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  1. #1
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    Around NC/VA Winter Trip??

    My husband and I are finally geared to do a winter backpacking trip.
    Our plan is to do a 3 day 12 mile loop in Grayson Highlands.
    Currently the forecast is 40s and rain.....
    Anyone have a good backup plan in NC/ Southern VA just in case the rain chance increases?
    (our babysitter is on the central NC/VA line)

  2. #2
    all secure in sector 7 Shug's Avatar
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    Linville Gorge~~!
    Shug
    Whooooo Buddy)))) All Secure in Sector Seven

  3. #3
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    Some good trails in Uwharries at Yates or off of 24-27 trailhead. Uwharrie Trail, and Dutchman’s Creek Loop. Plenty of stream water. A few stream crossings-might get wet feet or might not. Walking sticks will help when crossing streams

    Trails well marked. Also use AllTrailsPro phone app to make sure you know way back. Might need a backup battery pack for phone even when left on airplane mode. Maybe a paper map printed and a pocket compass can be handy. There is cell phone reception most of the way, but there are some dead spots

    Not as great views as The Gorge, but instead of mountains you get hills. Makes it easier on legs

    There have been BigFoot sightings at both places
    Who knew Sasquatch could drive!!...
    Maybe he hitchhiked Lol

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    There have been BigFoot sightings at both places
    Who knew Sasquatch could drive!!...
    Maybe he hitchhiked Lol[/QUOTE]

    Don’t forget the Maple King sightings!



    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

  5. #5
    Phantom Grappler's Avatar
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    John Rock might be closer to you
    John Rock has scenic overlooks, waterfalls, marked trails. Some of their trails are loops, getting you back to parking lot without backtracking.
    Again I recommend using a good phone app like AllTrailsPro, a backup battery, paper map, and compass. Even with marked trails-easy to go wrong way
    Don’t ask me how I know
    Lol

  6. #6
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    Thanks Everyone, we now have several back up plans. Just keeping an eye on the weather. PG, I have Altrails pro, paper maps, and my inreach explorer. And my husband always carries a compass.

  7. #7
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    Around NC/VA Winter Trip??

    Doughton Park primitive camping would be a nice 2 day trip. It requires a free permit to camp, which you get by calling the Blue Ridge Parkway office and having it mailed to you or picking up at a nearby office. Nice views from the balds along Bluff Mtn.

    Check BRP parkway for road closures. Sometimes the road will be closed north of Alligator Back where you can park, which is nice in winter as it’s quieter up there.

    I’d recommend parking at Alligator Back Overlook and hike clockwise Bluff Mtn trail to Cedar Ridge, then up Grassy Gap Fire Road / trail to the primitive camp. From camp either continue up Grassy Gap to Bluff Mtn or head back down Grassy Gap and catch the Flat Rock ridge trail to Bluff Mtn.
    Alternatively you could park on Longbottom road and make your own itinerary. Benefit is you aren’t relying on the BRP as much (not sure if you can get to the BRP office for a permit if the parkway is closed).

    https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvis...ark-trails.htm


  8. #8
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    TallPaul,

    I think we're a go for Grayson Highlands, just spoke to the park Ranger today about conditions. But I really like your plan, I'll stick that in my back pocket for next time. I love camping off the parkway, but I'd expect that area to be closed unless it connects two major roads.

    Sent from my Pixel 5 using Tapatalk

  9. #9
    TallPaul's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mrs.Fancypants View Post
    TallPaul,

    I think we're a go for Grayson Highlands, just spoke to the park Ranger today about conditions. But I really like your plan, I'll stick that in my back pocket for next time. I love camping off the parkway, but I'd expect that area to be closed unless it connects two major roads.

    Sent from my Pixel 5 using Tapatalk
    Enjoy Grayson and let us know how it goes!

  10. #10
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    PXL_20210206_133422992.jpg

    We had a great time!
    Learned a lot of things too, like no mater how nice your quilts are if you put an already very cold body into them, they will not heat you up. But boiling water will save you in a pinch!!!
    We did not stay two nights, big storm was coming on Saturday that the rangers said would add another 5-8 inches, and on the north slopes the snow was already above me knees.
    Cooked steaks and peppers over the fire at wise shelter, and had wonderful coffee by a fire in the morning. I'll add some pictures, next up, were going back to the gorge where we had our first backpacking trip almost 20 years ago.

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