Mt Rogers yall come!

“Just wanted to see iffin anyone missed seeing this trip and might want to join us!”

“This trip sounds interesting, but being from Michigan, I woundn't have a clue on the best route to drive down there and then finding the TH too?

Also what would the drive time be, nearest city?

Plus, I could probably swing 5 days(Thurs.-Mon.) So, If I came down for a hike, I wouldn't mind hiking on the AT and doing 40 miles or so?

I'm just giving a little thought to all of this, because my 4/27-5/1 Michigan Pictured Rocks trip, might be a bust?”

“Hey Nct Hiker. Dont know where you are in michigan (Cant use the visual aid) but from toledo east on the turnpike to 77 south aprox 500 miles. a straight shot from the looks of it.

My wife is from Wyandotte.”

“I'd be coming from Canton, Mi. Which is about 15-20 miles west of Detroit. Sounds like a 9-10 hr. drive then? Along with finding the TH?”

“Sorry Spam Cant make it! Yo bear”

“Dam, I checked with my Wife and they have inventory that weekend and she would perfer me to stay home considering how late she will have to work :(”

“Prolly 9-10 hours , about 550 miles”

“Plus, I could probably swing 5 days(Thurs.-Mon.) So, If I came down for a hike, I wouldn't mind hiking on the AT and doing 40 miles or so?
I got the time you got the ability to do the High Country of Virginia, I know a 40 mile trip that can take you from Damascus to Mt Rogers down and up alont Iron Mountain back to Damascus. I know you don't have a clue on the route but trust me, the views will be ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,well ask anyone who has been to the Virginia Highlands area.”

“I am still a maybe but it is on the very high side. ET is thinking about riding with me.”

“Good question refrigerator? My longest day has been 17 miles, but on semi-flat terrain.

I would love to do a section of the AT, but what would be the elev.gain/loss, hikng through the Virg. Highlands,doing 40 miles?

Also, what will the weather be like, during that time of year?

I'd like to do the hike, but don't want to bite off more than I can chew, either?”

“Maybe another trip then jerbear,jackstraw & frantic.”

“ncthiker/ Temps will be on average 25 at night and 40 to 50s day, and with the wind up you will definetly wind and sun burn this time of the year. Elevations will most likely be from 3500 to 5500 feet on most of this 40 miles trip, there is one big elevation drop from Mt Rogers to Iron Mt but from Iron Mt it's a stroll in the park to Damascus.
last edited: 3/30/06 3:50:03 PM”

“I'm not sure yet, on what dates I'd have available, but 4/20-4/24? or 4/21-4/25? might be a go for me?

One other thing I didn't consider was the drive time eating up, pretty much two full days.

I don't think I'd be hiking too far on my drive days?

So, even with 5 days at my disposal, I'd only have 3/3-1/2 full days of hiking.

Considering this: 30-36 miles would be more reasonable.

So, is anyone, possibly up for something like this?

Also, I don't want to pull any one away for spam's trip either, plus I'm not a for sure on this AT hike, but I sure have been giving section hiking the AT, more thought, lately?

Who says you have to start at either end too?

It sounds like Mt. Rogers/Grayson Highlands would be a nice place to do/sample a section of the AT.

I have hiked a small AT section in the Smokies, I forgot about this one? (Back in 86, I think)”

“ncthiker/ If your not sure about what direction ie,... At mileage and time why don't you join us on this trip and base camp and do long AT hikes in both directions N and S. The AT through the Highlands will be very rewarding with views in all directions.

If you do descide to make to this trip I will have the latest topo and National Geograpic maps of the area and can give you some ideas as what will fill your palate!

There is a net work of trails within the Virginia Highlands including the AT that will intice your hiking experience and add to your AT section hiking.

If HOI gets to make this trip as well as Sticks they will have plenty of knowledge on the fauna, seems like everytime I get to hike with these two I get a little better in knowing my backyard, and the wildlife will be plenty this time of the year. Cayotes should be herd late evenings and early mornings, and sun sets as well as sun rises will be as awesome as any through the Appalachians.
last edited: 3/30/06 6:40:03 PM”

“I'll give it some thought and thanks for your help and advice.

I wonder if I / we could meet at the designated meeting place, leaving my car here, and then get / pay someone to drive me 30 miles or so away, north or south?

Then, drop me off at a TH or road crossing. I could then hike the AT back to my car, through, the Mt.Rogers area?

Btw, what will the AT be like, this time of year? Crowded with thru-hikers?

I guess it would help to get some maps, so I somewhat know, what we're talking about?

Thanks”

“ncthiker.... you can actually park in Damascus for a really small fee at the Mt Rogers Outfitters and start your hike there and loop back for a good 35 mile hike. Check with the Outfitter there and they will have maps and the latest info on the trails. Or get here a day earlier than the proposed trip and I will drop you off and pick you up FREE.”

