Grayson Highlands Loop

[Mike_O]

I am taking the 10 year old nephew hiking next weekend (7/30). I thought that we would leave the park going north to Scales then back south along the Crest Trail. I plan on spending the night on the Crest trail side then hiking out Sunday morning.

Has anyone done this hike lately?

What I really need to know is how are the water sources on the Crest Trail? Looking at the map it seem that we will be fine water wise on the AT side but I only see one water source on the Crest. Does anyone have any different info?

[Ewker]

there is a water source on the Crest Trail in 2 places. One is where it gets close to the Pine Mountain trial and the other spot is after it passes the AT on Rhododendron Gap


If I was you I would do the Pine Mountain trail. You will be in the woods and not out in the sun.

Lots of campsites at Rhododendron gap plus the ponies may come and visit you.


See attached map

[Mike_O]

Thank you Ewker.

I've waffled back and forth between Crest and Pine Mountain. Crest for the views and like you said Pine maybe cooler. I may make that call when we get to Scales.

I've looked at the same map is there a sign showing the water source on either trail? I was thinking that we would end up somewhere around there for the evening. It would let us fill up with water for Dinner/Breakfast and not have to carry much from Scales.

[Ewker]

the water source at the Crest Trail and Rhododendron gap trail intersection is to the right just as you start down the Rhododendron gap trail. There is a trail leading down to it. It has a corral around it to keep the ponies out.

Not sure on the other water source. I haven't done the Crest trail yet. I know on the Pine Mtn. trail I found a small water source. It was flowing across the trail. I walked up into the grass about 50' and look for horse crap before I filtered. Never saw any so we filled up there before the climb up to Rhododendren Gap

[GvilleDave]

Mike - I may see you up there. I am doing a group hike w/ 4 dads and 4 sons that weekend. We are starting at Massie Gap and looping around the backside of Mt Rogers on the Mt Rogers trail down to the Fairwood Valley Trail over to the AT and back to Massie Gap on the AT. Two nights / 3 days. Hope for both our sakes we have good weather...

[Mike_O]

Good deal Dave. We are only doing an overnight, his first one.

I'm looking forward to getting out of this heat here on the coast. Highs in the 80's sounds wonderful, hope it doesn't rain.

[Visionmonger]

Hey guys, I just got back from that one. Spectacular. I will tell you that the Pine Mt. trail is very rocky and dry as a bone. I found and dug a spring right behind the Scales, I think it was either just at the mouth of the the Scales trail or the Highlands trail entrance, behind the trailer. Remember, you are in the highlands, there are places where there is no where to hang a hammock!
Check out the video I made.

[Mike_O]

Watched the video this morning, thanks.

I'm thinking of camping half way between Scales and Rhodo Gap. Looks like I may have trees there, what do you think?