Grayson Highlands Chill Backpacking

OVERVIEW

A cool breeze is in the air and wild ponies are in the meadows. Do you want to go on a chill(y) beginner backpacking trip? Seek no further. Grayson Highlands State Park is a bucket lister for me, and it’s home to 100-150 wild ponies. (Also, would like 1 more driver!)
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2 nights. Back Sunday before noon. The hike in and out is very easy (3 miles to site) and the day hike will be a very laid back sightseeing trip (~10-11 miles) on the Appalachian, Crest, and Wilburn Ridge Loop. Due to the days getting shorter, we will need to do some night walking to get in on Friday, so bring a headlamp!
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IMPORTANT: IT WILL BE COLD AT NIGHT! Bring a puffer and warm clothes. There is a possibility of snow in the forecast, so bring a raincoat too. You should be prepared for the 30’s. We will personally check everyone’s gear before the trip, so please keep the weather in mind when packing.
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Grayson Highlands schedule:
Friday Nov. 13th
5:00pm Leave from Echols
9:30pm Arrive at Grayson Highlands backpacking overnight lot
10:30pm Reach Wise Shelter and National Forest sites
Saturday
9:00am depart campsites with day packs and do 10 mile hike
12ish trail lunch
5:00 back at camp, make a big group dinner (pad thai? Fajitas? Will decide when we know diet preferences)
Sunday
6:45am rise up pack up
8:00am back at overnight lot, drive back to UVA
12:00pm back at grounds
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Cost: $5 per person for group dinner Saturday, plus $3 for the parking. ODC pays for gas (😊)
Bring your own food for Friday night, 2 breakfasts for sat/sun, and lunch Saturday
– We will double filter all water with a sawyer squeeze and micropur tablets
– We will bring cookware for group dinner and a dining fly tarp
– If this is your first time backpacking or you have any questions, please reach out!! you can reach Martin at 706-594-0045 ❤️❤️