“refrigerator,

Thanks for the generous offer, but I've decided to go through with my hike up here in Michigan.

I'd rather wait until I can plan for more time off work, for a trip down there? Like a Monday-Friday, along with the weekends attached for driving down and what not, I don't want to rush or be too tired for a trip?

Thanks again, and if you ever need any assistance with any hikes in Michigan, feel free to drop me a line.

mfog1@comcast.net”

“that's true about the sunsets and sunrises. They're awesome in that area. Purple as can be.”

“Fridge - how is the road up to Scales this spring? I'm seriously considering this trip.”

“HOI.........The road to SCALES is as good as last year. You should have no problems. Base camp is at the same place we camped Blueberry Massacre 05..........”

“Thats the second day!”

“yep second day HOI First Night will be at the old orchard shelter. One of the original AT shelters still standing and in use. My last meeting with Mt Rogers Trail club this shelter is being looked at as dismantling and re locating a New shelter.”

“Have you seen the "shelter" on McQueen Knob? I think it is the oldest on the trail circa 1938.
Its great if your say 5'5" or shorter.”

“Two more weeks!”

“Hey,,,,,anyone interested in this trip duh Ramps will be up and iffin the temps are warm enough shroons will be up as well uhhhhhh not the shroons some of you are thinking,,,,,,,,Morrell, (dry land shrimp)Molly Moochers. If prepared correctly they will taste like shrimp.
I went on a day hike today from Old Orchard shelter to Wilburn Ridge and back and picked several Ramps on my way back from the hike just north of Old Orchard shelter or just down the Mt From the shelter. I also seen more than usual Red Tail Hawks along Wilburn Ridge and the Wild Ponies well they are doin it!!!!!!!! iffin you no....spring time babes will be here.

Anyone needing any specific directions for this trip or my Home Phone just e mail me at
refrigeratorkid@wmconnect.com and I will meet you somewhere wherever..... This will be a good time to be on the Mountain. The Views are the best this time of the year, seems like the air is so crisp and clear you can see more and see further this time of year than later in the year. Shooting stars are easily seen also this time of the year, and iffin the stars are out,,,,,,, BILLIONS of STARS.”

“Cool fridge...Ellie Mae and I can hardly wait!”

“I will be at the spot...


See you Saturday.
last edited: 4/08/06 6:24:03 AM”

“Sticks!!!!!!!!! you got it. Good too hear from you man. I will bring the Knob Creek this time.”

“Fridge don't forget my hat and ugly ass fitover sunglasses.”

“I have it packed up dude! Is paul coming on this trip?”

“Talked to him today and he just said he hates me.”

“Well hating you is not hard too do.”

“Hey Fridge I found a Mt Rogers map today at the outfitters in Arden,NC.I never thought that they would have one but sure as mud there it was! Now I don't have to waste time when I head that way to look for one.”

“ok what time is every one meeting and what trail head..I'll be coming up from Boone,nc
Thanks”

“Gonna meet at the Old Orchard Shelter on Friday evening.Whatever time you can get there. It's just a short hike to the shelter.”

“ok so do we park on SR603 at fairwood parking lot?and are the cars safe there?
and spam did a weekend hike from carvers gap to 19E was a good weekend for hiking....
would like to go back to linville next ..
later jb”

“I've parked there a few times and never had any problems...but then all it takes is one yahoo so I never say never when I head up a trail...then I get paranoid. 8~O”

“ok so do we park on SR603 at fairwood parking lot
jb2638nc
6:16:44 PM
4/11/06

the first time I was there I just parked at the trailhead, the next time I parked at someplace about a mile up the road. Is that the Fairwood place you are talking about?”

“cool thanks . for the info”

“I'll prolly park at the trailhead and I plan to be at the shelter around 5ish.”

“looks like if I get to come I won't be leaving Nashville until 5 or 6 pm Friday night. It is then a 5 hr drive plus the time change. That should put me in there around 11 or midnight :(
I might just crash in a rest area and then drive in Sat morning”

“Trail head parking at the At Trail Head has had no problems reported to the Mt Rogers Headquarters and to the local authorities for the past 7 years. I live here and i will not bother your vehicles, I promise.

Sticks/ You going to be at the Old Orchard Friday night or are you planning to park at Scales and meet us at the Camp area we camped at last year?”

“I am planning on driving up to Scales and camping at The Spot. I will be driving down Friday and should be in the area about 6ish hope to be at Scales by 7 or 8. I will have a little night hike and set up.”

“Damn, no invite for me?”

“Please, drive safely and we'll see ya Friday?”

“Yall come means you too J!”

“Yeah, just giving you a hard time :^) I'd love to make this trip but I'm on the road that weekend.”

“5 mo days!!!!!!”

“I'm definitely in. I have one other person with me that isn't registered, but we won't be there until Saturday 'bout lunch. We'll meet everyone at Fridge's secret hideout.”

“You guys have a good time. That's a great area. I'll be up there in late June.”