Mount Rogers/Grayson Highlands

WOW, WOW, and WOW.

Several weeks in the planning was a weekend away which would allow us adventure girls to travel to the far western corner of the state to hike Mount Rogers, which was number one on the list of top 20 hikes.  We were all anticipating this hike because every review and every picture viewed prior to making this trek was wonderful.  Needless to say, this one will be no different.  Mount Rogers and Grayson Highlands is a feast for the senses and a must-see for every hiker in Virginia.

This hike boasts everything but the kitchen sink.  There are wonderful alpine meadows, there are fabulous rock scrambles, there are enchanted emerald forests, and there are even wild ponies.  We were constantly in awe of what we saw; we were amazed at what we felt; and even enjoyed some of the smells.

We started at the Massie Gap parking lot within Grayson Highlands State Park.  From there, we crossed a field and ventured through a stile on to the Rhododendron Trail.  We were greeted from the start by signs warning us of extreme weather changes and were wondering if we had on enough clothes.  (Some would say no and wished they had hats and gloves).

In less than a mile, we came upon our first group of wild ponies.  While not necessarily friendly fellows, they are far from wild.  There are many signs that ask you not to feed them and signs warning that they do kick and bite.

After spending a little time with the ponies, we continued on through the meadows that approach the boundary of the State Park and join the Appalachian Trail.  We registered our visit on the trail and start up to meet the many rocky peaks ahead of us.  Traversing the alpine meadows with the craggy peaks in this area brings to mind the landscape from the wilds of the north of England and the scene from Pride and Prejudice when Elizabeth was visiting Derbyshire.  I half expected to see Miss Bennett pop up over one of the rocky ridges.

At this point, we detoured off of the Appalachian Trail to head up and over the Wilburn Ridge Trail which allowed us to enjoy two, long rock scrambles.  The view from the top was incredible.

We continued on to the yet higher peak also requiring some rock scrambling.  As we approached this peak, we were struck by what looked like fairy-dust sparkling on the vegetation.  Upon closer inspection, it became apparent that what we were seeing was ice clinging to the north-facing vegetation.  Thick, white ice giving everything an enchanted appearance.

We continued on entering a thick stand of evergreens so thick and lush that the smell immediately brought back memories of Christmases past.  There is nothing better than the fresh, clean smell of alpine air and Christmas trees.

From here we joined back up with the Appalachian trail as we neared the shelter used by AT thru-hikers.  Here we found another pony who apparently is quite famous for hanging at the shelter, hoping folks would share their meal.

He was obviously very used to hanging around people and would allow you to pet him.  He was still hanging out here when we came down on the return.









From here, we continued the short way until we reached the spur trail that took you to the summit of Mount Rogers, the highest peak in Virginia at 5728 feet in elevation.  The ironic thing about this hike is that the views are not from the top, since it is a treed summit, but almost the entire climb.  To reach the summit, you enter a dark forest thick with green moss giving it the appearance of an Emerald Forest.  The ice was still think on the tops of the trees, but the melting produced glistening drops down on the soft moss covering the forest floor and vegetation.

We finally reached the summit where we sat on a large rock next to the geological survey marker and enjoyed a well-deserved snack.

X marks the spot

 More fabulous views on the way down.  We could see ridge after ridge, after ridge.

More ponies on the hillsides.



We finally found our way back to our car exhausted but enthralled with the natural beauty we beheld.  We agreed in unison that this was now our very favorite hike and hope to make an annual trek to Mount Rogers.  We decided to do it about a month later next year so that we could enjoy the blooms of the plentiful rhododendron.





Mount Rogers rightfully deserves the title of number one in the list of top 20.  For more information about this hike, visit here .


We capped off the weekend with a visit to another popular hike the next day, McAfee Knob, which will be our next post.