I'm heading to the Grayson Highlands for a few days with my daughter from 7/1 through 7/5. We are hoping to start at Massie Gap and head up to the AT, Possibly going up to the Old Orchard shelter, heading back to the AT and then taking the Pine Mt Trail, reconnecting with the AT and then back to Massie Gap. I read several of the posts in this forum, but couldn't find any clear information on camping. Is backcountry camping allowed in this area? From what I can tell, it is NOT allowed in the state park but it is in the national forest. Also, do you think this would be a good hike for a 12 yr old who really hasn't done any backpacking before? My thought is to just do a couple of miles the day we arrive, then maybe 5 miles the next two days.