Team Green

Below is a description of your event. Please use the comment form to provide feedback or start a conversation with other interested event participants.

INTERMEDIATE BACKPACKING: MT ROGERS BACKPACKING

Details

When

July 31st- August 2nd

Have you hiked 10 or more miles on strenuous terrain and want the added challenge of carrying all your overnight gear on your back? If so, head out with Team Green for a backpacking trip to beautiful Mt Rogers, the highest point in VA. We will hike around 18 miles of the AT with various other trails to create a scenic three-day loop, showcasing the areas unique mountain top balds, rock formations, and vivid green hardwood forests.

When July 31-August 2nd
This trip leaves early on Friday Morning
Where Mount Rogers, VA
Cost Free

Not a Member? Joining gets you great discounts on trips!

Trip Leader Shana

Difficulty This is an Intermediate backpacking trip. See backpacking rating guide below. Limited to 18 people, and prior experience is required. You should be in good shape, as this trail is fairly strenuous, with some light rock scrambling in one or two sections.
Children Policy This is an 18 and up event
Dog Policy Friendly dogs who have hiked over 8 miles are welcome

Along the way, we will see wild ponies and pick yummy blueberries off of bushes that surround the first night’s campsite and are all along the trail.

Please check out the Backpacking Checklist available on the Resources Page.

Team Green practices Leave No Trace guidelines. Follow this link to see what you can do to keep our trails clean and safe.

Tentative Itinerary

Please keep in mind that trail conditions, weather, and group ability may cause compromise of the trip itinerary. Please be considerate of necessary changes during the trip should these instances occur.

Friday, July 31th
7am Meet at Carpool Location (included in confirmation email upon registration). Stop for lunch in Damascus and head to Grayson Highlands State Park and hike about 4 easy miles to the first campsite.

Saturday, August 1st
8 mile hike to the next campsite, with an optional side trip to Mt Rogers after we set up camp.

Sunday, August 2nd
Quick 5-6 miles back to the parking lot, followed by another stop in Damascus for lunch and ice cream before we head back to Nashville.

What to Bring

Please check out the Backpacking Checklist available on the Resources Page.

The weather in Mt Rogers can change in a matter of minutes. We have experienced snow in the middle of August before and even on warm, 80 degree days it often dips into the 40s-50s at night. So, make sure to bring warm layers. A rain jacket is a MUST. Pop up rain showers often appear at Mt Rogers, when surrounding areas are completely clear. Hiking boots with ankle support are also recommended, as much of the trail is very rocky, with large steps and drops. There will be water sources at both campsites, so don’t forget your filter. Though rarely seen, there are black bears in this area, so please bring something to hang your food with as well.

Backpacking Rating Guide

Beginner

You have DAY HIKED more than 8 miles continuously on moderate terrain (Warner Parks, etc) and would like to add the challenge of carrying more weight and camping overnight on the trail. These trips include shorter distances (6-8 miles per day) but moderate to strenuous terrain. You must attend a backpacking clinic.

Beginner to Intermediate

You have DAY HIKED more than 10 miles continuously on rough terrain (Cumberland Plateau/Smokies) and would like to add the challenge of carrying more wight and camping overnight on the trail. These trips include moderate distances (8-10 miles per day) on moderate to strenuous terrain. You must attend a backpacking clinic.

Intermediate

You have BACKPACKED 8 miles or more per day, know your abilities, have adequate equipment, and would like the added challenge of a longer backpacking trip. These trips include long distances (10-15 miles per day) on mostly strenuous terrain. It is recommended that you attend a refresher backpacking clinic.

Advanced

You have BACKPACKED 11 miles or more per day in unpleasant conditions (snow, rain, ice, wind), know your abilities, have adequate equipment, and would like the added challenge of a longer, more strenuous backpacking trip. These trips include long distances (11 miles or more per day) on strenuous terrain (Appalachian Mountains, etc). It is recommended that you attend a refresher backpacking clinic.

Registration

To register, please email Shana

This event is free for Team Green Members and Non-Members. You must have experience backpacking over eight miles and it’s recommended that you attend a refresher backpacking clinic. If you are inadequately prepared for this trip at the carpool site, the trip leader may dismiss you from the trip at their discretion.

Please contact the trip leader if you must cancel your reservation. This event is limited to 18 participants and there will be a waiting list. To be added to the waiting list, please email Shana

Children Policy: Participants must be 18 years or older
Dog Policy: Friendly dogs who have hiked over 8 miles are welcome

Bring money for gas, food, and there is an entrance fee into Grayson Highlands State Park of $3/car.