VA > Mt. Rogers Winter Hang<January 21-24, 2016<Grayson Highlands State Park

**dimjim** · 01-12-2016, 11:22

Originally Posted by mistone

Wheres the ovenighter going to be and how long is the hike ?

Hey mistone, glad you can make it on the hike. This is what HR shared with me about the hike, I don't think he'd mind me posting it for everyone to see, and here's a map (pdf) :

From HomeRun: "The hike would start at the backpacker's lot and take the connecting spur up to the AT. Once there we go uphill, southbound to the blue blaze Wilburn Ridge. Big views all around. Coming down off the ridge we'll reconnect with the AT and continue south through Rhododendron Gap. Pressing on, the trail takes us through lots of pine and green grassy spots where we'll find our hang spot for the night near Thomas Knob. Ponies can be seen through our whole route, although they tend to huddle in small herds through the winter months. It's good to pack plenty of water as the source at Thomas Knob can be spotty. The area where we camp has a huge view down into a long, spectacular valley that leads into North Carolina. Whitetop, the 2nd highest in Va is just off to the west (from our vantage point on the flank of Mt.Rogers, the highest peak.) Into North Carolina are all the pinnacles of that state...... Grandfather, Snake, and on a big view day, Roan.
It's a grand place to call home for a day."

Edit: Here is a good link I found describing a bit about the hike and shelter; seems to be about ~4 miles one way. http://www.southeasterntraveler.com/...lachian-trail/

**mistone** · 01-12-2016, 15:39

Thanks for the info dimjim sounds like a great hike!

**Home Run** · 01-12-2016, 19:53

Thanks Dimjim. Nice link, too! Reading it all makes me all the more excited!

**mistone** · 01-12-2016, 19:57

Just looked at the weather for grayson Highlands on thur to sunday.Friday looks like we may have some snow a few inches on Friday with winds about 5 mph out of the south . Looks like its going to stay in the mid 20s at night and thats thursday through sunday!And that it for now! Should see some snow out of this for some snow lovers and im one of them!!

**lowcountry** · 01-12-2016, 21:39

I will the new guy. Turns out I have business in Burlington, NC that week.

**smopoim86** · 01-12-2016, 21:39

Remember the 10 day forecast is pretty sloppy and the mountains like to make their own weather.

I'm a little picky about the weather, lol. I want it to snow or not precipitate and stay above single digits.

Waking up dehydrated to 3 degrees a couple years ago made for a bad day. I won't make the hydration mistake again. I know my nearly passing out had a couple guys shaken up a bit (they assumed it was hypothermia at first). It's a good feeling to know you're surrounded by experienced people that care and will look out for you when you're pushing the limits of your gear.

I'm really hoping to make it up for the hike Thursday. Is the plan to leave the parking lot at 1? Is the area you usually hang the wooded spot between Thomas knob shelter and the Mt Rogers spur trail?

**Home Run** · 01-12-2016, 23:14

Originally Posted by smopoim86

Remember the 10 day forecast is pretty sloppy and the mountains like to make their own weather.

I'm a little picky about the weather, lol. I want it to snow or not precipitate and stay above single digits.

Waking up dehydrated to 3 degrees a couple years ago made for a bad day. I won't make the hydration mistake again. I know my nearly passing out had a couple guys shaken up a bit (they assumed it was hypothermia at first). It's a good feeling to know you're surrounded by experienced people that care and will look out for you when you're pushing the limits of your gear.

I'm really hoping to make it up for the hike Thursday. Is the plan to leave the parking lot at 1? Is the area you usually hang the wooded spot between Thomas knob shelter and the Mt Rogers spur trail?

1-1:30 is target time to hit the trail.
The hang spot is before we reach TN Shelter. Lots of cover and trees. The shelter provides a good emergency bailout location as well.
With that in mind, it's always wise to pack a sleep mat.

**climbing.kevin** · 01-13-2016, 07:45

Woohoo! I got the go ahead from the girlfriend that I can make this trip!

First time ever going to Mt. Rogers!

**Hickery** · 01-13-2016, 08:14

The weather up on the balds will be entirely different than the campground.Be prepared if a zero gets added to that 5 mph wind forcast.I don't mind the cold,it's the wind that makes it tough on you and your gear.

**Shug** · 01-13-2016, 09:30

Originally Posted by Hickery

The weather up on the balds will be entirely different than the campground.Be prepared if a zero gets added to that 5 mph wind forcast.I don't mind the cold,it's the wind that makes it tough on you and your gear.

I like the wind Brian.........