Thomas Knob Shelter Loop via Appalachian Trail
6.8 mi
Distance
3 hrs 39 min
Time
terrain
853 ft
Elev Gain
Overview
This is a moderate loop trail to Thomas Knob Shelter in Jefferson National Forest.
This trail goes by Massie Gap, Wilburn Ridge, and Pine Mountain.
This is an alternate route for Pine Mountain Loop via Appalachian Trail.
Sights to See
Rate this Hike
★★★★★
Public Tracks
Massie Gap to Mount Rogers
Massie Gap to Rhododendron Trail to AT South to Rhododendron Gap Trail to AT South to Mount Rogers. Poppet and I did this route July 10, 2021 starting at sunrise, and it showed 4.5 mi as we topped Mount Rogers. There is a water source near the Crest Trail/Wilburn Ridge/AT south camping area and another one with a pipe behind the Thomas Knob Shelter. Bring some kind of water filter. I am currently using the Katadyn Be Free filter. My other favorite filter is the Sawyer MICRO on a Smart or Life water bottle. You can make this hike as long or as short as you want and still have major pay-off with gorgeous views and ponies. If you don't make it to Mount Rogers on the first go, just try another time. Don't push so hard you hate the hike. Any steps on this section of Grayson Highlands and the AT are worth it with so much immediate beauty. NOTE: Tons of blueberry bushes that ripen in early August.
GH Grayson Highlands Loop Day 1 - Sintax77
Route used on Day 1 of my Grayson Highlands Winter Solo Backpacking Loop.
From the YouTube video 'Hiking the Grayson Highlands - Solo Backpacking Trip' by Sintax77.
GH CG to Mt. Rogers
Drove to parking area from CG and started hike to Mt. Rogers.
