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Ascent of Mount Rogers on 2010-05-12

Climber: Clarence Mayo

Others in Party:

Solo

Date:

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Ascent Type:

Successful Summit Attained

Motorized Transport to Trailhead:

4x4 Vehicle

Peak:

Mount Rogers

Location:

USA-Virginia

Elevation:

5729 ft / 1746 m

Ascent Trip Report

What an awesome day hike. I camped the night before my hike in Grayson Highlands State Park. Very clean, orderly campground. Clean heated restroom with HOT showers. My first in a week. The Rhododendron trail starts at Massie Gap parking lot and is a short, easy hike to the AT. Turn left (south) on the AT. I found the first section of the AT to be the most difficult. It's very rocky. As you climb higher, you're in and out of balds. It was very windy, misty with low clouds. I saw a lot of wild ponies. Several new foals. The trail is well marked. Rhododendron trail is blue blazed. The AT has it's traditional white blaze. The Mt Rogers spur is located a short distance past the Thomas Knob shelter. It again has blue blazes. There is a nice composting toilet at the shelter for those who need one. The summit is covered in dead and dying Frazier furs and spruce. The summit bench mark is on a boulder at the summit. I also found a second bench mark on the other side of the small clearing, maybe 30 feet away. Bring plenty of water as you do not cross any creeks. I did note a sign at the shelter pointing to "water". As you are warned when leaving the park, this can be a fun, challenging day hike or turn ugly fast as the weather can change fast. There are many exposed areas with little protection. The wind can get brutal. Check the weather before you leave, carry the necessary equipment and you'll be fine.

Summary Total Data

Grade/Class:

Quality:

9 (on a subjective 1-10 scale)

Route Conditions:

Maintained Trail

Gear Used:

Ski Poles

Nights Spent:

0 nights away from roads

Weather:

Drizzle, Cool, Very Windy, Low Clouds

Ascent Statistics

Route:

Rhododendron Trail to AT to Mt Rogers Spur

Trailhead:

Massie Gap

Descent Statistics

Route:

Mt Rogers Spur to AT to Rhododendron Trail

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