NC BACKCOUNTRY: A Day Hike at Grayson Highland State Park

The plan was to explore everything Grayson Highland State Park has to offer and then hike up the AT trail and do some primitive camping for a long Memorial Day weekend but an engine light put a kibosh on that plan. The alternative plan was for an overnight outing so I called up my daughter and her husband to see if they were interested in going. Brandon was committed to a golfing outing but Cassidy agreed to go if only for a day hike. Grayson Highland State Park is two hours away up I-77 off US 221. Once we got there we drove around the grounds and ended up at Massie Gap with several trailheads. The first trail we explored was the Cabin Creek Loop Trail (1.8 miles) featuring two waterfalls. Only 10 yards into the dense spruce forest you could feel a 15' drop in temperature and today, that was refreshing. This trail is moderate to difficult with a steady decline to cabin creek over rocks and roots. The backside of the trail was flat. The forest floor was getting less dense with a layer of ferns and the sun piercing through the holes of the tree cover. This and the two waterfall was well worth the exertion. Back at Massie Gap, we prepped for a picnic lunch with a cold mini watermelon and ham sandwiches. Once replenished, Cassie and I hiked across the open grass field that was dancing in the wind like ripples crossing an undisturbed lake and through the gates at the start of the Rhododendron Trail. Ascending up the trail to the barren hills and the majestic views of distance NC mountain ranges. Reaching the intersection of the Appalachian Trail we follow the northbound trail toward Mt. Rodgers. Along this trail we encountered some wild ponies grazing on the high grass. These beautiful creatures are more docile than wild allowing everyone to touch and pet them while they lick the salt from the sweat of your bare skin. but what freedom they live. Cassie looks at me and said "This is worth the 2 hour trip here". I would have to agree but there's even more to see. The AT trail takes us past Grayson Highland and into the Mt. Rodgers Recreational Area through an outcrop of rocks to the nearest peak at 5400'. With the satisfaction of making it, the cool breeze brushing against our faces, an unbelievable scenery of the landscape in every direction and sharing it with my daughter is the makings for what I call a perfect day. After taking in as much as we can it's time to start back down through the outcrop of rocks, past the Rhododendron bushes, across Wilson Ridge and the barren hills, past the wild ponies grazing and back down through the dancing field of tall grass. Before piling into the car and heading home we finished off the watermelon. This day trip was so I could scout out the area for an even longer stay and I have to say I will be back and soon.

Trail: 6.5 miles