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hiking@40
07-28-2015, 04:48
Originally planned hike in July, but plans changed. Now committed to hiking in October. I have decided on hiking Fox Creek to Damascus. Sometime in mid-October. Since I'm a flat lander I need advice on the weather down there (or up there) at this time. Should I expect snow? What's average temp is this area at this time of year. Any info/advice is welcomed, thanks.

illabelle
07-28-2015, 05:44
Intellicast.com shows average temps in Damascus in mid-October to be lows in the upper 30s, highs in the upper 60s. Add/subtract 15-20 for record highs/lows. Subtract 10-15 for mountain elevation.

I wouldn't hesitate to go through that area in mid-October, provided there's not a significant weather event in the forecast. Expect the balds in GHP to be very windy. Beautiful area, by the way!

Tuckahoe
07-28-2015, 06:31
Here is a link to the Friends of Grayson Highlands SP weather station -- http://www.graysonfriends.org/pages/ww.html

It will give you current conditions as well as historic data. For example here is October 2014 as a potential indicator of average weather conditions -- http://weather.graysonfriends.org/NOAA/NOAA-2014-10.txt

misprof
07-28-2015, 06:43
We did the area last year the second to last week in October. It was beautiful. The nights were cold and higher up it was windy 35 to 50mph were we camped. Other had it higher. The next weekend they had 6" of snow. I would do it again in a heart beat. The pic is of me trying to stay up right.
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bigcranky
07-28-2015, 06:51
Great time of year to hike. It'll be chilly at night, but snow is unlikely.

saltysack
07-28-2015, 08:06
I did it in mid October a few years ago!!! Imo much better than July! It was perfect 35-55degrees...doing again this year...


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LittleRock
07-28-2015, 10:13
Did that same section NOBO last October. Loved it! Make sure you bring a 20 degree bag and plenty of warm clothes - it gets pretty cold and windy up in Grayson Highlands.

TheOneGuy
07-28-2015, 17:03
When you get near whitetop, be sure to wear some orange! No snow, but you'll probably see some 30's at night.

The Solemates
07-28-2015, 17:22
we were there over halloween last year and got 6 inches of snow. be prepared...you never know.

hiking@40
07-29-2015, 23:53
Thanks for the advice everyone!

Ryder
08-06-2015, 21:28
I'm headed there in October as well! :)