Hiking the Grayson Highlands - Solo Backpacking Trip
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- čas přidán 12. 09. 2024
- 3 days of Solo Backpacking, Hiking, Hammock Camping, & Wild Ponies on the Appalachian Trail in Virginia's Grayson Highlands. GPS Data at wwww.sintax77.com
For this backpacking trip, I’ll be hiking and camping solo in a section of the Mt Rogers National Recreation Area, within the larger George Washington and Jefferson National Forest. I’ll be using a portion of the Appalachian Trail to create a 3 day, 2 night backpacking loop of around 20 miles or so.
The Grayson Highlands are known for their high winds and unpredictable, rapidly changing weather, so being that I’m doing the trip in March, I’ll be packing amount of warm weather and rain resistant gear. If you’re interested in a detailed account of everything that I packed, check
out my previous Winter Ultralight Backpacking Gear List blog post and video. That will give you a look at exactly what I packed for the trip.
Grayson Highlands Backpacking Trip Route Overview - Sintax77
Below is a daily rundown of the trails and campsites used for each day. For an easier read along with downloadable Full GPS track data, check out my full blog post here: wwww.sintax77.c...
Parking Location:
Grayson Highlands State Park, Overnight Backpacker’s Parking Area at the Massie Gap Parking Lot. N36° 38.012′ W81° 30.322′
Trails Used, Day 1:
Depart Massie Gap Parking Lot
Rhododendron Trail
Appalachian Trail South
Wilburn Ridge Trail (it’s also possible to stay on the AT)
Rejoin the Appalachian Trail South
Setup camp about 200 yards past the Thomas Knob Shelter.
Day 1 Mileage: 4.25 miles
Day 1 Elevation Gain: 2,096′
A spring is about a 100 yards down the trail behind the shelter.
Camping options for tents and hammocks are available a few hundred yards past the shelter, heading south. Tenting spots are on the ridge to the left, hammock camping opportunities are in the trees to the right.
There are also some nice campsite opportunities about a 1/4 mile or so before the shelter as well (AT north from the shelter)
Trails Used, Day 2:
Continue on the Appalachian Trail South
Mt Rogers Trail Towards Grindstone Campground (not to be confused with the Mt
Rogers Spur Trail which hits the summit of Mt Rogers. That trail is available shortly after leaving the campsite. I’ve heard it doesn’t have any views, but it holds the distinction as Virginia’s
highest peak).
Lewis Fork Spur Trail (turn here a couple of miles before hitting the campground).
Cliffside Trail
Crest Trail
Scales Trail
Setup Camp near the intersection of Scales Trail with the Appalachian Trail
Day 2 Mileage: 11 miles
Day 2 Elevation Gain: 1,320′
There are a number of hammock and tent camping opportunities on the edge of the field opposite from the AT intersection.
There is plenty water in several directions from the intersection. The particular campsite I used (tagged in my GPS data) has water right next to it within 20 yards or so.
Trails Used, Day 3:
Continue on the Scales Trail South (note: it is possible to continue on the AT
South and eventually make your way back to the Massie Gap parking lot as well. I chose the scales route because it is considerably quicker and I had to do a long drive home upon reaching the lot.)
Seed Orchard Trail (this wasn’t on my Nat Geo Map, but after coming out of the woods, you’ll see a sign directing you towards the AT by turning right. Instead, look left. You’ll see a water crossing with a brown Grayson Highlands State Park sign listing various rules and regs. The path along the fence over there is the Seed Orchard Trail)
Follow signs towards Hickory Ridge Campground.
Past the campground, there will be a large metal gate for a Horse Trail
Follow the Horse Trail (there doesn’t seem to be a fancier name for it)
Appalachian Spur Trail towards the Backpacker’ s Parking Lot
Return the Massie Gap Parking Lot
Day 3 Mileage: 3.5 miles
Day 3 Elevation Gain: 499′
Trip Grand Total Mileage: 18.75 miles
Trip Grand Total Elevation Gain: 3,915′
Map Used for this Trip: National Geographic Map #318, Mt Rogers High Country Amazon Link: alexa.design/2...
