Benjamin and I standing next to the sign pointing out the final route to the Mt. Rogers Summit. (Mt. Rogers Photo Album)

A couple of years ago, I had an idea to use Labor Day weekend to knock out the Southern Sixpack.  Thanks to some really bad planning and some ugly weather, the goal did not happen, and instead, it became something I would accomplish in steps.  Looking back, I am glad it happened that way because it turned out that hiking to the top of Mt. Rogers became an awesome father-son trip instead.

Unlike most of the highpoints east of the Mississippi River, the summit of Mt. Rogers can only be reached by hiking.  There are no roads to get you close for a quick jaunt to the top.  While my son and I have hiked various lengths to our highpoints—except Flordia, Ohio, and Indiana because really, why?—none of them had shaped up to be as long as Mt. Rogers.  A year ago, I decided to cut it out of a trip we were making because I did not know if his four-year old self could handle it. A year later, I had some doubts about his five-year old self, but after asking around, I decided we would give the eight-plus mile roundtrip trek a go.  If we made it all the way to the top, it would be great. If we had to turn around, we would.  I should have known we would not have to turnaround after seeing his reaction to finding out I had some doubts if we would make it to the top while we were staying in Blowing Rock after a visit to Grandfather Mountain—two places I recommend.

Knowing that it would be an all day affair, we camped the night before at Grayson Highlands State Park. While it is touch more expensive than some other campgrounds, the facilities are top-notch, and being within five minutes of the Massie Gap trail heads makes for an added bonus.  They have attendants who come by the sites selling ice and firewood, and many forgotten items can be snagged in the camp store.  The view of the sky from the open areas are great as well, an added bonus for those who like stars.  After calling it a night, a storm rolled through, making sleeping even easier, and the next morning, it was time for quick showers, packing up, breakfast and hitting the trail.

My son, Ben, at the start of the Rhododendron Trail.

Continue reading →