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  1. #1
    Senior Member Str1der's Avatar
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    Grayson Highlands Suggestions

    I'm looking to make my first visit to Grayson Highlands in two weeks, and I'm trying to plan my route. Looking for a 25-30 mile route, loop preferred but not required. I understand that there are some areas that are hammock-friendly and others without many trees, so we're trying to end each night in a hammock-friendly location. Any suggestions on trails, routes, or must-see locations would be appreciated!
    "The Road goes ever on and on,
    Down from the door where it began.
    Now far ahead the Road has gone,
    And I must follow, if I can.
    Pursuing it with eager feet
    Until it joins some larger way
    Where many paths and errands meet.
    And whither then? I cannot say."
    ~Bilbo Baggins - LotR

  2. #2
    Senior Member soul embrace's Avatar
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    sintax77 did a 20 miler last year I think and here is his video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0lVgPAuw84

    may give you a good route to do. just know you can't camp inside the park unless you are in the campground. beautiful park I went last year on 4th of July week and am going back this 4th of July week
    There's magic in the woods,
    if you know where to look for it.
    -Pete's Dragon

  3. #3
    Senior Member jeff-oh's Avatar
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    Here is the path I took in the spring of 2017. We stayed at Thomas Knob, went through Scales and stayed at the Wise shelter.
    https://www.alltrails.com/explore/re...omas-knob-loop

    It was only 14 miles, but there are extension paths you can take to expand the loop to make it longer if desired.

  4. #4
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    Thomas Knob to Wise Shelter has bear problems. If your going that way use the bear boxes or just hike thru there. Was just up in that area last week.

  5. #5
    Senior Member Vanhalo's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Musky View Post
    Thomas Knob to Wise Shelter has bear problems. If your going that way use the bear boxes or just hike thru there. Was just up in that area last week.
    Tom Cohen
    We just heard from a hiker whose Ursack AllMitey was attacked at Thomas Knob Shelter last week. It survived unscathed except for some dirt. Some of his food was crushed. The bear destroyed several nearby bear hangs (presumably not Ursacks). 5/28/2018
    "...in Florida, she felt air conditioning for the first time, and it was cold and unnatural upon her skin."


  6. #6

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    Here is a loop that I like to do. If you want a little longer, you can continue down the back side of Mount Rogers to Fairwood Road and then take Fairwood Valley Trail back to the AT to finish the loop, but I not a big fan of Fairwood Valley Trail (muddy horse trail). Thomas Knob, Old Orchard, and Wise are all great spots to hang hammocks and usually have water.

    https://www.alltrails.com/explore/ma...s-fall-loop--2
    Attached Files Attached Files

  7. #7
    Senior Member Str1der's Avatar
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    Thanks for all the help, everyone. I just bought the trail guide for the area, so I'm hoping to finalize my plans today or tomorrow. I think I have the route sort of down, but I just want to make sure the spots where we spend the night are good for 2-3 hammocks. I understand that a lot of the sites don't have many/any trees.
    "The Road goes ever on and on,
    Down from the door where it began.
    Now far ahead the Road has gone,
    And I must follow, if I can.
    Pursuing it with eager feet
    Until it joins some larger way
    Where many paths and errands meet.
    And whither then? I cannot say."
    ~Bilbo Baggins - LotR

  8. #8
    Senior Member Str1der's Avatar
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    Now I'm worried about bears. The only places I know of that are good for 2-3 hammocks are Thomas Knob Shelter, Wise Shelter, and Old Orchard Shelter, and we were planning to use Thomas Knob and Wise. Sounds like both are having bear problems now, so I'm not quite sure what we'll do. I don't have an Ursack or bear canister. I usually just hang a bag.
    "The Road goes ever on and on,
    Down from the door where it began.
    Now far ahead the Road has gone,
    And I must follow, if I can.
    Pursuing it with eager feet
    Until it joins some larger way
    Where many paths and errands meet.
    And whither then? I cannot say."
    ~Bilbo Baggins - LotR

  9. #9
    Senior Member jeff-oh's Avatar
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    There are several really nice sites about 1000'-2000' E of Thomas Knob that are not as popular, thus they may not be hassled as much. Also, as the slug of AT traffic has shifted north this issue may not be as pronounced as it was. I would not cancel but be more diligent. Or call to see if you can get updated reports.

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