Grayson Highlands Route Planning - Solo Winter Backpacking Trip (Pt 3) 

When hiking the Wilburn Ridge, check out the side trail just to the west (4597 on your map). It's totally worth hiking as opposed to the A.T. just to the east. The views from that short trail are amazing and totally worth it.

You have not done your research on Grayson Highlands until you have consulted with Smell N Roses. LOL!! My home turf. My favorite place in Virginia, you are going to love it. Dude, park at the backpacker's lot inside Grayson Highlands State Park...it will be on about any loop you can come up with, but the key detail is security for your car. This is an isolated and economically depressed part of Virginia, and the nearby I-81 corridor is ground zero for meth in Virginia. Cars getting broke into is routine in the Mount Rogers Area. You will have better security at the state park because its pretty much only used by hikers and since there is a fee to get in, your random crackhead is not checking out which cars to hit. Parking at Scales is also good but probably a no go in the winter unless you have high clearance and 4wd. The ponies are both inside and outside the state park. The best place to see them is on Wilburn Ridge. Don't hike Wilburn Ridge in the dark, that's where the best views are. There are no views on that Lewis Fork Trail, I mean it is winter so you can see through the woods, but I would avoid those trails inside the Lewis Fork Wilderness. The Pine Mountain Trail is pretty cool.

The overnight backpackers lot there is a few miles past the entrance on the right. Connecting from there with clear signs leading to the park and a blaze trail to the AT. The springs are essential for water, we went during wetter season and there are no real creeks or anything nearby or on the trails. We passed spots that we thought would be water sources but found nothing. The wild ponies and longhorns were our reason for going and we were not disappointed! They are everywhere. The only warning I will give is to take a bear bag to keep your things safe from the ponies. They're very short but they really liked trying to get into some of my friends bags. Enjoy the trip man. It's a beautiful one.

See the comments about parking inside the state Park....... my daughters and and I have been there many times and only had one issue at the overnight backpackers lot. The summer before last someone siphoned my gas tank, but luckily I had just enough to get to the old school gas station a couple miles outside the park. As far as route planning, it's all beautiful so you really can't go wrong. Wilson Creek will get your blood pumping but it is well worth it. Absolutely beautiful. Tons of camping at intersection of Crest and AT trails ...... our favorite by far has been on the opposite side of the bridge from the Wise shelter right along the creek. Can't wait for the video! This area is by far our favorite, probably from the diversity of views, water, and ponies!

I did an out and back day hike from Massey Gap to Mt. Rodgers Summit along the AT last spring. It is hands down the coolest day hike I've ever been on and an amazing section of trail. If you're planning on getting to the park after sunset, I would recommend hiking up just past the pony enclosure and camping there. There are spots just off the trail where you can camp and I'm pretty sure (not 100% though) that there are trees that could support a hammock. If you are going to hike all the way to the Thomas Knob shelter in the dark, you would potentially miss an amazing section of trail, especially if it's super dark. The out and back up to Mt. Rodgers is super cool despite not having a vista. Mt. Rodgers has its own distinct micro climate. The temperature drop was like hitting a wall and the pine forest is really beautiful. I can't say much for the other sections, but take in as much of that initial section as you can. Also, small wonder represent!

I think you have a good plan. I followed, I believe the Mid Atlantic Hikes loop in Mid to late November. Ended up just making it one night, since I got so far. I parked at the Grindstone lot, which probably didn't do much since even though the campground was open, there were only like 2 people camping there. Still, better than the road I suppose. That area there is typical woods. The views in the Thomas Knob area were awesome. I had a hammock and lots of excellent areas of small trees to the east of the shelter. Big open areas with trees surrounding them. Was excellent my night there, but I bet could be very windy other times. I'd imagine busy summer weekends are kind of crazy in that area. It is probably like being at a car camping campground, but with backpacker instead. There was a lot of pony crap in that area, but I didn't see a pony all night. I think they do go to the lower elevations during the colder weather. I actually got frustrated because I saw none all of the first day and until about noon the second day. Finally came across 5 of them in a group and then shortly after 2 more, as I was headed into Scales from the Crest Trail. That was the only time I saw any ponies. Hopefully you have better luck then I did. Still a great trip, but I had hoped to see more ponies. I'll have to get back some time.

