Firming up campout plans

**Just Jeff** · 12-31-2006, 08:55

I posted a campout board in Hammocking News that has the most recent info. Update and discuss here, then I'll update that as info changes. Send me a PM if I miss a change, like if you've signed up to bring something for Saturday's dinner. And make sure everything I put on there is accurate. Someone who knows the area - which parking area, how far to the shelter, and what's the best trail to use?

**Bird Dog** · 12-31-2006, 14:02

I have all of the AT maps of the area. FYI, Wise shelter is pretty small (sleeps 8 I think) for those of you who have not been. The water source at the shelter was pretty iffy the last time I was there, but there is a strong creek very nearby. Im all for a community cookout on Saturday and am willing to bring buns (Just need a count of how many are needed prior to the big weekend).

I can look at my AT map for a place to park, etc., but would rather someone with more experience with the area make the decision on that.

Slowhike & Just Jeff - You guys still planning on riding with me? If so, when do you want to leave - Friday or Saturday? Im good for either one.

BD

**Coffee** · 12-31-2006, 14:54

I don't think we need to be to concerned with Shelter space. I think everyone from what I read is planning to hang, the shelter is just a back up if someone gets cold.

**The Breeze** · 12-31-2006, 15:17

http://hikingthecarolinas.com/Mt%20Rogers1.php hope this helps some???????

**Just Jeff** · 12-31-2006, 18:01

Bird Dog - I'm still planning on the carpool, and I'd like to head up Friday. Added your name to the buns on the trip board.

**blackbishop351** · 12-31-2006, 18:55

Space in my Jeep is still available to anyone willing to meet me anywhere along NC 421 between Greensboro and US 77. You'd have to be willing to put up with me smoking some on the way though, of course

**slowhike** · 12-31-2006, 18:59

i'm not sure if they can manage w/o me at work that fri<g>, but i'll find out tomorrow & let you know.
you can put me down for chips. let me know if i'll be the only one bringing chips so i can be sure to bring plenty. ...tim

**Coffee** · 01-01-2007, 12:34

When it gets closer people who know the area will have to let me know if my car can make it to the parking area. My car sucks in the snow. If needed I may need a short ride from someone.

**slowhike** · 01-01-2007, 12:53

i will lay out some basic info on getting to wise shelter. check & make sure i have it right.
hwy 58 in VA. will take you to the entrance to greyson highlands state park.http://www.dcr.state.va.us/parks/graysonh.htm
when you enter the park, it's all up hill & for a good ways.
1st you will come to the check-in booth which will be un-attended this time of year.
there's a fee for overnight parking & you'll find envelopes there to put your cash or check in. it has a tear-off to put on your mirror or dash w/ a number that matches the number on your payment envelope.
this just lets the rangers know that you paid the parking fee for that vehechcial. you don't have to put the info about arrival/departure date, & destination if you don't want.
i'll call to confirm the amount & if it's required this time of year, but i believe the cost is $3.00 per vehicle, per day.
that means $6 for a one night stay & $9 for a two night stay (per vehicle).
as you continue up the park road you will pass the enterance to the picknic area on the right. a little ways farther, you will turn into the paved road leading to the camp ground. these are easy to see because of the normal, brown park signs.
as soon as you turn onto the campground road, you will see the gravel parking area for overnight packpacking on the left, but unless you plan to hike in by a longer route, keep going on the camp ground road.
as you begin to enter the campground, you will see a small building (divided by a breezeway) on the right, w/ a sign that says "country store".
strait across, on the left, is the parking area that will get you closest to wise shelter.
last time i was there, they had a port-a-john in that little parking area, but i don't know if they leave those out all year or not.
at the back-side of the parking lot, you'll see a wide, gated, multi-use trail (like a forest service road) that you'll follow by foot.
there are a couple trails that go off of that trail, but the main trai is obvious & you just stay on that.
you will cross two creeks that are not deep but just wide enough that they could make it a challenge to keep your feet dry... depends on the water flow & if there is snow or ice on the rocks.
after 20-30 minutes, the AT will cross the trail/road that you have been walking.
take a left on the AT. you'll soon cross a creek on a wooden foot bridge (w/ hand rails) & a couple minutes later be at wise shelter.
the whole walk took me about 40 minutes.