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Going here this weekend. I am going to try and make a video of the trip. Loved the video, man! Been watching since 2013.
Hello Sintax I've been watching you for years and your videos are all wonderful. I think you have helped people get out there with all the inspiration you give. And are always positive on no matter the weather conditions or if views are fogged in. It just refreshing to listen to and watch. Thanks for all the time and work you put into these. And we'll be looking for the next one and watching the old ones. God Bless you. Peace.
+Michael McDermott Thanks, Michael!
A hack I learned: Always, and I mean ALWAYS add the seasoning packet first, that way the noodles can soak in/saturate in the flavor as they cook. This provides a completely different soup (better). Thanks for your videos!
One of my favorite places to hike. I agree with one of your viewers...pony bag is a definite.
I've been waiting for this video. Also, your production quality on this video has gone up 100%
Thanks, Ryan!
I agree video editing has improved greatly. Was a fun video 🐴🐴
but hey... dont ever lose that intro techno music haha I need me some old school syntax77!!
Really enjoying the videos! Major props for stepping up and experimenting with more interesting ways of telling us about your adventures (loved the first water filter apocolypse) and some really nice photography/videography also on this one.
Those ponies have seen a few hikers. Funny :) Thanks for being polite to them even though they were a little invasive.
Yeah, they seem to have the routine down, haha. We got along pretty well though.
Simtax, Have you ever thought about making a cozy pouch and use freezer bags? That will allow you to cook two food at once. Plus circumvent the clean up.
Love the additions like the music between dialog. And your trip looks amazing! Thanks for sharing!.. Can't wait for the deep winter one!
My daughters and mine absolute favorite! Grayson is where both of them cut their teeth on their first overnighters , 7 and 9 years old respectively. The ponies aside, what makes it so great is the diversity of trails and scenery. Nothing too incredibly tough, good water sources, and you can get a great backcountry experience while never having to get more than a couple hours hike away from the car. Pretty sure we stayed at the same site along Wilson's Creek that you did on night 2. My youngest and I are heading back there in a couple weeks, cannot wait!
Glad you enjoyed it! One of those places that I never get tired of. If you get the chance to go in the summer, you'll find a HUGE abundance of blackberries and blueberries to pick to your heart's content. Last year, I made 3 cobblers with all the berries I picked!
I love these full length vids!!!
Great video. I've gone to this area over 20 times over the last 15 years and I never get tired of it. The view from behind Thomas knob shelter is SPECTACULAR!
Man I really like the way you edited music into this one. Im sure it is more work but maybe consider bringing it back more often in your newer stuff. I don't recall much of that the last bit. Flashing back to this video to take a trip here. Enjoyed it just as much as the first time I saw it. Take care
Great trip beauty place. I took my new ULA Circuit for a Turkey hunt/ day hike yesterday. It makes a big difference when you need to save weight. Glad the weather turned out good on your trip, oh I got a good size bird @ 5::00 pm. Stay safe and enjoy the outdoors.
O man that was so much fun, got a bit to old for that now but can enjoy is so much by watching you. Love the comments as you hike, "Hike On" Dave
Thanks, Dave. Glad you like it :)
Excellent video sintax77, nice job with the music and new cinematography. I always look forward to your trips!
+Gary Gomer Thanks, Gary! Glad you enjoyed it.
I must say I like the acoustic music spliced in ...nice additions. And as always , impressive video. They are always . Thanks for taking us along.
that's awesome that you visited this place. I just hit it up over late summer early fall. nice views.
Never stop those electric music intros
Why do I foresee a return trip to the Highlands by Sintax accompanied by the wife? Maybe it's the ponies....
But seriously, it's a beautiful area that can't be recommended enough. Glad to see you finally made it down. If you do come down again, take the Wilburn Ridge trail off the AT, it's only about a mile long spur that stays up on the ridge and reconnects back to the AT at an area called Rhododendron Gap, a little south of Thomas Knob shelter, but it's another great hammock area and it provides some truly amazing views...and always, always hit the Log Cabin on the way out of Grayson Highlands, best restaurant in the area.