Another great video! I use your videos to help teach my Boy Scouts proper hiking, backpacking, and camping techniques so keep them coming.

Great choice ! I've been there many times. I would use the Massie Gap parking and hit the AT from there. The Wilburn ridge is awesome. One of my favorite places on the AT. Thanks for sharing !

yes there are some nice areas around the first shelter you spoke of, we stayed there last October and we also hit the Mt Rogers peak trail which by the way is the highest point in Virginia.we went the opposite direction so this was where we spent our 2nd night of our 3 day trip. there are a couple spots to camp before you get to the shelter but they are in the open, i would go past the shelter and keep your eye to the right side, thats where we stayed. we did part in the backpackers lot, nice to actually park somewhere other than out in the open

Sounds like a great choice, I'm sure you will love the ponies, looking forward to your next adventure !!!!

Your on the right track with this general loop. There is a one time fee of $12.00 to enter the state park (at least that what is was last summer) and not a per day fee. The ponies are not confined to Grayson Highland State Park and can be found from Cabin Ridge to Scales. Be sure you take the Wilbur Ridge Trail over the crest of Wilbur Ridge rather than the AT which goes along the side of Wilbur Ridge. There are several campsites near Thomas Knob Shelter and there is a really nice campsite before you get to Thomas Knob Shelter between the AT and the Crest Trail near the junction with the Rhododendron Gap Trail just north of the spring. If you take the AT to the Mount Rogers Trail check out Brier Ridge before you get to Deep Gap. Also the AT from Scales over Stone Mountain is over a bald with fantastic views. For your second night there are some good campsites between Pine Mountain Trail and the Crest Trail just south west of the junction of Lewis Fork Trail and the Crest Trail, with a spring nearby. But if you reach these campsites to early in the day there are several nice campsites in the meadow along Wilson Creek before you get to Wise Shelter.

The parking symbol you have the knife on at 7:05 is the overnight backpacker's lot. It's become a running joke with my friends and me because the price seems to vary wildly every time. Anything from $1 to $15. Sometimes they ask if I'm from out of state, sometimes they don't. I don't think you're allowed to park overnight up on top of Haw Orchard but they do have a huge lot up there. Don't sweat the horses too much, they are all over. There are gates they are supposed to be behind but the area is much bigger than just the state park. You'll see them till just past Thomas Knob shelter and past Scales. The water is pretty reliable everywhere. The icons represent springs with wooden fences around them to keep the horses out. Aside from that, there are streams all over. On day1, most of the good camping spots are before you hit the Thomas Knob shelter. If you hike another ~30-45 minutes or so and follow the AT just past the Mt. Rogers trail through Deep Gap there is a section that's off limits to camping and then a blue spur trail up a slight rise. Plenty of flat places to camp up there. There's also a trail downhill to a spring. It's a good ways down hill though. If you walk further (like you usually do) then the area where Lewis Fork spur comes up to the Mt Rogers trail has plenty of good hanging spots. I've heard the lower portion of Cliffside trail is something to behold. The upper section between Lewis Fork and Pine/Crest is a beast. The easier way up Lewis Fork was a complete mountain stream when I hiked it, but that was also after record rainfall. The views will end from just past Thomas Knob all the way around till you get back up on Crest. You'll be in the forest during that time. Definitely, take the AT from Scales to Wise Shelter. The horse trails are rocky and muddy. The AT climbs the side of Stone Mountain in that section and a good chunk of it is on the balds.

Chasing flocks of geese is my dog Java's favorite pastime!!!

The Massie Gap trail is a great trail to begin on in my opinion. The Thomas Knob shelter has a lot of flat areas before the shelter with some nice trees for hanging a hammock. The area past the shelter heading towards Deep Gap also has some nice ridge top camping if it isn't too windy.

We love this park. There is a backpacker's parking lot on the right just before you reach the day parking at beautiful Massie Gap. Your trip sounds perfect!

