September Grayson Highlands Hike

**WrongTurn** · 07-17-2010, 16:29

Looking to plan a Friday Saturday Sunday hiking trip around Grayson Highlands in SW VA. The parking lot there at Massie Gap provides a perfect spot to piece together a weekend loop hike. Wondering if anyone would be interested in doing this.

**slowhike** · 07-18-2010, 08:47

It's challenging for me to make to many commitments that far in advance right now, but if it works out for you & some others, I'd like to join you if I can get away.

**WrongTurn** · 07-18-2010, 16:49

Sounds Good. Cooldays and I attempted to do something like this in May, but missed each other. As many know, cell phone service in the park is non existent, and i suck with directions hence the name.

I'm sitting here looking at my map, and I'm trying to piece together a decent, easy paced weekend. Weather should be pretty nice towards the end of the month.

Looking at my map, and just throwing out ideas.

Start at Massie Gap Parking lot Friday night. Take the blue blaze up in to the highlands where the spur trail intersects with the AT.

Head SOBO to Thomas Knob Shelter where we could cook at Friday evening. Plenty of trees right down the trail from Thomas Knob, or for those of us ground dwellers a place to sleep Friday night.

Saturday head back NOBO on the AT and then take the Pine Mountain Trail across the Highlands and then intersect again with the AT and head SOBO to Wise Shelter the location of the ever popular MRWHO. Stay around there Saturday evening, and then Sunday AM a short hike back out to Massie Gap parking lot.

**cooldays** · 07-18-2010, 21:01

don't you want to go when the bluberries are there?

**WrongTurn** · 07-18-2010, 21:46

When do the blueberries come Cooldays? I'm planning on doing more than 1 trip this fall, just figured it would be a fun way to celebrate coming home after a summer at the beach working.

**slowhike** · 07-18-2010, 22:57

Originally Posted by WrongTurn

When do the blueberries come Cooldays?

Seams that we hit them near their peak at the highest elevations there around the end of July & early Aug.

**WrongTurn** · 07-18-2010, 23:57

I wont be back in Southwest Virginia until the 15th. I work my last day for the summer on the 14th.

**Muskrat** · 07-19-2010, 07:08

I did a 5 day trek last Sept (Labor Day weekend) and I think our first day was the longest. Went from Massie Gap to Wise Shelter that day. Didn't help that the blueberries were still in season . . .

**GvilleDave** · 07-19-2010, 15:32

I already am headed there on the weekend of 7/31 for a trip with son, brother & nephew. I will share a trip report when we get back. Anywhere special I should be looking for the blueberries?

We are planning a similar route that Ashman took w/ his family a few weeks back. Check out his recent trip report for details.

**WrongTurn** · 07-20-2010, 06:28

I'm thinking if we wait until the mid to late part of September the bugs will be gone, and it should have cooled off a bit in the park. Still looking to make a weekend out of it.