You might also want to check out Old Rag, in Shenandoah, along with the Priest (not in Shenandoah, but not far south of it), both can be done as a dayhike, but they both have some amazing views (and the northern face of the Priest--so SB on the AT-- is a very challenging/strenuous hike, if you're looking for more of a challenge in your dayhike).
Been following you for five years or so my man, and always check if you’ve been anywhere I go to plan my trips. Gonna go for this loop in a couple weeks over Easter, and I’m so pumped after watching your winter trip. Thanks for all the work you out into this for us!
Looking at this video again, I remember passing that sign to Mt Rogers North yesterday. We kept on walking and turned left on the blue blade to the Virginia Highlands Trail which is a horse trail. It connects back to the park just below the kiosk where you registered when leaving the park. Do not take that Virginia Highlands Trail if you go back. It was like walking in a creek the whole way.
Loved the video and glad I got to experience it myself this weekend. Happy hiking!!
Man, those ponies are KNOCKED UP !!!
Thanks for the nice detail, makes it easy to plan. I pulled out my map #318, wow, that area has too many trails!
We have so much of the same Gear. Although, I'm jealous of the new Chameleon. One suggestion to go along with the Toaks Cookset. Get a Sea to Summit XCup or a much cheaper Walmart knockoff. It is worth the view ounces to have coffee/tea while the meal finishes cooking, or during the meal. The XCup is collapsible and stores nicely on top of the lid of the Ti Cup. The Orange Storage Sac hooks over the outer edge to hold the cup down on the Cookset and securely stored away. I wish I had a vid or pics to share but haven't show the cup with the Toaks review. Just a thought to make the enjoyment meter jump when hiking solo!
What a wonderful trip. I am always floored by your excursions. Absolutely wonderful.
....nice hike and I really enjoyed the way you captured the sights....cheers
Glad you found the camping spot I suggested. Great video. I've been wanting to do the same / similar loop myself.
+Planner Yeah, man! It was a great spot. I love my hammock, but I bet those ridgeline spots would be awesome with a tent as well.
The ponies were awesome - just loved that they would come up and peek under your tarp! Just wish your weather would have been better. Cute trip, nice hiking! Thanks for sharing!
Great video. I have a trip planned for the area the last week of May. I was there last year over Memorial Day weekend and it was fairly crowded. I also did a cold weather trip there in October and thought I would be the only one there but I was wrong. I passed people hiking all day. It still is one of my favorite areas to hike. I stayed in the same campsite you chose at Thomas Knob in October. It was very windy when I was there too. The wind was so strong it collapsed my tent a couple of times. I can only imagine how strong the wind was out of the protection of the trees.
Thanks. I can see how some of those spots could be pretty popular in better weather. Especially my night 2 campsite, which was less than 4 miles from the parking area. I bet that spot looks a hek of a lot different in the summer. I also bet it would be amazing to hang out there without wearing a winter hat and gloves though, so I guess it's a bit of a trade off :)
I'm kinda digging the new music style. Another awesome video Sintax. It's making me seriously consider visiting the area for a weekend hiking trip myself.
+cfraimondo233 Thanks! You should definitely check it out if you get the chance.
just got my hammock tonight. cant wait to get out and camp. as usual great video man!
Yeah, multi-day solo Vid!!!
Nice step up in production. Like the background music and the time lapse views. I'm sure it cost you some time to put it together but it was worth it.
Great video! Love the music choices as well. I've been waiting for one of these for a while, thanks!
Cool video sintax thanks for taking us along again. The places I get to go with you are amazing don't stop.
Wow the videos and pictures are spectacular. your editing is also amazing. What an amazing trip! So very jealous cant wait for my chameleon hammock.
Thanks, Mark. Congrats on the Chameleon hammock. You're gonna love it!
Watched so many of your videos but never have commented. I very much enjoy all the videos that you upload. I enjoy the length of your videos the most.
Keep it up
Thanks
Dude, you rocked it!!!
Thanks, Kriz :)
YAY!!!! So glad you made it there.. It's my favorite place to hike...And this is by far the Best Grayson video I've seen..