You're route looks good. The most beautiful area will be just before Thomas Knob shelter. There is a little cluster of trees that will provide you with a HUGE view. I definitely recommend staying away from the horse trails. The surface is covered in stones about the size of your fist and it is very unpleasant to walk on. Enjoy your trip. It's one of my favorite places.

Looks like a cool choice! Looking forward to the hike vid

It is so lovely there!!!! You are gonna have a great time- that was one of my 1st backpacking trips- have fun!!! Can't wait to see the video!!

Plenty of water at Thomas Knob and Wise Shelter...Quebec Branch and Wilson Creek always flow strong. Other springs and creeks are questionable, usually dry unless there has been rain.

Looks great! Thanks for sharing! Thanks for the time you take to put it together.

good video , more people are figuring out how creating their own route adventurous are where its at!

Had a great time Friday and yesterday doing this hike, but I was not prepared and missed the side trail (Mt Rogers Trail) that cuts back over to the AT. We took the horse trail in the other direction back to the lot. Do not walk on this horse trail especially after rainy periods. It was creek walking! Anyway, lots of good reasons to go back. The Grayson Highlands are incredible.

Taking the scouts to Double Springs Shelter this weekend for our winter camp. Supposed to be 75 degrees, not much winter this year around here.

Nice, can't wait!!!

Instead of camping real close to Thomas Knob Shelter, when you get to Rhododendron Gap (the AT goes straight aheadish, the Crest Trail turns leftish, Pine Mt. Trail turns rightish), take the Crest Trail to near an intersection with the Rhodo Gap Trail. Much better camping within 0.2 mile from that intersection--look around--close to a superior spring protected by a corral just over the ridge. In the morning, retrace your steps to Rhodo Gap, and take the Pine Mt. Trail to continue your loop. Great views from a number of campsites you don't get closer to Thomas Knob Shelter.

Go about 200-300 yards past Thomas Knob to find some really great camping spots. On the right there will be more secluded spots and the left there are more open spots. The ponies are divided into several herds(I think 3) and are all over, including Thomas Knob, and Wise Shelters. There are often long horn cattle too. No need to hang a bear bag, but I would hang a pony bag:-). My favorite place to hike with my kids. Definitely use backpackers overnight lot near Massie.

I did a 10 mile out and back from the backpacking lot a week and a half ago from Massie Gap to Mt Rogers and back. Got the vid on my channel. BTW no issues with the backpacking lot. Easy to locate and readily available parking.

You are definitely on the right track sintax77. For your goal of short day on Day 1and desire to see ponies, the overnight lot near Massie Gap is definitely the better option in my experience for starting your trip. Take the spur trail up to the AT and stay on it over Wilburn Ridge. There are plenty of great sheltered spots to hang near Thomas Knob. The spring behind the shelter is very dependable. Be prepared for the weather at Thomas Knob to be very unpredictable and very frigid. Seems like Thomas Knob weather has a mind all of its own. If I were in your shoes, I'd go for the shorter day on day 2 and take the time to savor the views of the Highlands by taking Pine Mountain Trail to the AT and then down to Scales. But just my $0.02. The entire area is fabulous. There is some fantastic scenery and overlooks in the section between Thomas Knob and Scales through Rhododendron Gap and Wilburn Ridge and over Pine Mountain. Wise Shelter also has fantastic places to hang and very dependable water in a small creek before you get to the shelter. Enjoy! Will look forward to the video.

Thanks for another fabulous video! You have really inspired me, and I start my AT flip flop mid-April! I look forward to following this Grayson Highlands Hike.

Looking forward to seeing this trip.

so envious, this looks a great route. good plan cant wait to see the videos

After a cursory glance, it appears there are some areas there that do not allow camping/backpacking ....only day hiking. I'm sure you've done way more research on the area than I have. Can't wait to see the video. Keep up the great work!

Great video brother, cant wait to see the trip. i here its really nice in that area. Be safe out there, have fun! 😎

The crest Trail has great views and highly recommend taking that trial and usually the ponies congregate on that trail. Everything else you mentioned looks good. Right before the Wise shelter is great meadow with trees to camp and has great water source.

