VA > GHSP/ Mt-Rogers-Winter-Hang > Jan 18 - 21/ 2024

[Hickery]

Thanks for yalls extra work.

[slowhike]

Thank you very much Marci.

[WV]

I had to refresh my memory of where Sugarlands Overlook was.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/vastat...ff/36196722070

Based on this, I won't make a decision until Thursday afternoon and travel on Friday, though it's doubtful. This thread has given me a chance to share news about some of my winter camping gear, anyway. I feel bad for the park staff, Hickery, Slowhike, and Ranger Holland, who have all put so much planning and effort into making this possible. If I'm not there to buy raffle tickets, let me know where to send a donation to the Friends of Grayson Highlands SP.

[Hickery]

WV, as always, thanks for sharing your wealth of knowledge.

[Joyride]

It's going to be one to remember that's for sure! I believe I have enough clothing to protect me from the wind and cold.

[Shortbus]

I am still wanting to go but I am in the same boat as SteelPlayer, I have a front wheel drive honda accord and don't know if it would be safe for me to get there and back. can someone post what the roads look like tomorrow when they get to camp so I can make a better decision? thanks

I will also be coming from the Greensboro area.

[Hickery]

I am still wanting to go but I am in the same boat as SteelPlayer, I have a front wheel drive honda accord and don't know if it would be safe for me to get there and back. can someone post what the roads look like tomorrow when they get to camp so I can make a better decision? thanks

I will also be coming from the Greensboro area.

Look at post 139. I'm sure conditions will be updated.

[slowhike]

I have a light weight front wheel drive van. I'm not so concerned about the cold as I am the road conditions getting in and most importantly getting out in an emergency. Driving with snow and icy conditions can get dicey. Can someone enlighten me on what to expect as far as road conditions outside the park? Does anyone have a preference coming from Greensboro as far as road conditions Hwy 58 vs. Hwy 16 coming from Greensboro?

Here's the route I always take from just south of Winston Salem.
Only part I'm not sure how well will be maintained if there is any accumulation on the roads at that elevation is Hwy 93, from Sparta, into Va.

I40 to 421, 77 to the 21 Bypass, which forks off to the left near Elkin.
Don't be miss lead by several bus 21 exits, both on 421 and 77.

The 21 bypass will take you through Sparta. After Sparta, you may see that 21 makes a right. Stay straight and you will be on 221 for a short ways.

Next you take a right on 93. This is a beautiful drive through the mountain farmland. I've never seen snow on it. it's at about the elevation of Sparta I would guess.

Hwy 93 comes to a stop sign where you make a right to stay on 93.
This will take you into VA and dead ends into Hwy 58.
Take a left on 58 and in a few miles, you will take a left at the Corner Cafe, gas and convenance store.
A twisty climb from there will take you to the GHSP entrance.

[SteelPlayer]

I am still wanting to go but I am in the same boat as SteelPlayer.

Shortbus

My van is new and I've never tested it in snow or slushy conditions. It's basically sheet metal over a frame with FWD

I've never had a problem driving an Accord in the snow, no vehicle without studs or chains goes anywhere on ice.

I'll let you know when I get to camp on Thursday. I plan to take the (Low Route) and up through Sparta as SlowHike suggest. I've gone the other way (High Route) up towards Mt Airy and through Independance and never liked going that way.

[Cagouillard]

I'm out guys. Too cold