Thomas Knob Shelter Loop via Appalachian Trail(edit)

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.