As you have planned, the overnight backpackers lot inside the park (Massie gap) is a great choice. You do however have to pay $8 (I think) per day that your vehicle is in the park. The route you chose over Wilburn ridge is mostly wide open views all the way to Thomas Knob. You really don't want to hike through that section in the dark. The pine mountain/crest trail also has some incredible views. Others have commented on the great campsites BEFORE the Wise shelter. These are before you cross the stream and back into Grayson Highlands Park. technically speaking, you are not supposed to set up a tent (or hammock) inside the park boundaries. If you sleep at the Wise shelter, then you are supposed to sleep IN the shelter. no worries though - plenty of hang spots just before Wise outside the park boundary. The stream there always has plenty of water. It will be a fabulous trip. Regarding the pony locations - it unpredictable, but you should see them at some point during that route you outlined. I think that the ponies do have some territory that extends outside the formal Grayson highlands area though. I have definitely seen them out past the wise shelter before (near the campsites). I've also seen them as I've hiked along Wilburn ridge. Have fun, and I look forward to the video!

Looks awesome man! Can't wait for the video!

Thomas knob shelter doesn't have any big trees near for a hammock, and wise shelter is a great spot. There is a good sized creek not far past wise shelter for water. Pine mountain is a steep climb back up to massie gap.

It takes me 7 hours to get there and I have parked at Grindstone campground in the north and at the backpackers lot in the south inside the park. Yes, you can leave your vehicle there as you hike. It is a fairly small lot and if you are going there on the weekend it will fill up during the day. I'm not sure if they have another lot to park in inside the park. Based on what I have heard others say, it would be risky to leave your vehicle at one of the trail heads outside of the park. Both Grindstone and the state park are patrolled.

can't wait

There is am overnight parking lot inside the park separate from Massie Gap. Never had an issue there. Check the parks website they do charge per day you park your car inside the park. Wise has some great camping areas close to the shelter for tent and hammock, and water.. Thomas Knob water is about a 50 yard rock scrabble from the shelter... I can't wait for this video, you'll love it there..

Looks like a good idea. Should make a nice video. My son and I planning a Trip to the belles in September. But we are going to do five passes.

Start at the parking area by grindstone campground if you park in the state park you have to pay.. a lot of ponies are in the recreation area and not in the state park... the lot in the park for overnight backpacking is at massie gap.. camping for hammocks is okay at Thomas knob but it is really good for hammocks at wise and old orchard.. probably done over 100 miles of hiking in this area let me know if you have any other questions

Massie Gap is open year round... backpacker lot is pretty easy to find. there's a document somewhere that says they may close it in extreme weather but we were there in -10 with blizzard conditions and it was still open. - go counter-clockwise. save Rogers for 2nd night. - Mount Rogers Trail is nice for about the first mile then gets crappy and then Lewis Fork trail is not fun. old fire road type trail and real muddy w/ no views. - VA Highlands/Horese trail is also no fun. avoid it if you can. loose gravel and horse shit. - for wise shelter, if you're coming down from scales or stone mountain. best camping is before you get there...before you cross the streams tons of spots hidden over there. - check recent rainfall and temps - grayson highland springs above 4500ft are iffy depending on drought and temps. - Red spruce is the other cool tree up there... - lots of hammock spots all over. would not be my first choice for winter up there, the winds can get pretty vicious. - bring some cash for entrance/parking fee. - have fun.

Best chance to see ponies is Crest trail (also tons of steer) or at the entrance to the park from AT north bound.. probably a lot near scales this time of year since it's so low and they know people feed them there

Stile. That fence ladder thing you mentioned is called a stile.

Looks like you have a lot of room to modify based on what happens. As we know when your alone, you tend to do more miles and you know some type of bad weather will raise it's ugly head. It's inevitable anywhere you go. So I say stick to your plan of long miles on day 2 with contingencies based on what happens. This should be a great trip. I like it when your the guinea pig and all we have to do if follow your gps data. LOL

This is going to be great!!

You have some awesome videos coming! Still no snow in your area? You should check out my winter video from a couple of weeks ago. Enjoy your solo Grayson Highlands trip! My wife wants to go within 2 years to see the ponies.