Great video! We have been waiting for this one, like many of your followers. Grayson Highlans is on our bucket list for sure. Thanks for taking us along!
Your videos are great. I always learn something from them.
When you go back with Sara and Denali, check out the Channels off the Brumley Mountain trail. It makes a nice day hike before parking at Grindstone and finding a camp for the evening. It works better in the summer when you have more daylight hours.
Awesome, thanks! I'll keep that in mind.
Great video, beautiful place for a hike. Thanks!!!
oatmeal packets are good because they are very light and can serve a break-feast and it gives me energy for about 1.5 hours. They also come with like 200 calories or something.
Great video! Go to Roan Highlands in June. Roan and Grayson are our two favorite trips!!
Great video worth the wait! Everything I see about the Grayson Highlands really makes me want to backpack the area.
Beautiful video loved the ponies. Great work
Thanks for the informative and inspirational videos Sintax! I'm a new hammock camper in Alaska and I've been utilizing some of your DIY info. I also really appreciate the gear reviews.
+Kevin Krause My pleasure. Glad to hear you're getting something out of the vids. Hammock camping in Alaska must be pretty cool! I haven't made it up there yet myself.
Put it on your bucket list!
Grayson is like 6 hours from me (Virginia Beach). I've lived in Virginia my whole life and never heard of this park... Adding this to the list of things I need to see here!
Love the music you put in there, really completes the feeling👍
Thanks, Pbudi! Glad you liked it.
Everything from start to beginning lol great vid going here for 3 nights 4days for my bachelor party in may! Can't wait!!
Very Good Solo Trip! I did the same at the RRG hanging the hammock between two close trees. It worked, but I also had a lot of slack in the tarp. The hammock just barely worked. It was starting to get late so we just picked any area to hang the hammocks. Of coarse within regulations!
Thanks, Uptrail. It ended up being pretty comfy despite the shorter hang.
I had to watch this video again! I also liked how you made this a series with the viewers help and pack review. I have noticed it's a lot easier making videos on my solo hikes when I set my own pace. The music in the video was something different. In a good way! Thanks for the video Shawn! Bob "uptrail71"
Love it Sintax77! As a long time subscriber, I must say the quality of your videos gets better and better. Love the soundtrack music as well. Grayson Highlands is only 1.5 hours from my home and glad to see you made it down. Hope you will make it back down again with Sarah and your dog. Oh...you left me hanging on where you found a nearby Cheeseburger place? You weren't far from the trail town of Damascus, but you probably had to head back home in the other direction.
Thanks, Steve. I'm defintely planning to return with Sara and Denali at some point. I actually drove in the direction of home for quite a bit before doing my burger pit stop. I ended up at Jacks Burgers and Beer in downtown Roanoke, VA. It was a totally unplanned choice, but it turned out to probably be one of my top post-hike burger experiences. Cool atmosphere and fun burgers. And it probably didn't hurt that I was starrrving by the time I got there, haha.
Loving the documentary and cracking video edit
That was a fun series of videos to follow. Thank you for going through the choosing process and the equipment load out followed by the trip. Very informative!
Another enjoyable video. Your editing skills have made it to the next level. I can't wait to see what we are in store for on the next video.
If you crunch up your noodles in the package before opening it, you can get the broken up really well (I like them that way) and you don’t have to handle them.
Pro tip Hahahaha
Someone should have told you the ponies are like piranhas. I'm Thru-Hiking the AT this year. I'm almost to the Shenandoahs and so far Thomas Knob to Grayson along the AT is my favorite section. The Whites and Southern Maine will take the cake. If you're ever back in that area, check out Buzzard Rock on the AT. The section from there down a ways we put in steps and other things for Hardcore. Vids of that on mountainsquid04's channel.
Hey Sintax77. Great video so far, I'm about 1/2 way into it! Those ponies sound like a pain, but the area looks beautiful. The editing on this video is great as well. However, I will say I am not a fan of the music. One thing I have always enjoyed about your videos is just pure hiking and natural sound. Wind noise and the sound of foot steps have always added a sense of immersion in your videos that I like. However, It's your video so do as you wish! I'll keep watching
Great video as always. Heading down there tomorrow. Fingers crossed for good weather.
