlands. Starting off at SR603, take trail to Deep Gap, take AT north to Iron mountain trail then back to SR603. Or just dropping in at Massie gap and doing that same loop. Anyone done that trail before that recommends doing it? What are the preferred camping sites? Any other information?

[Trail Bug]

You may want to check out http://www.midatlantichikes.com/
Information on several trail loops in that area.

[bigcranky]

Nice loop. I think it's around 24 miles. I would park in the state park or in Grindstone Campground -- costs a couple of bucks but safer. Plenty of campsites, but no camping at Deep Gap itself.

[Mr. Bumpy]

IMT is under appreciated IMO.

[Praha4]

good thread, will be following ideas cuz my brother in law wants to do a short 2-3 day hike somewhere in that area this month. SW Virginia is really nice during fall colors season.

[tucker0104]

What are the best campsites for that loop? Has anyone campe din Wilson Creek? I was thinking about heading out there the night before and camping out there.

[Siestita]

"Plenty of campsites, but no camping at Deep Gap itself."

Deep Gap area camping has simply been relocated. Start at Deep Gap itself, the overgrown clearing where the AT and VA Highlands Horse Trail connect. That's now "No Camping". Walk about 150 yards southbound from there on the AT until you'll come to the back side of a sign marking the beginning of the "No Camping" zone. From that spot a short, unmarked use trail goes up hill through the woods for about 75 yards to a large, flat, area that has good camp sites.

[Siestita]

" Has anyone camped in Wilson Creek? I was thinking about heading out there the night before and camping out there."

Many have camped near Big Wilson Creek, but few have attempted to sleep within the stream itself. I'm assuming you're referring to the creek crossing where the northbound AT leaves Grayson Highlands S.P.and enters National Forest land. The Wise Shelter is located there, on State Park property. Reportedly, the only way to do overnight back country stays within the State Park legally is by sleeping in that shelter. So, tenting is not legal right at the shelter. But, there are good (and legal) campsites 100 yards northbound from the shelter, across the creek on National Forest land. Appreciating its location only 2 1/5 miles from Massie Gap, I've used that "across the creek" clearing as a place to conveniently camp after driving for hours to reach the Highlands.

[Tipi Walter]

" Has anyone camped in Wilson Creek? I was thinking about heading out there the night before and camping out there."

Many have camped near Big Wilson Creek, but few have attempted to sleep within the stream itself. I'm assuming you're referring to the creek crossing where the northbound AT leaves Grayson Highlands S.P.and enters National Forest land. The Wise Shelter is located there, on State Park property. Reportedly, the only way to do overnight back country stays within the State Park legally is by sleeping in that shelter. So, tenting is not legal right at the shelter. But, there are good (and legal) campsites 100 yards northbound from the shelter, across the creek on National Forest land. Appreciating its location only 2 1/5 miles from Massie Gap, I've used that "across the creek" clearing as a place to conveniently camp after driving for hours to reach the Highlands.

Yes, I've camped at that spot several times, in fact the last time the forest honchos had a prescribed burn and everything was black with soot.


Here's a pic of the spot by Wise Shelter on the other side of Wilson Creek.



Here's a pic on an "interior trail"---Kabel trail and Big Wilson Creek trail. Horse damage is stupendous.



First Peak Trail wraps around Stone Mt and eventually intersects the AT on Stone.



Another good inside trail is Cliffside, probably the toughest trail in the Mt Rogers area. It leaves "Lewis Fork Gap" and loops around to Old Orchard Shelter.



Everybody knows this place---Wise shelter.



Another shot like the top shot, of the campsites near Wise Shelter but on the "legal" side of the creek.

For trip reports, see---
http://tipiwalter.smugmug.com/Backpa...r-In-Mt-Rogers

http://tipiwalter.smugmug.com/Backpa...yson-Highlands

[Mr. Bumpy]

Wilson Creek side has some great places to roam. Sometimes the maps and signs don't match up but the area is pretty well defined. Between that and mud and high water this past July my annual pilgrimage to the Highlands included some extended bushwhacking. We had a bunch of fun with that even with two 10 year olds. I think that the Highlands is tending towards overuse but that the Wilson Creek area, although is not as spectacular as the the main part of the highlands, doesn't get half the use as the rest of the area and still offers a lot. There are good camp spots on First, Second, and Third Peaks.

[mtnkngxt]

Camped at Wilburn Meadow above Massie Gap last night and on the legal side of the creek saturday night. Awesome weekend but major trail damage everywhere from horses

[Tipi Walter]

Camped at Wilburn Meadow above Massie Gap last night and on the legal side of the creek saturday night. Awesome weekend but major trail damage everywhere from horses

I can't stand the things. Here's a discarded shoe on the Lewis Fork trail---a river of mud and stool. Welcome to Mt Rogers.

[mtnkngxt]

Walter I agree. The riders ignore the hike only trails and tear up the AT. The ponies are habitual offenders now as well. Had one try to eat the buckles off of my pack Sunday. I remember when they bit and kicked, now they're like 1000 pound puppies.