Team Green

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MOUNT ROGERS BACKPACKING GETAWAY

When

Friday, August 15 to Sunday, August 17

Details

Join Team Green August 15-17th for a backpacking trip to beautiful Mt Rogers, the highest point in VA. We will hike around 18 miles over three days, linking the AT with various other trails to create a scenic loop, showcasing the areas unique mountain top balds, rock formations, and vivid green hardwood forests. Along the way, we will see wild ponies and pick yummy blueberries off of bushes that surround the first night’s campsite and are all along the trail.

Level of Experience

This is an intermediate backpacking trip, limited to 18 people, and prior experience is required. You should be in good shape, as this trail is fairly strenuous, with some light rock scrambling in one or two sections.

Trip Logistics

We will meet in the back right hand side of the Kroger parking lot in Hermitage, right off of I-40, near Panera at 7am Friday morning. We can carpool from there, so if you plan to ride with someone else, please bring some cash to chip in for gas. We will stop in Damascus for lunch, then head to Grayson Highlands State Park and hike about 4 easy miles to the first campsite. Saturday is an 8 mile hike to the next campsite, with an optional side trip to Mt Rogers after we set up camp. Sunday, we hike the quick 5-6 miles back to the parking lot, followed by another stop in Damascus for lunch and ice cream before we head back to Nashville.

What to Bring

The weather in Mt Rogers can change in a matter of minutes. We have experienced snow in the middle of August before and even on warm, 80 degree days it often dips into the 40s-50s at night. So, make sure to bring warm layers. A rain jacket is a MUST. Pop up showers often appear at Mt Rogers, when surrounding areas are completely clear. Hiking boots with ankle support are also recommended, as much of the trail is very rocky, with large steps and drops. There will be water sources at both campsites, so don’t forget your filter. Though rarely seen, there are black bears in this area, so please bring something to hang your food with as well.

Cost

The trip itself is free, but you should bring $ for gas, food, and there is an entrance fee into Grayson Highlands State Park of $3/car.

Registration

To sign up or have any other questions about recommended gear, or other details, please email the trip leader Shana.