Dude you should totally drive over to Bristol, I've been watching your videos for a while now and would love to meet you!

call and find out where/when the rangers drop the supplemental feed. Think it is near where you will be on night two and about an hour before sunset. You will see a stampede of longhorns and ponies charging up a ridge...freaked me out a little seeing so many animals coming at me... but got some great pics

thanks for your reply

Have done the exact route you're planning a couple times, as well as some variations of it with different trail combinations for the east legs. As I mentioned in a comment on your last video, the Lewis Fork trail is a mudpit. Both "upper" and "lower" legs. But there's really no way around it, I suppose. As others have mentioned, plenty of hammock-worthy small stands of trees before and after the Thomas Knob shelter, and you may even find a spot you like well to the southeast along the AT, but you won't hit water that first night until you near Rogers. In the West, I like your idea of swinging Wide on the AT, but do not discount the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail as it is quite beautiful, not at all a manure minefield, and crosses water more reliably. Very dry in the scales area.

Overnight Parking lot is marked on google maps.

it changed alot walking trails houses people handing out food from churchs fork trail for family time ranger

Nice!!

Coincidentally I'll be up there this weekend on my annual Grayson trip for a couple of nights (no fun winter weather though!). If you need to know anything specific (i.e. is a certain spring flowing) let me know. I will be meandering on and off trail all through the area you are looking at.

No view on Lewis fork trial.. crest has the best views... stay on the AT south if you are coming out of scales (best views and less rocky since no horses allowed).. reliable water at wise shelter... old orchard was dry last time I went but hadn't rained in weeks when I went.. Lewis fork river and Wilson Creek always running

Still waiting on another epic. Pleading for a new Vidio.Cheer

Not sure I would want to camp on a ridge top this time of year. It has been VERY windy here.

Have you ever taken a gander at Gaia GPS for maps/tracking? I've been using it for a few months now and I really like it. You can import all sorts of trail maps. Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks for your videos!

I usually spend most of my time there in The Mt Rogers area, much less restricted camping rules. there will be ponies all over not just in the state park also. be careful with your food, ponies will get into it!

Aren't you bummed that TOGR all ready been to the pony's? I hope it was coincidence but do not hope that you did not post your trip there because he recently did? Hope that yours comes up quickly because it is taking some time and although I understand that you throw some review in, still I'm hoping nothing is holding your own things up because of the recent upload or in your personal life... I hope all is well and you get out there like we know you.

Hey I am pretty sure you want to start at Massie Gaps which is inside the Grayson Highlands and has free overnight parking. The other parking areas you mentioned are pretty shady at best. I have backpacked this area many times and uou can create many loops from that starting part.

Hey man, just wanted to say on my vlog channel (linked in this channel) I gave you a bit of a shoutout in my tupper lake triad vlog. It's not my best video it was on my old camera so the newer ones are much better quality ☺️

Nat Geo has free maps topo maps you can download as pdfs BTW, don't know if you've seen them but you can download them at ngmaps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Embed/index.html?webmap=e4078c9680404a96bcdc2631ef10ad9d&home=true&zoom=true&scale=false&search=true&theme=light You can zoom into the area, find the 318 box for example and download all the corresponding maps.

checking that area out it doesn't look like it's maybe good for hammocks. are you planning on hanging or tenting?

Sin tax, could you drop the links in the comments for the websites you mentioned. Thanks and great vid's

Are there any WA State backpackers in here? Im looking for some trip ideas if any are out there, I live in Eastern Washington but I am not opposed to do some driving.

Hey, me and my son are going here this June. Can you recommend a nice maybe 9/10 mile loop that hits the highland hills and see the ponies for a day hike?

Happy trails. you may have already gone, but in case it helps, I did almost this loop last Apr, minus the s'east jaunt on the AT and down into the State Park. if have any questions, just shout, here are some pics if interested: facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10208093530209036.1073741852.1623413994&type=1&l=d2fe7c34a5

Just do it

Hold that damn knife steady bro!!! That is very distracting and adds little

Subbed! This is gorgeous! I'mg getting ready to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. This is a great option for a shakedown hike before I start! I'd love for you to check out my channel!!

Mike needs a good woman..