Day 3 of my Christmas 2018 Adventure called for a trip to Grayson Highlands State Park. Unfortunately, the park is closed for the season (or due to the government shutdown) and I found out about this on the morning of, while driving to the park
With Grayson being closed, I figured that if I could make it to Mount Rogers from the opposite side somehow, I might be able to enjoy some of the fruits of the nearby trails. Proceeding with this plan, I headed towards the grindstone campground, which is where I started my hike last year. Although Grindstone Campground was also closed, I was somehow able to find out a way to make the day one of the best hiking experiences of my life.
Planning the Hike
I arrived at a gated and snow/ice covered lot. The hopelessness lasted only for a few short minutes, as I was able to spot an open parking lot for trail access just a few minutes ahead on the same road. If Grindstone is on the right, this nondescript parking lot will be a quarter mile or less on your left.
Here, I conjured up the plan of “completing the circuit,” or, completing the hike in a clockwise fashion and arriving at the same place I hiked up to last year. In the video, you can see me struggle to plan out what my trek will be. In the GPX track below, you can see the route I actually took (I was pretty close!).
Total climbing: 2645 ft
Total time: 06:21:07
Getting Amped Up for a Challenge
After wandering aimlessly for a couple of miles, not sure if I was even on a real trail, I stumbled across an intersection with a sign to Lewis Fork. Since I hiked part of the Lewis Fork Trail last year, I figured that turning onto this trail would be me closer to my goal if I stayed on it long enough.
After hiking the Lewis Fork Trail for some time, I came up to the entrance to the Lewis Fork Wilderness. Coincidentally, there was a sign to the Cliffside trail, which would take me to the very top of the mountain, if I had the strength to climb it. And so here I came up with a stretch goal that would turn today’s derailed adventure into an exciting experience.
Since I was hiking alone, I made sure to sign the trail register, including my emergency contact information. When I made it back safely, I marked that in the register indicating so. Trek safely, folks!
Halfway Up!
The Cliffside Trail started off flat but suddenly became very steep (as it should since it is over 1,500 ft of gain). After a short while, I reached the halfway point of the trail which happens to be a nostalgic milestone for me. At this point, I finally saw something that I recognized! Until now, everything was new and I was going off the of the trail map. Once I reached this section which I had been through before, my energy and spirit were revitalized and I was ready to do what I thought was impossible – make it all the way up.
Mission Accomplished! Time to Feed the Soul
When I saw the familiar park signs I knew the climb was over. I was at the top, and from here on out my trek would consist of panoramic views, relatively flat trails, eating lunch, and seeing some friendly wildlife.
I cannot stress how euphoric it felt to do something I used to brush off as impossible. To put it in perspective, the Mount Rogers Trail which runs counterclockwise is winding and has switchbacks.
When I started today’s hike, I had memories of last year’s hike down the cliffside trail to loop back to the Grindstone parking lot. The steep, rocky descent was unbearable. I knew it was impossible to hike up, but I tried anyway, and I made it. I would spend the next hour or so soaking up food for my soul.
Reflecting During the Peaceful Hike
I enjoyed peace and quiet for about 2 hours at the top, basking in the ambiance of cold air and my thoughts. I made sure to reflect on the events of the day and how they each evolved my feelings in lockstep from hopelessness, to desperation, to carelessness, to hopefulness, to excitement, to ecstasy, and finally, to happiness.
Next time I come here, I will take the same route and spend the night at the Thomas Knob Shelter, before heading back via the Mount Rogers Trail.
And of course, before turning back I had to stop by and say hello to my friends:
Hiking Back Down
The hike back down was challenging. I actually slipped on a rock once, and separately slipped and landed on my butt, hard.
What made it difficult was the pack I was carrying. It was a light pack, perhaps 25 pounds, but the fact that I carried it at all made it more challenging.
Nothing is open on Christmas, so I’m glad I had leftover non-perishables to eat post-hike. A well-deserved Christmas Dinner!
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