Weekend Gem: Mount Rogers Loop 2021
After blazing hot summer here in East Tennessee. We set off for one of our all-time favorite trips again, the Mount Rogers Loop in the Grayson Highlands. i’ve learned from living here that summer is all about low miles, swimming in the streams and pools, and generally just laying low. With cool temperatures on the rise, I’m ready to spread my wings and hit the road for a real trip! What better place than the Grayson Highlands, with Miles and Meadows that seem to stretch into the horizon, and of course the wild ponies. I’ve already posted about the clockwise direction on this loop a ways back. This is definitely the most desired direction because after climbing Rogers, it’s a mostly downhill circuit back to your rig. After getting to the Mount Rogers Trailhead in VA, take a second to soak in this isolated intersection of this far flung wilderness. Then head up the Mt. Rogers TR across the Highway you came in on into sparse forests as the way begins to climb. A nice mix of an open hardwood forest begins to consume your interest as the trail gets more rocky and technical as the views improve. You’ll get to an intersection with the A.T. head uphill onto this legendary section. Soon you hit an unmarked intersection leading to the right. This is where the goods begin my friends, as the way levelers to a ridge ramble. Pocket meadows open to northern views of the Appalachian Mountains as you make your way to Thomas Knob. If your tent camping, look to your right for open view meadow spots tucked in the tree clusters. If you are down with the hammock crowd like me, check the left sides before and after the Shelter for the winner pics.
The good stuff
The Highlands are misty, windy, forever clearing off and beautiful
Yup!
Wise Meadows
After a fabulous sunset and clear morning skies, get up and get some grits and tea to set your day in the right direction. It’s only 7 miles to your next camp at Wise Shelter, so kick back and enjoy your hiking partner’s company for a spell or the inversion that’s happening or both. When you are ready, jump on the A.T again and enjoy the lovely ridge walk to Rhododendron Gap as the meadows roll by like a movie. If you hear some horse noises, take a minute to scope out a “pony trail” and see if you can find a couple hanging out. They tend to like the grassy sections the best. You know it’s the Gap when you can see a ridge jetting out to the right. It has a rocky crown that weave in and out of as you make your way down to Massie Gap. One after another you drop down onto meadowy shelves that the ponies seem to enjoy in magnitude. Once you hit the valley’s floor, you must decide if you want to see people or not? If you do, check out the more domesticated ponies lingering about. Keep in mind that they are food motivated ponies, don’t play that game with them. Make the left back on the A.T as you make your way past some bouldery crags before dropping down to a creek. Cross the bridge and follow it down to Wise Shelter. You can camp past the Shelter and across the creek. This camping spot is definitely a highlight of this loop simply for it’s different style sites. Some open with rad old oaks and Sahara style grassy accommodations and creek side ones to boot. We enjoyed the sunset in the meadows that were already showing nice fall colors! I’ve seen ponies in this meadow, so keep your eyes and ears peeled.
After a fabulous nice full of stars we woke up to a lovely crisp September morning. Get your day started with some cheesy grits and hit the trail for a rad day of hiking! First you slowly climb up to another highlight of the loop, Stone Mountain and its wild ponies. A sobering experience after seeing the domesticated ponies of Massie. From Stone you can see across to the neighboring mountains and grassy balds around in this beautiful wilderness area. Once you drop down from this fabulous spot, you are at Scales. This is a hidden gem for car camping and is perfect as a setting could be. A short distance from Stone Mtn with limited camps and a small bathroom. I heard the road is rough but fuck it, if you got an all wheel drive vehicle go for it. The. Next little bit climbs but then starts its downward route to Old Orchard Shelter. If you are staying here, check to the left of the Shelter for the dope camps. Head down to the Highway, cross it and take the Fairwood Trail on your left heading back to your car. This old roadbed goes up and down a bit to bring it away from the road, which is nice. Get back to your car and pop a beer or whatnot and change into some clean shorts and shirt for the ride home. Enjoy the amazing feeling in your soul and go get some grub.
