Mt Rogers Hike

 Mt Rogers Virginia's highest peak sits at 5,729 feet above sea level. Not that tall compared to some of the highest mountains in the US. I have been thinking of doing it since long time. Finally it happened this year in April. The trail is located in Grayson Highlands State Park. Not much planning is needed as this summit hike is just 10 miles out and back from Massie Gap parking lot. 

We stayed in a small town, Indepenence. There was a nice Mexican restaurant 'Mi Casa Azteca' very close from our hotel where we had dinner. Food and service was both good. It was a small quite town. The drive from there to the parking lot in Grayson Highlands State Park was about 40 minutes.

We reached at the parking lot around 9 AM, it was a sunday and not many cars were there. It was cold and brutally windy, had not planned to wear thick jacket but looking at the wind chill I kept my thick jacket and was  glad I did that. After wrapping ourselves really good we started our hike. We passed through an open pasture area and went through the gate and climbed uphill. Temps were in low 30's and wind made it feel even colder, our hands were freezing though we were wearing gloves. We didn't take any pictures of the parking lot. 

After climbing for around .75 to a mile we came across the famous wild ponies of the highlands park. This is the main attraction of this hike! It is recommended not to feed or touch them so we just took plenty of pictures and admired them from close by. The ponies were quite friendly, I guess they are use to people walking on the trail.

Beautiful Ponies with scenic background

Soon we reached the junction of AT and headed southbound on AT(Appalachian Trail). The trail is quite open with very less shade so it is better to do this hike either in fall or spring or early may. We passed many backpackers of AT on our way. The views on the trail are just breathtaking. 

After couple of miles our hands were somewhat warmed up and were no longer freezing. The trail got more rugged with some rock scrambling, not a lot.

Big Rocks and Boulders

We were totally unsure which one was Mt Rogers, we asked some hikers passing by and they were not sure either as they were not coming back from summit of Mt Rogers. As we went higher up the open land was covered in white frost and some snow all around us. It was surprising to see snow up there, the view was beautiful with montains in the backdrop and snow covered path around us.

We passed Thomas Knob shelter on AT, shortly after we enter Lewis Fork Wilderness. 

Lewis Fork Wilderness

The trail was very muddy because of all the rain and snow that had happened that week. Soon we left AT and started climbing the Spur Trail for the summit. It is a very short hike up the spur trail, .50 miles one way. We met few people who were coming down, they said there's no view from up there just the USGS bench mark in the stone. 

The trail and trees were fully covered in snow, it gave winter wonderland feeling!

Spur Trail was covered in snow creating a winter wonderland effect

                                              

The trail kind of ends at the top so you will know when you reach the top. We found the USGS marker on the stone! Took some pictures and headed back down.

All the ice and snow was gone as sun was spreading it's warmth on the land.We took the same trail back. After leaving Lewis Fork Wilderness we took a quick lunch break. 

Resting on our way down and immersing ourselves in this beautiful view!

We got to see few more ponies on our way down towards the end of the trail. 

Mom and baby pony!

Parking lot was full by the time we came back. Many people come to do a short hike just to see the ponies, especially with kids.

The Starting and End Point of the hike

There was a nice open area with picnic benches next to the parking lot. Did some stretching on the grass, it felt so good. Sat on the bench for a while just admiring the nature around us! 

It was an amazing 6 hrs(including stops for snacks, ponies and lunch).