Grayson County Highpoint Trip Report
Mount Rogers (5,729 ft)
Date: July 6, 2004
Author: Don Desrosiers
I had been to this point a couple of times but decided to reclimb it anyway
because it was a nice day and the dogs needed a serious run. I used the longer
AT approach rather than the more standard (in this day and age) Massie Gap route.
Strictly personal preference.
From Damascus, take US 58 east for 15.5 miles to Konnarock, then CR 603 for 3
miles, and turn right on CR 600 for 2.6 miles to the top of the hill.
There is a parking area on the south side of the road (4434 feet).
Go north, across the road, through the gate (leave it shut!) and follow either
the AT or, as we did, the Highlands Horse Trail to Deep Gap. The choice of the
horse trail was necessitated by the dogs but it was quite muddy and in
retrospect was a bad choice. In 1.8 miles reach Deep Gap (horse trail/AT
intersection) and continue for another 2 miles with great views and plenty of water.
At the marked blue-blazed trail to the Mount Rogers summit, turn left
and continue to climb 250 feet in about 1/2 mile of easy walking through
blueberry bushes. The HP is obvious. Came back AT all the way.
As an aside, until the late 1970s the AT used to go across the summit.
If you look very closely you may be able to discern the old trail.
An old guidebook helps.
About 8.6 miles round trip by this route.
A shade over 3 hours of very nice walking.