Mt. Rogers Summit Hike

One dog and four guys from Virginia, North Carolina, and the District of Columbia met up at the trailhead to hike to the summit of Mt Rogers, the highest mountain in Virginia.  Our route along the trails we used was about 13.5 miles, including a long section along the Appalachian Trail.  

Although the weather during the days before the hike had been cool and cloudy, I was relieved that the temperature at the trailhead was already 61 degrees at 9.30, with full sun.  Due to the relatively high elevation of the hike (up to 5800 feet), there were no Spring flowers or leaves on the trees yet, despite the fact that Spring was in full bloom in the valleys a mere 5-10 miles away.

Despite the good weather, we encoutered few other hikers on the trail, including the part along the AT.   Not too many folks hike on Thursdays, so we had most of the trails to ourselves. 

Due to our late start (about 10am), and many pauses to take in the great views into North Carolina, Tennessee, and much of southern Virginia, we didn't get back to our cars at the trailhead until about 6.15pm. 

We all agreed that it had been a great hike with good company, fine weather, and superb views!

Join us for an invigorating 13.3 mile loop hike up to the summit of Mt. Rogers in SW Virginia. 

From the Grindstone Campground, we'll take the Mount Rogers Trail up to and join with the Appalacian Trail, following that to the Mt Roger Spur Trail up to the actual Mt Rogers summit (5750 feet).  From there, we'll descend back down the Spur trail, then continue East on the AT until we turn onto the Cliffside Trail, follow that to the Lewis Fork connector Trail, and then finally end up back at the Grindstone Campground.

Participants should check the weather for Troutedale, VA and dress accordingly but in any case wear boots or sturdy shoes, bring water, snacks, and lunch.

Hike time should be 5.5-7 hours from start to finish.