+swatsullivan Thanks and good luck with weather!
Excellent video! Hope you enjoyed the Mt. Rogers High Country. One of the best places to backpack in the Southern Appalachians.
+Bryan DeLay I certainly did enjoy it. It was an amazing place. I'm looking forward to revisiting it with my wife some say. I think she would love it.
Consider a visit in late August or early September. Blueberries are everywhere.
Thanks for sharing. We just completed the same loop and it did not disappoint. Video is available if you want to see that area in a warmer climate. Thanks again.
Nice, glad you had a chance to check it out in warmer conditions. I'll have to get back down there for a trip like that some day as well.
Pretty epic trip.
I echo the excellent production quality of all your videos. Thanks!
+Paul Kick Thanks,Paul. Glad you're enjoying them!
As a high school teacher for MANY years, it is nice to have some great videos to recommend about editing, photo composition, and excellent plot devices in your story telling. The fact that many of my students have never been in the genuine outdoors also makes me recommend your channel. Thanks for keeping your language G rated so no parents complain.
I was there this weekend and have to go back to camp. It was beautiful! I will probably follow your trip and camp like you did. Thanks for all the videos! I also went to Roan Mountain and hiked the balds at Carvers Gap. The AT goes through there as well. AMAZING! You should check it out too.
+Lori Lindsey Thanks, Lori. You should definitely give camping there a try some time. I'll have to look into Carver's Gap. Good looking out. :)
Nice to see you down in my neck of the woods. Love Mount Rogers area always a good trip.
Sweet you had everyone waiting for this trip you didn't disappoint thanks for sharing this adventure and have a great day 🔥🔥🔥🔥
+Drew Lucero Thanks, Drew. :)
Love the video. I watched this after a day of college classes. Very relaxing
Very cool video. Awesome scenery.
I think that's the Targus tripod I use. Only a pound and only around $20. Use it for photography mostly, well worth it!
Awesome stuff! You definitely had more luck with the ponies than I did, but I guess I fared better with the weather. I started from Grindstone Campground in November. Back in the woods in the beginning, there were no ponies. Then, I got out to the ridge and still nothing by the Thomas Knob Shelter. I hammock camped on the other side of the shelter compared to you, I think. I was in some evergreens, but more exposed along the ridge. Had no wind at all, which seemed lucky considering all the trees blown down when I went up to the high point earlier. I didn't see any ponies until around lunchtime day 2. I was on the Crest Trail I believe. Went up to a rock to look for them and sure enough there were 5 right on the trail up ahead. Saw 2 more a few minutes later, before heading into Scales. That was it though. None of them bothered me at night, even though their poop was everywhere. I ended up just finishing the loop early, since I got to my planned spot at 2 PM and could hike out before dark. I saw a Flyers hat, are you from the Philly area? I live near Allentown.
Good stuff - sounds like you had an awesome trip! Yes, I'm from the area somewhat. Down in northern Delaware.
Oh okay, nice.
Ive waited for this one! Great trip as always syntax77. I cant say i'm a big fan of shrimp ramen though....
Been watching your vids for years. Absolutely love them. You always reminded me of someone, but could never place it. Saw Sully last night and there you were. I think you may be Sam Huntington incognito.
That looked like a very leisurely, therapudic hike. As usual a great video! Really enjoy your journeys!
+James Warren Thanks, James. The area really does have a unique blend of relaxing vistas and sporadically crazy weather.
Very nice video. Good thing the wife wasn't there or a pony may have disappeared. Thanks for sharing and really like that new pack. Take care, Al
+Pumpkin Village Maple Haha, yes. We may have to set some ground rules before she goes down there...
sintax77 what software do you use to edit?
I use the Adobe CC Suite - Premiere Pro, Audition, and After Effects
My sister and I are just about to do our first backpacking trip there! So nice seeing what to expect :)
yeah buddy its here😁
Hey Sintax! I really like how you edited this video and the music choice is spot on! Video has really good flow etc. Very professional look a like. I really really like this one! I didn't know that Grayson Highlands is so gorgeous place. Thank you so much for sharing this with us!
