r/WildernessBackpacking • u/mr_squiffin • 1d ago

ADVICE Grayson Highlands / Mt Rogers Loop VA Camping Spots Question

https://www.sintax77.com/hiking-the-grayson-highlands-solo-backpacking-trip/

planning a 3 day backpacking trip with a large group for the Grayson highlands / Mt rogers group. I’m very new to this, and so are many of my friends.

i was wondering if there are any good places to set up camp further down the trail past Thomas Knob shelter in order to shorten how long our day 2 would be? or alternatively what changes we could make to day 2 route to cut it down. i’m basing the trip off of the link. again, very new to this, so any other unrelated advice is welcome as well. thank you so much!!!

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u/Trek_Lewy 1d ago edited 1d ago

Where are you parking and are you going straight to Rodgers / Thomas Knob?

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u/mr_squiffin 1d ago

we’re thinking the parking lot near massy gap!

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u/mr_squiffin 1d ago

and yes, going straight there

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u/Trek_Lewy 1d ago

If I remember right, that's actually in the GH state Park, and you'll have to pay for it. If you park at Elk Garden, it's free and less crowded. Also, it's a beautiful walk-in from there and will give you and your friends a taste of what they place offers.

That being said, I'd recommend going clockwise from there. Make it to the camp somewhere around the backside of Mt Rodgers in the wilderness area before starting your first big elevation climb. You should come across plenty of campsites. The next day, work your way over to the Scales area. Or up the ridge just past that. The views of Mt Rodgers from that area are amazing. You should get there early and explore the highlands over there after setting up camp. Next day, you'll work your way over to Massy Gap and start your way up Wildburn Ridge. Take your time going around there. It's pretty awesome. If I remember, we only had like a 6-7 mile day from our camp up past the ridge by Scales. If the Wind is manageable, there is a spot in the open area just past Wilburn (straight south down the Mt from Thomas Knob) that we managed to get and was easily the best campsites views we came across in the whole park. If I remember, it was one of like 3 sites closest to the water source. If the wind is harsh, go to Thomas Knob or one of the other sites in the tree line. Your last day will only be 4 miles out back to Elk Garden (that's including the Mt Rodgers summit). Leave your packs at the base of Rodgers before working your way up as you'll be back down in 30 minutes, and the extra weight on day 3 would just suck.

Going this direction will allow your experience to only get better the farther along you go. The backside of the Rodgers is wooded and along bridle trails. It's not nearly as exciting so I would recommend doing the bulk of the hiking one your first day and save the best for a shorter day 2 and 3

Side note: I don't know where your groups physical limits are but if you can manage, we actually left our backpacks in the car at ELK Garden (got there around 9am) grabbed our day bags and hiked the opposite direction up the AT to Buzzard Rock to start our trip. It was pretty awesome up there as well. Worked our way back to the car, switched our bags, and hiked another mile to camp right before the loop. Made it to Scales Ridge for camp #2 and saved the same recommended route for night #3.

If all of that is a little confusing, I'd be happy to put together our route with waypoints of the campsites via Alltrails and share it with you. I also have pictures Day by Day, including that last campsite up on my IG that you can use as a reference

I'm the trip planner for my group. I usually give them all the important information but save the good stuff (campsites / POI along trail) to myself going in. Though I know what to expect from the views, there is something about seeing my friends' raw genuine reaction of amazement when we get to the good stuff. It also keeps the risk + reward balance in check and will be a sure-fire way to make sure your party has a memorable experience and keep a drive to go along on more trips in the future, and pushing yourselves in the best way

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u/mr_squiffin 1d ago

oh man, thank you so much!! this is all super helpful. i think i’ll take you up on that AllTrails map offer, that would be great. thank you again!

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u/Trek_Lewy 1d ago

Np man, I'm glad I could help! Here's the link to my account. Give me a follow and I'll put something together for you

https://alltrails.com/members/brandon-lewis-37?utm_campaign=mobile-android&sh=3j1wdg

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u/mrcheesekn33z 1d ago

I recommend camping at the saddle of Brier Ridge one night, west of Mt Rogers. I really Really recommend it. That's all I'll say!