Grayson Highlands requires reservations for backcountry parking

**wsp_scott** · 10-13-2019, 14:37

Originally Posted by soul embrace

pick the days you want to go and hit check availability and if there is a spot open it will be the first thing listed as backpack parking
Attachment 177539

Thanks for figuring that out

**soul embrace** · 10-13-2019, 16:07

Originally Posted by wsp_scott

Thanks for figuring that out

welcome.

I have no problem with requiring reservations for the backpacking lot. being 6 1/2 hours away I would hate to drive all that way and then getting there to find I had nowhere to park.

**soul embrace** · 10-13-2019, 16:22

Originally Posted by TrailSlug

This just adds to the many reasons I'll most likely never go to this park. The main reason is a lot of people like this area and I do not like crowded areas. Just got back from hiking the 20 mile loop at the 20 mile trailhead and it was me and the wife and no one else. That's my kind of backpacking.

funny how you said the parking reservation and a lot of people is some of the reason you probably won't go to this park (I've been to grayson twice on 4th of July weekend and in September and neither times was it overly crowded) while you just got back from The Great Smoky Mountains that require you to reserve campsites/shelters and has is the most visited park in the US (11 Million a year)

. much rather reserve the parking and camp whee I want and it's all about when you go

**swampfox** · 10-13-2019, 21:12

Originally Posted by soul embrace

welcome.

I have no problem with requiring reservations for the backpacking lot. being 6 1/2 hours away I would hate to drive all that way and then getting there to find I had nowhere to park.

I agree.
I'm not going anywhere that may not let me in when I get there.

**jeff-oh** · 10-14-2019, 07:55

Originally Posted by swampfox

I agree.
I'm not going anywhere that may not let me in when I get there.

FWIW, there are several other trail heads outside of the state park area in the National Forest, that do not charge yo park nor have reservation requirements. Elk Garden for one.

**TallPaul** · 10-14-2019, 13:50

Originally Posted by swampfox

Did anyone notice the burn ban?
It includes stoves???
That would knock me out.

Not sure what it includes - it is Grayson County so one could call them if inclined. If it was state level ban, then I’m pretty sure stoves like propane are ok which I loosely interpret as canister stove or something with on/off capability.

**TallPaul** · 10-14-2019, 13:52

Originally Posted by TrailSlug

This just adds to the many reasons I'll most likely never go to this park. The main reason is a lot of people like this area and I do not like crowded areas. Just got back from hiking the 20 mile loop at the 20 mile trailhead and it was me and the wife and no one else. That's my kind of backpacking.

Yea kinda tough to find any solitude that’s for sure. Pretty much weekdays and shoulder season if you can. I don’t mind the crowds - seems I can usually find a place with some quiet especially if you can dry camp.
Somebody coming off the trail said Saturday night was like Disneyland up there.

**TallPaul** · 10-14-2019, 14:01

Quick trip report.
Chappy and I hiked around Whitetop Mtn / Buzzard Rock area Sat/Sun. Camped in a DIY dry place that we had to ourselves. Clouds rolled in that night.

Sun/Mon we moved over to Grayson and did the classic loop - Wise to Scales to Rhododendron Gap. Then out this morning. Saw some SOBOs on the AT. Classic Grayson gear lab testing with a wind coming from 5 directions last night. Clear skies this morning. Water still flowing at Rhodo Gap. Heard trickle at Thomas Knob. Some fall colors. Great trip.