Thanks, Nappis. I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Yes, thank you for this, been waiting patiently, not a disappointment either. I knew you would eventually get around to fire making, they are quite mesmorizing aren't they?? even if it's a little one. thank you again, can't wait for all the snow to melt here, ready to go, first trip San Pedro Wilderness!!!!
+Marty Smith Just looked up the San Pedro Wilderness - looks nice! Wasn't expecting to see so much green. Enjoy!
Thanks for the trip! Very beautiful place. On my go to place for sure now.
Getting mossier means seldom visited by men&horses!!🙋♀️😊🍠☕🌴
Simply beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing with us.
Been waiting so long for this 👏
Me too, haha ;)
Great video and trip report. Really enjoying your videos 👍
Thanks, BLS
Loved this video ... especially the ponies! They remind me of the ones that roam around at Chincoteague on the beach. I wonder if the herds are from the same shipwreck? They sure look and act alike!! Thanks again for a great experience!!
Great video. The production quality, especially for a solo outing, in quite good. And that area just looks beautiful. We just don't have places quite like that over here in California.
Motivated me to hike here in August. Great trip! Appreciate the assist.
Cool video, sweet hammy set-up. Not entirely sure leaving your food at camp while you collected water was the smartest idea though.
Yeah, after having the the rummaging pony visit later that night, it dawned on me that I kind of lucked out with that move... :o
I’m liking that music. Sort of gives the video an Adventure Archives feel.
Go eat at the Galax Smokehouse. Probably not on your way home though…
FYI, at 26:30….
The first time I ever got here I was confused too. This is Brier Ridge.
You ask if you could have gone the other way at 28:10. Yuuup.
The spur trail goes out to the VA highlands trail which is running parallel to the AT.
You can also get on the Cabin Ridge trail from out there.
If you wanted to, you could have walked out to the trail intersection and then turned right (North) and taken the VA highlands horse trail to Deep Gap and then hopped back on the AT for a few hundred feet back to the Mt. Rogers trails.
The horse trails tend to be really rocky, but you’d get a few views out there.
I suspect there are probably some awesome camping spots further out on the ridge on the other side of the meadow. Pro-tip: this is a great spot to view the stars at night.
For anyone else reading. The VA highlands horse trail from this meadow back towards Scales is terribly muddy. NOT recommended unless the local volunteers have done some major work.
The Cabin Ridge trail is pretty nice but will have quite a few sections where the trail is a perpetual streambed. That probably limits that trail to warmer weather and synthetic shoes you don’t mind getting soaked.
Great info, thanks!
my neck of the woods!
This is so cool! I'll definitely have to add this loop to my places-to-hike :D
Great video, thank you. We hiked this March 2022. We hiked 9.2 miles in 4 hours 33 minutes. The drive from New Kent Virginia was 6 hours-one way. We did the entire trip in one day. See our video at Karin and Larry at Home. Take care, Larry
Thanks for another great video! I am new to backpacking and your videos have been invaluable to me. Keep doing what you do!
This was excellent, the entire process of deciding on a trail, mapping out the trail, gear planning very informative as well as helpful. very well done Sintax77 keep it up ! living here in the desert southwest i always find it interesting about water supply on your eastern trails. as you found out on your Superstition Wilderness trip , water is a little more tricky out here, often times water can make up 30% or more of our total pack weight.
BTW, loved the music choice for this vid. best wishes from Arizona.
Been a fan for a long time! Keep it up man
Thanks, Sander. :)
Very nice area.
Funny.. I was eating a bacon cheeseburger at the start of this video. lol
Thanks for the video.
Nice - now that's the way to do it! :D
Outstanding video. Love the time-lapse. You are one of very few who so graceful incorporates the music into your videos. Thanks.
Thanks, Travis. Glad you like it!
hey Sintax77, first off top notch editing. You've come a long way since your first hiking video (5 days in the whites). Secondly I would love to see your perspective on Virginia's Triple Crown. Thanks for these uplifting videos.
Travo23
You just uploaded a video of Virginia Triple Crown lol don't know if you read this but thanks man