Mt. Rogers to Damascus

“We're looking at spending a few days hiking from Mt. Rogers south to Damascus. Anyone know any good places to access the trail from civilization, preferably around Wise Shelter? I can't seem to find that many detailed maps (for free, anyway). Also, any opinions on the area or the hike? Thanks.”

“You could park at the backpackers lot at Grayson Highlands State park. Its only a couple miles to Wise Shelter from there. even closer to the AT. But you have to pay something like $2 per day.”

“As to the hike, if you use AT it is pretty straight forward....just follow the blazes....lol. As far as parking, you don't indicate if you are using a shuttle so I really can't give anything there. Not knowing how many is a few days, I can't offer a solution there either. I can offer that the entire area that you want to hike has just been clear burned by the forest service, and if you are going this weekend be prepared for alot of thunderstorms. That according to the NOAA weather service...”

“I live here at Mt Rogers Recreation Area. There is a place you can drive to called scales. This road is off rt 600 just a couple miles from Troutdale VA. The road to scales is a little rough in some places although I have driven my car there just a couple weeks ago. Wise shelter is approx 1 1/2 miles away. There is a campground hostess that has stays there at scales from spring through hunting season, so your vehicle should be okay there and there is no fee to park there.

Or you can park at my home. I live at the base of Whitetop and Mt Rogers along White top Mt. road in a community called Konnarock.

I could take drop you off at several points along the AT , or many places in the area at your convience. You can E mail me at refrigeratorkid@wmconnect.com if interested or contact me for detailed info on the forest road to scales.”

“hey fridge...was just up at the scales 2 weeks ago...Won't argue with you but I wouldn't recommend driving a car up there unless it was a beater and keeping it nice wasn't a priority....anyway it is a nice place and the host is okay....yea its a safe place to park....not much traffic....lol.”

“Thanks for the info and offers...To clarify the trip..we're thinking early July, maybe leaving the cars at Damascus and hitching a ride to the Mt. Rogers area to hike back. I visited Grayson some years ago and loved it. We dayhiked a little bit but didn't really get to know the area that well. Any word on water availability in this area and the like? Thanks again.”

“Hyker, you got plenty of time if not till july...recommend you send off for a trails illus. map of the Mt. Rogers area...and pick up either a AT trail guide from ALDHA or Wingfoot...either will work and most folks swear by either or....they will outline water availability along your route...hope I helped you some. Have a good one.”

“mister rogers is going to damascus? oh nevermind”

“Get Trails Illustrated map and make a loop with the above trails. It will save you a shuttle/hitch.”

“My wife and I are going with Hyker A
Guy E-mailed me this one. Is It a good hike

My fav. way is from the Fairwood Valley,thats
Rt.603..Look at Fox Creek.Hike A.T.1.5 miles South take right on the horse
trail just before the shelter go abt a mile to the Cliff Side Trail.Its a
steep trail left that goes to the center of Pine Mtn.Abt.a mileWhen you get
to the top take right~~Its a mile to Rhodo Gap then sml mile to Thomas Knob
~~~~~~So its abt 5/6 miles with 3 miles of it out in the open

Then we hop from shelter to shelter back to Damascus”

“I think it would be more of a hop skip and a jump. Man i can feel my legs gettin sore already! LETS GO !!!! But the beauty is definetly worth the burn. But it sounds c00l!

- n00b_4_L!f3”

“Sounds like it's starting to come together. Guess it's time to buy more gear... To check out our humble crew and hikes, go to www.hykerboyz.com”