Mount Rogers overnight

[Topper1963]

Did an overnight backpack trip from Massie Gap up to Mount Rogers last Saturday.

Started up about 1:00. Sunny and 70's. Took the AT connector from the Massie Gap overnight lot and then headed "south" on the AT up to Rhododendron Gap, past Thomas Knob Shelter, and up the top of Mount Rogers. Not much to see up there other than the marker to say you've been to the highest point in VA

Came back down and hiked back to around Rhododendron Gap and found some trees to hang in. The area was really crowded. Looked more like a camp ground than a primitive area.

Beautiful hanging weather. Was mid 40's with just a little wind.

[Big Papi]

topper, i was there too. I never did see you though. we were camped about 1/4 mile north on the AT northboumd from thomas knob. we met lots of through hikers all weekend, great weather, glad we lft yesterday, severe rains due for today

[NCPatrick]

Sorry I missed you guys. I went elsewhere (closer to home). Glad you had some time up there.

[Joey]

Great photos! I love when I can set my tarp up in porch mode. Being able to see out like that, especially being above ground, gives more of a sense of being apart of the area. Crowded or not, always good to get out on the trail. Thanks for sharing the beautiful pics!

[Topper1963]

I saw a few other hammockers up there mixed in with all the tents.

One of the scout troops I chatted with had a scout using a hammock who was working hard on getting the big blue tarp to work out

As I sat under the "porch" eating reconstituted scrambled eggs for breakfast (if only the real things traveled better) Sunday morning I started hearing thunder to the west. Didn't linger over long after that. Just a few sprinkles and lots of ponies on the way back to the parking lot.

Papi - How is the hike coming in from the west ? This was my first time backpacking there. I look forward to getting back up and exploring more of the area.

[Big Papi]

The hike coming in from the west is longer, but less steep. It is uphill most of the way which kicks my butt, coming in from massie gap is steeper, but i think easier. although i was doing it on only 2 hours of sleep the night before at a truck stop in west virginia. I am learning that the older i get, the less physically appealing the "drive all night to get there by dawn" idea is. It messes me up too much.

I heard the thunder too, but nothing ever materialized on top. Monday i woke up in a cloud (literally), but it cleared out and the hike out was real nice.

side note: for those hikers who are not as physically gifted, the virginia highlands horse trail is a much easier route, much more gentle grade to get into the highlands (or out).

side note 2: this area is too rocky for trail shoes in my opinion. I missed my boots terribly. feet took a beating on all the rocks.