r/WildernessBackpacking • u/BlazeJesus • 2d ago

ADVICE Extending the mount rogers/grayson highlands loop

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I have Grayson Highlands as a backup in case of weather issues for an upcoming trip. I’ve been before and i remember the route being a little short. Has anyone extended this into a slightly longer loop on the east side?

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u/G00dSh0tJans0n 2d ago

Yeah you can include the trails in Little Wilson creek. If you start from the Elk Garden trailhead you can include both the AT and the horse trail in the loop over there, and on the east side First Peak and Bearpen or Big Wilson Creek trails.

Honestly at this point I try to avoid the AT in this area just because it is so crowded, using parts of Scales, Virginia Highlands, Rhododendron, etc to avoid it.

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u/cremated-remains 2d ago

I’m not sure what the conditions are like at this time of year, but last year when I went mid summer, the trails in Little Wilson Creek were ankle deep mud / horse poo sludge the whole way. When we exited out the southern side there was a sign that said “deep mud: travel not recommended” so I’m guessing it’s a common occurrence.

I think the west side is a prettier / nicer hike to extend it to whitetop / buzzard rock. But as you noted on the AT it is more crowded.

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u/BlazeJesus 2d ago

Good to know, if it was muddy mid summer I’m sure right now it’s muddy as hell.

I’m hoping weather issues decent enough to do Monongahela instead but it’s looking rough over there atm

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u/mrcheesekn33z 2d ago

Grindstone mountain has multiple excellent views and campsites and the little Wilson branch is scenic. Some of the eastern most trails ( bear branch) can be muddy even compared to the rest of the Rogers area. Consider on the west side, tenting out on the balds of Brier Ridge and exploring the length of Cabin Ridge.