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Thread: VA/ NC Info

  1. #11
    Senior Member tom_tom's Avatar
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    Im interested in this hike
    Not all those who wander are lost

  2. #12

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    Quote Originally Posted by Crawldaddy View Post
    Maybe youd be interested in a guided hike a little farther west with me sometime? 6000 ft peaks and cool in the summer.
    Indeed! I’ve never done it, but I understand the hike up Mount Mitchell is a challenge. Still, the temperatures up top only occasionally get above 70F in July. That’s my kind of summer!

    https://econet.climate.ncsu.edu/stations/MITC/

  3. #13
    Senior Member Twistytee's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by SubaruWx View Post
    Indeed! I’ve never done it, but I understand the hike up Mount Mitchell is a challenge. Still, the temperatures up top only occasionally get above 70F in July. That’s my kind of summer!

    https://econet.climate.ncsu.edu/stations/MITC/

    Not to derail slowhikes thread, but I’m planning on doing the Black Mountain Crest Trail this summer or early fall. Likely with a hang at Deep Gap. I did VA Triple Crown this April which has some decent elevation change but nothing like the BMCT. Still trying to get in shape for it.
    Another high elevation option slowhike is the Sam’s Knob loop off the Parkway. You’re supposed to carry a bear canister but I’ve never been bothered by bears up there. There are some decent black balsam patches to hang with small groups and the elevation along that loop is not strenuous. Park in the lot at the end of Black Balsam Rd around milepost 420 on the BRP and you can access the trail head from there.

  4. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by SubaruWx View Post
    Indeed! I’ve never done it, but I understand the hike up Mount Mitchell is a challenge. Still, the temperatures up top only occasionally get above 70F in July. That’s my kind of summer!

    https://econet.climate.ncsu.edu/stations/MITC/
    Can’t recommend hiking up M from the campground at the base except just as a workout. Ton of elevation gain, no views until the top when you share it with all of the tourists who drive to the top and walk 300ft.

    The BMCT discussed above is how you want to do it


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  5. #15

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    Quote Originally Posted by slowhike View Post
    Lots of good information. Much appreciated.
    I've only hiked in from Elk Garden once, many years ago. Seams like there was a water source part of the way in but I don't remember how good of a source it was.

    I'll look into these other places as well.
    There is an Avenza map for Grayson Highlands - it shows the trail to the water source that is about half way up from the Elk Garden labeled as Deep Gap Spring Trail. When I was there last fall, that trail hadn’t seen much traffic, but there was a sign post. There are a few nice wooded sites right there between the AT and the horse trail to the south, but it’s in the forest without the views of the open meadows higher up. It wasn’t a strenuous walk to that spot from Elk Garden. My suggestion would be to head in that way and stay depending on you’re feeling. If you are feeling good, then continue up to Thomas Knob shelter area for the nice views, more site options, and easier water source. I’ve never had a bad visit to Grayson Highlands.

    E69BFCF8-C19E-405C-8C57-7245BB842DBB.jpg
    Last edited by SubaruWx; 05-28-2022 at 09:16.

  6. #16
    slowhike's Avatar
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    In my younger years I solo hiked form the bottom to the top of Mt Mitchel twice, once from Carolins Hemlock Campground and once from the other one on highway 80, once in spring, one in winter.
    Not something I am up to now as I build my legs up.

    One thing I remember people talking about is a lack of water on the BMCT.

    SubaruWx, thanks for the map and reminder about the water source.
    I'm leaning toward going in at Elk Garden and playing it by ear.
    The plan is to spend 3 nights on the trail and there will be plenty of options from there.
    One of my favorites from the past is to take the Pine Moutain trail from Rhododendron Gap to where it meets the horse trail and water hole.

    I appreciate all the input and welcome any more.
    I too will something make and joy in it's making

  7. #17
    Senior Member Twistytee's Avatar
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    When I did this hike last fall with el Gordo, I remember dodging horse/pony piles all along the AT section. I was amazed how far up the brush-covered trail they would go. Fun seeing them up close but watch where you step…I also recall the piped spring below Thomas Knob shelter being iced cold. Nice treat after hiking up Mt Rogers.

  8. #18
    slowhike's Avatar
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    Yes, I have lots of fine memories from that area.

    When I used to take groups backpacking there, I didn't think much of it when a person or two wanted to pet and feed the ponies.
    But after I witnessed a couple incidences, I asked them not to pet or feed, even if they are approached by a pony.
    That was a long time ago.

    What happened was, a girl stopped feeding a pony and began walking up the trail. The pony followed, nipping, biting at her backpack, then it bit her on the buttock! :~o
    Another time, a guy finished feeding a pony, backed away, the pony turned and back kicked him on the inner thigh.

    After that, I finally wised up and told them not to feed or pet the ponies, just let them be wild.
    I too will something make and joy in it's making

  9. #19
    Senior Member tom_tom's Avatar
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    Any more details for this hike slow hike
    Not all those who wander are lost

  10. #20
    slowhike's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by SubaruWx View Post
    Grayson Highlands is a great choice for cooler temps and great scenery. We parked at Elk Gardens for our trip last fall. There were lots of other cars there, and we didn’t have any issues, but I had read a warning from Forest Service saying there were car breakins reported close to Damascus. The hike from Elk Gardens to Thomas Knob is ~5miles, and the steep sections are not too long. There are some nice campsites about 2.5 miles in, but the water source isn’t close or convenient. Much better, if you have time, to go all the way to Thomas Knob and all the nice campsites near and past there.
    When you say the water source isn’t close or convenient, are you saying it's there, just a little hike off the trail to get to it?
    I too will something make and joy in it's making

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